With the degrees dipping it goes without saying that the winter months are no friend to our complexion. Along with harsh winds and cold crisp air, would you believe that one of the biggest silent assailants having an adverse effect on skin is actually taking place within our homes! Nothing feels better than stepping through the doors of your home on a cold winter’s day to the toasty, warm central heating, yet sadly it is one of the biggest contributing factors to dry and often sensitive skin.
Central heating works by circulating hot air throughout our homes which typically lowers humidity levels in the room and whether it is the dry air or fluctuation in temperature, it can really leave skin feeling parched, irritated and even prone to breakouts. The average thermostat in households gets turned up to a tropical 23 degrees or higher and although this continuous stream of warm air may feel comforting, it robs moisture from the air and subsequently from our skin. For those with already sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, central heating can really exacerbate those dreaded flare-ups too especially if the skin barrier becomes compromised.
Your skin’s outermost layer, known as the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier to protect you from environmental stressors and water loss but when you are exposed to dry air for extended periods this barrier can become weakened exposing skin to irritants, loss of moisture and increased redness. With prolonged exposure to this dry, indoor heat skin can lose its suppleness and elasticity leading to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging and it can also trigger oxidative stress, damaging skin cells and hastening the appearance of age spots and dullness.
So as cosy as a warm house sounds it wreaks havoc with your skin, making this a really good time to consider the swaps to make for your winter skincare routine - after all its not just your wardrobe that requires an update for the new season. From skin-softening cleansers and moisturisers to savvy serums I have curated an edit of some of the best winter skincare products to start incorporating into your routine to help counteract the effects of central heating and dry air.
Switch up your cleanser
Start by benching your usual foaming facial cleanser and opt for a more indulgent one like Collagene Expert Phyto Radiance Cleanser, a hydrating silky soft cleansing cream packed with key barrier lipids, restorative plant collagen and gentle fruit acids which work to effectively melt away the day while cherishing the skin and respecting its delicate acid mantle. This is the ultimate choice for a cleanser at this time of year.
Use a layering system
The key to your winter skincare strategy is layering products correctly. Just like you layer clothing, layer your skincare – you need what is called a skincare ‘wardrobe’ at this time of year more than any other. The golden rule is to always apply your products based on viscosity i.e. from lightest to heaviest.
Dose up with hydration
Adding a little more moisture here and there and making sure your skin barrier is at its best is essential and Collagene Expert Hydra Essence is the ultimate staple for freshening up your complexion and delivering a hefty dose of hydration. Rammed with a 24 hour blend of skin identical moisturising actives together with Hyaluronic Acid, this is an especially important daily treatment to add in to your routine to fortify it during the winter months when skin yo-yos between hot and cold temperatures. With the addition of replenishing ceramides (lipids created naturally by the skin to form your natural moisture barrier) the complexion is enveloped in serious replenishment whilst the added prebiotics will strengthen your skin’s delicate eco-system and address the multiple sources of redness making it great if you’re prone to sensitivity at this time of year.
Boost your glow
If your glow has gone into hibernation since you’ve whacked the central heating up, deliver it with a daily dose of superstar Vitamin C, a mighty skincare ingredient which should remain top of your beauty agenda. Universally renowned for its ability to help counteract the effects of ‘everyday’ thanks to its role as a powerful antioxidant, it can tackle a conundrum of concerns from dullness to the visible signs of ageing. Featuring in our Radiance Enhancing Vitamin C Serum, it is a must have for anyone craving a healthier-looking complexion and with just a couple of pumps, this powerhouse serum can slot seamlessly into your routine (under or over your moisturiser) and be your one way ticket to sealing in an undeniable cheek-to-cheek glow.
Switch to a nourishing moisturiser
Protecting your complexion from the season’s harsh conditions (think dry air, low humidity and fluctuating temperatures) is critical and further insurance against flaky, irritated skin. It should come in the form of a thirst-quenching moisturiser powered by oils and butters and Defi Lift 3D Toned cream is one such sumptuous formula offering just that and is jam-packed with age-defying ingredients and a medley of nutrient-rich actives your skin craves on a daily basis including Sweet Almond Oil, Sesame Oil and Mango Butter which are typically richer and cosset the skin in an occlusive blanket of cream. To be honest there isn’t much this buttery moisturiser can’t do: think boosting hydration and elasticity, reducing lines and wrinkles and reinforcing your skin barrier. This here will answer your skins SOS call for nourished, calm skin that looks its best.
Get lippy
Your lips are extra vulnerable to the elements this time of year and they need looking after. Unlike the skin on the rest of the body lips don’t have sebaceous glands so cannot replenish their moisture supply as easily as other parts and can become dry, chapped and cracked. If you haven’t yet tried Defi Lift Volumising Peptide Lip Treatment, then you are in for a treat as this skin-shielding salve doubles up as a glossy balm and overnight mask. Wrapping lips in a cocoon of nourishment they are left soft, supple and conditioned with discomfort relieved. Gently tingling on application, it glides on seamlessly and is crafted to cast a subtle sheen and a lot of protection. This should be a fixture of every coat pocket and bag!
Lucy x