Let’s glow this winter!

Colder weather means one thing: winter is coming

Now the colder weather’s approaching, should we do anything different when it comes to skincare? Do you think you can look “grey around the gills” when it comes to these colder months, never mind if you also pick up some germs!

Be kind to your skin

Well, perhaps we need to be kinder to our skin at this time of year. We seem to experience more extremes of cold and heat daily as we move from indoors to outdoors. As the daylight hours fade, central heating is turned on, and we wear more clothing and layers, it only means one thing: winter is approaching.

Where our skin is covered up more and there may be less of the sun’s rays about, it makes it more difficult to keep our skin in optimum condition. Yet, there are still UV rays around

What can you do?

So, my belief is that we need to:

• Moisturise with a richer moisturiser;
• Use facial skin creams and makeup with an SPF (sun protection factor); and
• Exfoliate once a week if you previously were doing this twice a week, or use a slightly less harsh exfoliator product.

Don’t forget other body parts: hands, neck, elbows and heels

We also need to think about our hands, neck, elbows and heels. I find my hands get very dry in these colder days, especially if you wash often, and sometimes the water is hot or very hot (and you cannot necessarily alter the temperature). Factor in a blow hand drier, which seems to dry the skin out as well as drying the water off, and they soon crack and become itchy and painful. Does this happen to you too? Do you carry your own moisturiser around? (I do, but often forget to use it, doh!)

Our necks (and hands) can sometimes give our age away more than other features. When you wear higher neck garments, or scarves, they can sometimes rub (or pull) around the neck area. Another reason to remember to extend your facial cream down to the neck and bust area.

Two other areas we neglect are our elbows and heels. In the summer months, when sandals or mules/flip flops are worn I notice a lot of people with cracked heels. It looks painful. The time to prepare for next summer’s reveal is now. Adding a bit of handcream or body lotion daily to your elbows and heels can soften them considerably and improve their appearance. If this does not improve after a couple of weeks, you may need to think about visiting your Pharmacist or Podiatrist to discuss your options.

And, if you get a sore nose from blowing it, or chapped lips, I recommend using Vaseline

What is your biological age?

Another consideration is your biological age. Our skin changes as we age. The elasticity of it reduces, meaning it doesn’t bounce back as much after it has been stretched. We therefore need to be kinder to it to help it bounce back. Some products are designed particularly for older skins. Take “Look Fabulous Forever”, for example. The owner, Tricia Cusden, has worn makeup all her life and looks amazing for her age. She has worked with chemists to create these products particularly for ladies over age 50

Hydrate also in winter

And, don’t forget, we still need to keep hydrated from within too. Keep drinking water to help give your body the best chance to weather this time of year.

 

The better you feel, the better you will look.

Best wishes

Fiona x

Dress Without Stress, with my help.
Call 07469 246722 to find out more.