Lockdown 2.0 feels very different to the first round of restrictions, doesn’t it? That’s probably down to the drop in temperature as winter approaches with pace! Although meeting up for socially distanced walks with someone from outside your own household is extremely welcome, outdoor exercise really isn’t quite the same in the depths of November as they were back in the summer! Don’t let the colder temperatures wreak havoc on your skin, we’ve got the products to transform your winter lockdown skin!
One minute you’re out in the fresh, damp and freezing cold outdoors, the next you’re in a lovely and warm centrally heated home. So, it’s easy to understand why our skin becomes a little over sensitised, dehydrated and suffers from the dreaded transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Transepidermal water loss is the process of precious water leaving the skin via the epidermis, the outermost of skin’s three layers, which leads to an impaired barrier function. Think a tight, dry, dehydrated and dull complexion. Symptoms may also be experienced all over the body, not just on your face.
So, what products do I reach for to keep my skin looking and feeling its best?
Swap Out Your Cleanser
I tend to swap my cleanser around a little and opt for a gentle cleanser that’s less stripping. Cold weather months mean we need to look after the oil and water layer that protects our skin, so we don’t want anything too strong that can damage this important first line of defence for our skin.
Mesoestetic Hydracream Fusion
This gentle yet luxurious cream to oil cleanser leaves skin feeling smooth and nourished. Based on plant lipids and formulated with postbiotic lactobacillus ferment to balance skin, Urban D-tox to remove the formation of free radicals and Squalane, which provides intensive nourishment and reinforces barrier function.
Mesoestetic Hydracream Fusion is ideal for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin. The luxurious cream transforms to an oil when it comes into contact with skin to thoroughly cleanse and leave skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser
My all-time favourite cleanser this time of year is ZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser. I love this cleanser as though it leaves skin feeling super clean, it also helps to calm and hydrate skin.
The dual action cleanser is suitable for all skin types thanks to the hydrating action that minimises dryness and irritation, making it especially suitable for dry and sensitive skin by restoring, replenishing and retaining hydration. Ingredients including sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, glycerin, sodium PCA, urea and allantoin leave skin feeling soothed and calm.
Turn Up Your Exfoliation
To encourage cellular turnover and reduce flaky winter skin, I like to use an exfoliant during the winter month. This helps to gently sweep away the build-up of dead skin that can lead to our complexion looking dull and a sallow.
Mesoestetic Ultimate Micropeel
This microexfoliation treatment refines skin texture and imperfections for a more radiant complexion. The water to milk solution is formulated with a combination of lactic, lactobionic, glycolic, malic, citric and tartaric acids to exfoliate and renew skin. Lactobacillus ferment, which is a post biotic ingredient that balances and improves skin barrier function. Squalane provides skin with much needed nourishment and moisture and leaves skin smooth and protects barrier function.
Use this treatment once a week to remove dead skin cells, promote renewal and enhance radiance.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
Another firm favourite of mine is the ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads. These lovely little pads help to remove any build-up of dead skin but are also gentle enough to calm and sooth irritated skin. A gentle sweep helps to boost circulation and leave skin with a nice gentle glow.
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads are formulated with glycolic acid, a proven epidermal exfoliant, alongside a botanical extract blend that provides anti-irritant properties to soothe skin and reduce redness and provide antioxidant benefits. Finally, the texture of the pads and designed specifically to promote exfoliation.
Boost Hydration
I don’t tend to moisturise my skin as it hinders skin’s natural exfoliation process by sticking on dead skin layers, but if my skin is feeling a little tight or chapped, especially after lots of long dog walks in the cold, I always reach for my favourite hyaluronic acid serum.
Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix
This hyaluronic acid concentrate contains several forms and molecular weights of the popular humectant. Mesoestetic HA Densimatrix is a super hydrator that has the additional benefit of boosting collagen and elastin. This filling effect offers an almost airbrush effect, reducing the visibility of crêpey skin texture and wrinkles.
Just 3 to 4 drops of this ultra-lightweight water-gel serum provides skin tissue support for increased hydration, elasticity and fewer wrinkles.
Sun Protection, Every Day
Finally, I never go out without my sun protection, or light protection as I like to think of it during these darker days. UV rays are present all year round, not just during the warmer months and you must wear SPF every day, even if you’re working from home and not leaving the house!
Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF 50+
Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Light Water Antiaging Veil SPF 50+ is a lovely sun protection option. It’s super light in texture and blends seamlessly with any complexion without feeling heavy. Skin is left with a nice soft glow without looking or feeling greasy.
Skin is protected against UVB and UVA radiation, as well as visible light (HEV) and infrared radiation (IR).
Increase Your Water Intake
I also make sure I don’t forget to keep up my water intake. This is much harder in the winter and I really have to remind myself to drink water alongside my copious number of daily teas and coffees, which can also dehydrate skin.
I also incorporate an Omega 3 supplement during the winter months to ensure the oil and water layer of my skin stays in tip top condition and my skin is nice and protected from the inside out, in addition to my topical skincare goodies.
I like to take Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Omegas+, which contains a combination of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support skin integrity and health.
For all the amazing products featured and more, shop online now! To speak to our skincare experts or to place an order, call 0113 282 7744. For a personalised skincare routine with recommendations suited to your skin, take our online skin test to receive your results direct to your inbox!
