WINTER SKINCARE
NUFS writer Sophia Karagiannidou talks all things skincare and how to look after your complexion this Winter.
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and therefore taking care of it is key.
There is a misconception that as we get older in life we need to start paying more attention to our skincare. I would argue that instead, we should start to take care of our skin from a young age. That way we will work against wrinkles and other skin conditions before they even start.
After all, prevention is better than cure!
“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”
- Coco Chanel
When the seasons change, our skin changes too and this is especially significant in the Wintertime. As temperatures and humidity levels drop dramatically, your skin experiences transepidermal water loss. In other words, the moisture in our skin evaporates into the atmosphere and it’s our responsibility to restore it.
The issue most face in Winter is dehydration and flaking skin. People who have naturally dry skin tend to suffer even more this season as their skin reacts more severely the the conditions. Some may even experience eczema flare-ups.
Everyone has a different skin type however their are products available for all in the market. There is both high-end to drugstore brands so you can get quality products no matter what your budget is.
What do we need to look out for in our winter skincare routine?
1. Make up Remover
Removing make up before you sleep will save you from a lot of trouble. You will have heard this a million times before, however it is essential before applying in any other skincare products. Think about investing in a good micellar water.
TIP: Always remove your make up, even if you can’t be bothered to follow any of the other steps.
2. Cleanser
The make up remover will indeed do its job and remove the majority of the make up on your skin. However it will not remove all of it and it will also not get into the deeper layers of the skin. I recommend you aim for a moisturising cleanser or gel which will be gentle on your skin. Always go for fragrance-free products as the fragrance ingredients tend to strip the skin. Rinse off with lukewarm water as this is the perfect temperature to enlarge and clean out pores, without making dryness any worse.
3. Toner
Toner is important after cleansing. It will add moisture back into the skin, remove left over make up and balance the pH levels. It will allow the skin to work like a sponge, as it will prepare it to absorb the following products better into its deeper layers.
4. Eye Cream
As the skin underneath the eye is extremely thin it dries quickly and needs our contribution to rehydrate it. The best way to apply it is either with a face tool or the ring finger as it is the most delicate.
TIP: Store your eye cream in the refrigerator for better results to help reduce puffiness
5. Moisturizer
This is probably most important step in winter skincare as it delivers moisture and hydration back into the skin, locking it in. Many believe that if they have oily skin they don’t need to moisturise their face due to its naturally oily nature. This is a myth and there are plenty of moisturisers in a gel form or water based, which control the oiliness and work in its favour rather than against it. Individuals with dry skin should aim for creamy moisturisers as they are easily absorbed and more appropriate for their skin type. Remember, dehydrated skin is a condition not a type!
TIP: Don’t forget to hydrate your body, hands and lips as they are also affected by the low temperatures and need to be treated accordingly.
6. Sunscreen
We have all heard that this is the secret to youth. The sun might be in all its glory in Summertime but in Winter the UVA and UVB rays still manage to pass through clouds, even on the darkest of days. You need to choose a sunscreen which contains SPF30 or more to protect your skin from the damage caused by UV rays. If you do not use SPF the suns damage will have a serious affect on your skin, not to mention causing wrinkles and early aging.
TIP: Do not forget to apply these products onto your neck and chest using upward motions, as these areas will be the first to show signs of ageing
However, skincare is not just about what we use on the outside but also what we consume from the inside. Remember to drink as much water as possible and try to have a balanced, healthy diet in order to achieve the best results.
Some additional steps which can help improve the appearance of your skin, includes the use of face masks and the use of gentle exfoliating produce 2-3 times per week. Which mask to use depends on your individual skin needs, but both masks and exfoliated can be DIY at home.
