During the winter months your skin undergoes certain changes such as becoming much dryer, dehydrated and oil production is reduced. It is therfore essential to adapt to your skins changes with the correct application of products as well as increasing the levels of hydration.

Heres my recomended skincare routine with added boosters to aid in hydration.

Step 1 –Pre Cleanse Environ Oil – Apply to skin in circular motions. Leave on and then apply Hydrating Exfoliant Masque on top and buff into skin.

Step 2 – AVST Hydrating Exfoliant Masque – To prevent the skin for becoming dull during the winter period make sure you pay specific attention to exfoliation to enhance the penetration of all other products.

This high grade clay mask micro-exfoliates the skin whilst absorbing excess oil and nourishing and refining the appearence of the skin.

Apply on top of the AVST pre cleansing oil and massage into the skin until translucent. Leave for 10-20 minutes minimum or for enhanced effects leave on over night.

Step 3 – Then cleanse with your usual cleanser and remove.

Step 4 – tone (My favorite toner is the Environ Moisturising Toner)

Step 5– Add on boosters  – Theres are perfect additions to your routine for the Autmn/Winter months.

Environ Intensive Revival Mask – Known as a “facelift in a bottle” this mask provides the skin with three different acids to feed, nourish, tighten and hydrate the skin. Perfect for allowing the skin to adapt to the ever changing temperatures of heating and nature.  Recomended for use during the Autumn and Winter months but can be used all year round, provided a suitable broad spectrum sunscreen is used. Due the potent anti-ageing ingredients in the mask, it should be applied gradually. Start by applying a thin layer of the mask for 10 minute twice a week, if the skin is comfortable progress to 20 minutes three times a week, if the skin is still comfortable leave the product on as an overnight treatment. (If leaving on overnight apply after vitamin A moisturiser).

Environ Intensive Hydrating Oil Capsules – feeds the skin with essential vitamin A and antioxidants. This booster has an easily absorbed oil based formula which should be applied in the evening over your preferred Environ moisturiser. One capsule for the face and neck, massage into skin Great for this time of year to provide the skin with antioxidant protection against free radicals. It will leave your skin silky soft and hydrated.

Step 6 – Daily Serum – apply your usual prescribed serum.

Step 7 – Vitamin A Moisturiser (I recommend either Environ AVST 1-5  or ZO Daily Power Defense)

Step 8 – Broad Spectrum SPF

Yes even in the winter months it important to protect your skin from UVA. This harmful free radical is present all year round and causes serious damage to your cells and skin health. Make sure your skin is protected and ‘Winterproof’.

Don’t be caught off guard. When the weather changes so does your skin.

Recomended professional sunscreens

* Environ RAD Sunscreen

Suitable from 6 months + this face and body sunscreen contains antioxidants such as vitamin C and E to protect and fight free radicals. The sun filters and sun reflectants in this product provide an SPF 15 with added antioxidant protection.

* ZO Oclipse Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30

“Oclipse was name the #1 best sunscreen by the Online Beauty Authority” (ZO-Skinhealth, 2014) Provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection with clinically proven blockers with aditional protection from natural melanin. This tinted sunscreen also helps to smooth the skin and diminish the apperance of fine lines. It provides a smooth base for makeup application and should be applied directly after your chosen vitamin A moisturiser.

Catherine Padgett

Skin Therapist

References

ZO-Skinhealth (2014) Oclipse Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30 (Online) https://ZO-Skinhealth.co.uk/zoskinhealth/Oclipse-sunscreen (Accessed 3/11/15)