Fight The Cold

As the nights draw in and the chill starts to set in, we wrap up warm and pull out our hats and gloves to protect us from the colder months ahead. Just as you change your wardrobe to combat the weather change, you should treat your skin the same way…

Season Change Effects

During these winter months, skin can become dull and dry from the crisp cold air and central heating. This combination causes a number of damaging effects and deprive your skin of moisture and natural oils, leaving it unprotected and vulnerable. This can lead increased dehydration, redness and general imbalance. The best way to ensure you are keeping up with the season change is taking simple measures to adjust lifestyle choices in order to cater to skin health. Here are our winter solutions to consider.

Solutions

We’ve compiled a list of topics and ideas for your skin and general wellbeing when the season changes.

• Air 
  You can mitigate the drying effects of indoor heating systems on your skin and health by investing in a humidifier to keep the air moist in your home. The humidifier will measure temperature and humidity to adjust accordingly and create a healthier atmosphere. The benefits of a good quality humidifier include a better night’s sleep, reduced risk of viruses and sinus relief. Studies have shown that a humidifier can have a positive effect on the skin by helping maintain the moisture levels for softer and healthier skin. Without this, we are likely to experience not only accelerated ageing but dryness and a sensation of tightness. 

• Water
  You may or may not know but between 55% and 60% body composition is water. Hydrating your skin with moisturisers and serums is important but keeping hydrated internally is just as important, if not more. You may feel your water intake is not as much compared to the summer and/or hot environments but don’t forget to drink at least 2 litres of water a day long to keep hydration levels up.

• Milder & simpler
  As the weather cools, oil (sebum) production lessens. To avoid stripping the skin of natural oils that might lead to dryness and sensitivity, do not wash your face too frequently and switch to a milder cleanser. A gentle cleanser will preserve the skin’s lipid barrier and sustain a healthy balance.

• Limit sudden temperature changes
  Reduce the risk of broken capillaries and skin redness to a minimum by wrapping up in the cold. Also, do not overdo it on the central heating or A/C to reduce the temperature change difference between indoor and outdoor. Although the temptation to have hot baths is high after a long day at work during the winter months, opt for a warm shower to avoid dissolving the protective barrier which would lead to dry skin.

• Hydrate!
  Ideally, you want to upgrade your skincare routine as the season changes and trade your light summer products for richer, more nourishing heavy-duty alternatives. Just as our hats and gloves defend ourselves from the cold, it is also key to hydrate and protect your epidermal shield against external aggressors. A sufficient layer of barrier cream will help protect the skin, and products with anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant ingredients such as white tea or Witch Hazel should help control any redness.
  
  Keeping your skin nourished and limiting water loss throughout the autumn and winter months can be a challenge. Even the oiliest skin can lack moisture and should adapt their skin care regimen accordingly. By not applying moisturiser, your skin will start to produce more oil, perpetuating and worsening the vicious cycle of sebum production…
  
  Here is a non-exhaustive list of Biologique Recherche products containing the essential fatty acids, Omega 3&6, and many other natural oils to hydrate, soothe and offer your skin the right protection:

Masque Visolastine + is a mask that will help durably moisturise the upper layers of the epidermis. Its hydrating and relipidating active ingredients will provide all the comfort and protection your skin needs.

Sérum T.E.W.L. (Trans Epidermal Water Loss) is a serum that will lock in the moisture and relipidate your skin to eliminate sensations of tightness to create a protective film.

Sérum 3R (Renewing, Regenerating and Repairing) is a serum that will strengthen your hydro-lipidic barrier and offer protection. In addition to its hydrating abilities, it will offer a complete response to all signs of ageing.

Emulsion Originelle Régénérante is a facial cream that will provide the skin with ultimate comfort thanks to its lipid-restoring active ingredients. Perfect to intensely hydrate and soothe.
Take an online skin consultation or contact us at concierge@embassyofbeauty.co.uk to receive your recommended tailored winter skin care routine.

• Supplements
  Vitamins are always helpful to take not just during winter but all year round. Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea are a few great immune boosting supplements to consider investing in. All available in different forms including soft jelly pastilles, powder and tea. Every little helps!

• Winter Getaway
  If you are currently planning or packing for a winter holiday, do not forget SPF! A colder season or climate does not mean the sun will come out and radiate UV rays. Especially if you are spending time outdoors for activities such as skiing. It is essential to protect yourself in order to avoid sun burn.

• Diet
  Although diet is important all year round, it is hardest to stay healthy during the holiday season. Temptation at every corner with festive treats and mince pies, not to mention the much-anticipated Christmas dinner. We do not believe in limiting ourselves but making sure to be cautious of the sugar and fat intake. Comfort food and over indulging yourself can wreak havoc on the skin, especially acne/oily tendency. Keep an eye on the carbs!

• Hands & lips
  While we are busy taking measures to keep our skin healthy, we can’t forget that our skin is not the only thing that can suffer the effects of colder periods. Make sure you are applying the conditioning Biokiss lip balm and treating your hands to the nourishing Emulsion Rénovatrice Mains. Hands and lips often become dry and chapped during this season, so moisturise both regularly to ensure soft hands and lips.

• Body
  Cold days mean more layers. Jumping into layers of warm clothes as soon we leave the shower is tempting, therefore it can be easy to unintentionally neglect the body. This can cause your skin to dry out and make your skin prone to conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. So avoid the winter itch by using more nourishing and protective body creams during the colder months. Apply the Emulsion Corps VIP o2 for fast absorbing moisture with long-lasting effects!
  
  Here is some of our winter favourites…

Crème Dermo-RL Corps
Hydrates, reconditions and protects thanks to its fatty substances.

Emulsion Originelle Régénérante Corps
Restoring the hydrolipidic film and intensely hydrating, your skin will be left softer and restored.

Huile Dermotonique
Reinvigorates, tones and improves blood circulation. Can be applied directly or mixed with your body cream.

Feel free to share with us your own winter solutions on Instagram!