We are so happy to have Dija Ayodele featuring as a guest this week to discuss all things skincare and beauty!
This time last year, our founder had sat down with Dija to speak all things skin and health questions related and now we are so excited to have a dedicated post around skincare in the wintertime. Currently in London, the weather has dropped immensely and we are ready for all the tips for glowy and healthy skin to carry us through the season.
The reason for this dryness is down to the lower number of ceramides we hold in the upper layers of our skin. Ceramides are a type of waxy substance that help to keep moisture in the skin and without them, moisture escapes leaving the skin feeling parched and fragile. This compromises your skin’s defensive barrier making you more vulnerable to irritations. Apart from feeling dry and being unable to efficiently hold on to moisture, inflammations of the skin can also take a turn for the worse in winter. You may find that your acne or eczema is exacerbated, and you have more flare ups.
The best ways to guard against these winter skin concerns is to focus on cleverly hydrating your skin. Start with your skincare, ensuring products like your cleanser are soap-free and non-stripping. The Cerave Hydrating Cleanser is an excellent choice for this, as is Cosmedix Purity Clean, which has a moderate amount of lactic acid to encourage gentle exfoliation and deeply cleanse your pores, especially if you are prone to oiliness and congestion.
You may also want to switch up your moisturiser to something a little richer that contains humectants such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and fatty acids from plant oils. Whilst it is great to include a hyaluronic acid in your routine in the cold months for a hydration boost, it’s important to remember to layer a moisturiser over it so it can do the most for your skin. I absolutely love the Murad Nutrient Changer Water Gel, which has a light jelly texture, and the Neostrata Restore Bionic Face Cream, which can only be described as a puffer jacket for your face that traps moisture in your skin.
Keep a close eye on your diet and lifestyle too. Sleeping well in a cool room, perhaps with a humidifier, will protect your skin from excessive dryness, and a diet that includes omega rich foods will also help – think oily fish, nuts, avocado, flaxseed. Alcohol saps water from your organs and body, so, if you are indulging in a drink here and there, remember to also up your water intake.
Winter weather isn’t great, but with careful management skin can be successfully managed. But don’t be afraid to consult a skin therapist to put a plan in place for you, or, better yet, assist you with rejuvenating treatments such as chemical peels and micro needling, both of which stimulate hydration and moisture deep within your skin.