Happy New Year!
I don’t know about you, but I over-indulged this Christmas. Food, alcohol, lying on the sofa watching Agatha Christie murder mysteries while the family slept off the festivities.
I’m not one for New Year resolutions, but I am definitely feeling the need to take care of my skin this cold, wet January. Let me show you what I’m applying this month in order to treat my poor face after all the over indulgences of last month.
Stressed Winter Skin
Does your skin feel tight and dry at the moment? Mine definitely does. A combination of Christmas related stress, the cold weather and the blast of indoor heating can wreak havoc on the skin and make it feel dehydrated and dull.
Skincare Guru Caroline Hirons has the best advice here: “Treat your skin like you do your clothing, and layer your skincare.”
Here are Caroline’s tips for treating your skin well this Winter:
Cleansing Switch to non-foaming (unless the foam is produced by a pump in the product) cleanser. An oil or milk cleanser is much better for skin in the Winter. I recommend Muji Oil Cleanser and Old Faithful Réunion Oil Cleanser I tend to only cleanse once a day in the evening, and simply use warm water and a flannel in the mornings. Over-cleansing can strip the skin and leave it feeling stripped this season.
Facial Oils Even for those with oilier skin, a few drops of my favourite brand Ishtar Skinlights Pro Repair Oil will leave all skin types feeling protected and hydrated.
Hydrating Toners and Essences Caroline advises using toners and essences that contain oils and other hydrating ingredients, applying liberally throughout the day and especially before applying other products, to allow them to absorb and work their magic. My two faves at the moment are Time is Running Out toner by Sioris and Benton Snail Bee High Content Essence
Exfoliate using acids. This may seem counterintuitive as it feels like we’re stripping the skin, but it’s necessary to keep skin cell turnover going and the face feeling fresh and plump. I LOVE Ishtar Skinlights Mandelic Acid serum. It’s a good introduction to acid exfoliation and way less harsh than other acid products on the market.
Lastly, don’t skip on the sunscreen just because it’s not baking hot outside. Use an hydrating SPF like Beauty of Joseon Rice and Probiotics or Isntree Watery Sun Gel as your last step in your skincare routine.
Caroline Hirons’ book: Skincare - the New Edit, is available in all good bookshops.
Nat