Chilly outdoors, tropical in? The varying indoor and outdoor temperatures of winter can cause havoc with our skin. Take a look at the key ingredients to keep a rosy glow this winter.
Exfoliate – brush up with the best in natural exfoliating ingredients. Try an enzyme exfoliating mask this can be gentler on sensitive skin than manual exfoliating scrubs. Look for masks that contain naturally exfoliating enzymes such as bromelain and papain (from pineapple and papaya) to clear accumulated debris and dead skin cells. Essential phyto-nutrients and antioxidants such as strawberry and blueberry extracts help to brighten dull winter skin. Dont be put off by powdered masks. These are great for all seasons as you can tailor them to be hydrating in winter and cooling in summer. For winter months try mixing a powdered mask with manuka honey and goats milk yoghurt for maximum cleansing and hydrating effect. Or use finely milled organic oats in place of the mask – this will work well during winter months to soothe red, irritated skin.
Treat – even combination skin may need a little helping hand during the winter months as the cold dries out skin. Keep it plump with organic hydrating masks. This type of mask should help even skin tone on red, chapped skin and reduce fine dry lines caused by dehydration and dryness. Look for the whos who of organic skincare ingredients in the mask you choose:
Jasmine: helps nourish, moisturise and soften dry skin, while providing antioxidant protection.
Macadamia Nut Oil: moisturises and helps strengthen skins natural moisture barrier.
Wild Rose Oil: helps promote cell renewal while protecting against environmental damage.
Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil: packed full of essential fatty acids which help regenerate skin
Avocado Oil – rich in vitamins A, D and E as well as deep penetrating oils, which hydrate, nourish and soften the skin.
Use once a week as a treatment. Most hydrating masks can be left on overnight for particularly dry skin or on when travelling to ward of jet-lagged skin!
Soothe Wind Whipped Skin – cold wind can leave sensitive skin ruddy and raw. Try soothing and nuturing moisturisers that rebalance sensitivity. Serums are also great to cool irritated skin. Look for products containing:
Carrot oil, Honey and Groomwell: to cool and reduce redness.
Evening primrose oil and grape seed oil: for their omega-rich nourishing action.
Chamomile: a flower bursting with a substance called azulene, which is soothing and anti-inflammatory
Rosehip: the fruit of the rose plant is a great skin healer. Its rich in omega 3 and 6 as well as antioxidants like vitamin C, which together work to regenerate damaged skin.
Boast you standard moisturiser with a drop on one or a few of these oils when winter comes. This tip allows you to customise your skincare to suit the seasons.
Take a look also at what you are eating. Increasing Omegas 3s in your diet can have a beneficial effect on your skin during winter too.
Is a fan of organic skin care and has been using it for more than 10 years. Marie works as a natural and organic beauty products buyer for a boutique stocking the world’s best organic make up skincare and hair care.
London Based Makeup artist Beth Alderson Talks ORGANIC – Exposing some of the best Organic skincare on the market.
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