Boosting winter skins with essences, serums and masks
In the extreme weather conditions of winter, we need to help our skin to cope with the elements more than any other time of the year.
When it’s cold the oils that naturally flow on the surface of our skin slow down. Along with this the winter cold and strong winds and going from a heated room to the cold outside is very drying for our skin.
Don’t worry I’m here to help and have several ways to help boost your skin this winter.
But first we need to make sure you’ve covered the basics:
Is your cleanser right for you? – see our recent blog to find out
Have you exfoliated recently? – Read our recent blog to find out why it’s important
Are you still using SPF in winter? SPF should be used against the cold and wind too. See our recent blog to find out why.
Once all the basics are checked you can move onto what to do next!
Essential Essences
To maintain its optimal level of hydration skin naturally has a double mechanism consisting of the Barrier Function and Water Diffusion.
The stratum corneum (Latin for 'horny layer' and the outermost layer of our skin) is made up of 25-30% water. Its purpose: creating a protective barrier from the outside. It’s supported by the natural moisturising factor film on the surface that reduces water evaporation. In winter we really need help to protect this layer.
How? For all skins, even younger skins a great way to boost your skin is by using an essence. They’re a light and easy way to give your skin more moisture. When applied once or twice a day under your serum and moisturiser, they provide a simple yet effective boost.
Here are some of the essences I recommend:
[comfort zone] Hydramemory Essence has ingredients like tamarind which has a powerful hydrating action similar to hyaluronic acid. It also has a natural blend of extracts including apple, lentil and watermelon rind, which will give you double hydration by protecting the skin’s barrier and optimising water diffusion in the skin.
Re-hydrate and plump up your skin with [comfort zone] Sublime Skin Essence.
This is suitable for dry and more mature skins and has Tripeptide-1 that stimulates collagen, elastin and extracellular matrix proteins for a visible firming effect and NMF Complex.
Superb Serums
Next in our arsenal of boosters are Serums.
A serum is a skin care product with a gel or light lotion consistency that contains a high concentration of performance ingredients. You should use a serum under your moisturiser morning and night.
Two serums we recommend for increased hydration, protection and ‘plumping of the skin’ are:
Both these serums have macro and micro Hyaluronic acid and the natural blend of extracts for optimal effect.
Magnificent Masks
Another great way to boost your skin is with a mask.
People often tell me: “I don’t have time to do a mask.” But who says you have to sit down and stop?
Put your mask on whether it’s a cream mask or a sheet mask and keep doing what you have to do.
If you do have time though, I recommend you treat yourself and make an afternoon or night out of it. Do a cleanse, exfoliate and put on a mask, a lovely way to give yourself some time out to read your favourite magazine or watch that TV show you’ve been dying to see. Better yet why not put your mask on while you’re in the bath?
Treating your skin to a mask once or twice a week has huge benefits for your skin. So, why not try one of these?
The [comfort zone] Sublime Skin Lift Mask can be left on overnight (no excuses about time then) to give your skin that extra boost. You will wake up looking fabulous with glowing, healthy, plumped skin.
How does this mask do this? By using macro hyaluronic acid to plump and smooth and tapioca starch, for a visible tightening effect.
For younger, more dehydrated skins the [comfort zone] Hydramemory mask also can be left on overnight and will immediately enhance the hydration of your skin to leave it looking smoother and feeling softer.
What’s the secret to this mask? Moringa oil which is rich in omega 3,6 and 9 has a fantastic hydrating and antioxidant effect.
Winter can be hard on the skin, but once you’ve covered the basics, there are several ways to help give your skin that extra hydration and boost it really needs.
Need a new serum, essence or mask? Or perhaps you want to come in and treat yourself to a winter facial?
Contact me to find out more or book an appointment with me at Beauty at Ab Fab in Maylands today.