Winter skin saviours

I don’t know about your’s but my skin suffered this winter. I don’t know why for it was just like every single winter before. My skin on the other hand has been acting up and requiring some special attention. Whilst the spring is mostly already there (it still snowed yesterday!) I am still trying to help my skin deal. There are some things I have been using that made a difference.

A Gentle cleanser

I threw out all of my foamy harsh cleansers years ago and my skin is better for it. Whenever I try out a sample of one or borrow friends one, my skin feels extremely tight and dehydrated. I am currently using exclusively balm or creams to clean my skin and I never looked back.

One of my favourites is a cult favourite Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing balm one. Besides being gentle on my skin and not stripping it of all the moisture that managed to stay despite cold winter winds it’s a great way to relax in the evenings. A face massage with a great smelling cleansing balm? Yes, please.

Lately, I have been enjoying an Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Miracle Cream. You can read more HERE. If you’re after more budget-friendly option, La Roche-Posay Effeclar H Hydrating Cleansing Cream. It’s is great if your skin is irritated or just too dry to use your usual cleanser. It’s gentle, has no scent and lasts for months.

Exfoliation

There’s no other time like winter when dull skin tries to make an appearance. A good thing is that has an easy fix. A favourite Pixi Glow Tonic is a great long term solution as it is gentle enough to be using daily and enjoying glowing skin all year around. It does take a few days for an effect to appear when you first start using it, but it’s so much worth it.

If you can’t wait few days for your skin to glow again, a Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a great alternative. Unlike other scrubs, it’s not harsh on your skin and you almost can’t feel it working. The first time I used I thought it was doing nothing, but when I washed my face my skin was so soft. And no irritation!

Oils oils oils

It seems like a logical idea – you would prefer to stop moisture from leaving your skin rather than trying to put it back in. Too bad that this thought doesn’t always appear during winter. I have been rather good these past few weeks at applying a little oil in the mornings and it did make a difference. My skin is not as dry and much more balanced.

I have been using MONU Firming Fiji Facial Oil. Can’t attest to it’s forming affect, but it sure does feel nice o the skin. And a 30£ price tag for a 180 ml? Bargain. If you feeling a little bit more fancy – a Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil is well liked one. And the one I have my eyes on…

Rich moisturiser

There’s nothing worst that overly dry skin. Besides feeling extremely uncomfortable, it can easily become inflamed and that’s just not a pretty look on anyone. As I am dealing with a rosacea, my cheeks tends to run dry in best of days, but once a cold winds hit it get even worst. At that time regular moisturised just doesn’t cut it.

I have been using and enjoying Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfare Cream. It’s heavy and rich, but for some reason doesn’t sit on the skin uncomfortably. It takes around half an hour to absorb, but instant relief is so much worth it.

Protect your lips

There is nothing worse than chapped dry lips in the winter. Besides being terribly uncomfortable it just not a good look. One way to protect your lips is to use lipstick (preferably no drying one) and it’s all good if you wear it everywhere. If not, the best thing to save yourself from uncomfortable lips or cold sores (*knocks on wood*) is to get a rich lip balm. My current favourite is a by Terry Baume De Rose Lip Protectant. It’s thick, rich and hydrating. And comes in a handy tube rather than pot (you can use it on a go!).

Of course, there is no need to straight into expensive ones (though I think they often are very much worth it) as there are great budget-friendly options. A great one is NUXE Rêve de Miel Ultra-Nourishing Lip balm. It cames in a handy stick and pot packaging.