A/W PREP: Skincare
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
My favourite time of year... but perhaps the most troublesome for my skin type. As you may know, I have extremely dry and dehydrated skin so hydration is key year round, but especially so when the temperatures start to drop. I've compiled a list of key steps to keep my skin glowing and hydrated as the temperatures plummet below 10 degrees and the Christmas songs start'a playing...
Maximum hydration to heal any summer damage whilst getting a head start of protecting your skin for winter. Roll out your most nourishing night creams and most luxurious face masks, because it's time to treat your skin to a whole lotta' moisture to keep it looking it's best.
Recommend products - Origins Drink Up Intensive, Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Cream, The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Lotion SPF 15
Get exfoliatin'! Dry, flakey skin is definitely not a good look. It's time to get rid of any pesky peeling skin left over from summer over-indulgence and give ourselves a fresh slate to work with. Make sure to keep up with your exfoliating routine, even adding to it if necessary to combat the harsher weather. Just make sure to not overdo it (no more than 3 times a week), otherwise you'll be back where you started.
Recommend products - Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brighting Toner, Pixi Glow Tonic, Origins Modern Friction
Don't forget the lips! Lips often get left behind, and before you know it they are suffering from wind burn, they're chapped and cracking - and let's face it - that's the last thing we want. Remember to keep slathering the balm on all day - especially right before you hit the hay so that your pout is kept in tip-top condition.
Recommend products - Nuxe Rêve de Miel Lip Balm, Korres Lip Balms
Increase the oils on every front -
No matter what type of skin you have, you should really introduce a variety of oils into your life. First off - face oils. There's a huge range of face oils out there, and don't be scared to experiment. Despite what you might think, oils are actually really good for oily skin because they contain essential fatty acids that your skin needs to stay hydrated, but doesn't produce naturally. Also, oils act as a barrier for your skin, protecting it from harsher weather conditions - so you shouldn't skimp on them! Then, be sure to keep your hair in tip top shape with a hair oil of some sort. This is more personal as you can find different oils to suit your needs - whether is be de-frizzing, smoothing or ultra hydrating - there's something out there for you. Last but not least, don't forget to stock up on other types of oil. By ingesting tablets that contain coconut oil, or something like omega 3, you are helping your skin and hair to maintain moisture, protecting your hair against damage whilst adding shine, and keeping signs of ageing at bay. Basically, if you're not taking some sort of oil supplement, you really should because they provide some amazing benefits for your entire body!
Recommend products - The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-oil, Virgin Coconut Oil tablets.
Get those bed socks on to prevent sore, cracked feet. I don't know about you, but my feet are an absolute nightmare when the temperature drops (and all year round, really). I personally cannot sleep with anything on my feet, so as soon as I'm home for the day - after I take my face off - I slather my feet in foot cream/vaseline and put some lovely fluffy socks on. The perfect combination for baby-soft feet all year round.
