Currently Lining Your Winter Skincare Cabinet? Get Your Hands On These Hero Products!
Last week in London, we saw our first glimpse of winter. The temperatures plummeted and our energy bills skyrocketed as we bitterly cranked every radiator to the highest heat. And as always at this time of year, our skin will pay the price. During those warmer months, we take advantage of just how easy it is to maintain plump, glowy skin. Often all it requires is a lather of SPF, the remnants of a European summer still kissing our complexion. This time of year, however, it’s a different story. With moisture-sucking heating and bitterly cold weather conditions, this is the time to nail that all-important skin regime. From retinols to extra-hydrating formulas, these are the products we’ll be using to avoid the “winter uglies”, as they’re quite aptly called.
Retinols
If you’re not already using a retinol, winter is the best time to start. Retinol increases sun sensitivity, and as we are well aware, there’s significantly less sun exposure in the UK at this time of year. Having said that, it’s still important to wear an SPF, which we’ll get to later. Retinol works by boosting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which is actually one of the key ways to combat dry, dull skin. There’s plenty on the market at the moment, but the Collagen ReActive PM from Hydropeptide is the only night cream with patented NIMNI Technology, containing 0.25% time-release retinol, vitamin C and structural integrity peptides for visibly plumper, smoother looking skin. The luxurious cream is not only a dream to apply, but clinically proven to optimise collagen synthesis, dramatically rejuvenating skin and restoring fullness and elasticity.
Eye Creams
The late, festive nights combined with the sheer deprivation of vitamin D is a cocktail of disaster for our under-eyes. Concealer is always an option, but there is a way to counteract that grey hue without layers of makeup. Eye Authority is a lightweight anti-ageing eye cream, clinically proven to improve the appearance of ageing around the delicate eye area in 2 weeks. It’s infused with firming and brightening peptides to soften the appearance of crows feet and deeper wrinkles, as well as luminosity boosting pearl powder to instantly brighten and reduce dark circles. It’s the kind of product that will leave people wondering if you spent winter down under.
Cleansers
Blemishes are rife at this time of year, maybe it’s from the excess makeup we’re wearing as part of the festive glam, maybe it’s the after-eights we’re having for breakfast. Either way, double cleansing is your friend. As the first step in the evenings, Dermatology M’s nourishing cleansing balm melts away the day leaving your skin feeling luscious and supple.
Followed by the Zo Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser, one which is specifically designed to minimize dryness and irritation. These products combined as a two-step cleanse will help to calm and soothe the skin whilst leaving it squeaky clean. Make it a habit so even after the booziest of office parties, your skin will remain intact.
The Day Creams
With all of the active efforts that have been working overnight, our AM routine is all about calm, gentle nourishment. We’re starting off with the Gentle Care face cream, a formula that supports and protects the skin barrier and provides 24 hour hydration. Just one layer smooths any dry patches and instantly calms any redness or irritation.
Finally, as we touched on earlier, an SPF may seem futile for the few hours of daylight we’re getting. However, it is still one of the most important steps to maintain healthy skin, all year round. The Photocorrection D- Pigment from Sensillis has 50+ protection from UVA, UVB and blue light. Plus, if you need any further convincing to add an SPF, the tinted mousse corrects and blurs any redness or hypermentation. So not only is it protecting the skin, but it gives a soft, lit-from-within glow, the type that’s rare at this time of year.
And with that, we’re ready to tackle whatever conditions this season throws our way. Consider this your guide for a supple, glowy base throughout the festive season, the dry January, and beyond.