Why it’s vital you review skincare regimes during winter

As the leaves begin to fall and the weather turns chillier, it's not just our wardrobes that need a seasonal makeover; our skin routines, whether that's in the salon or at home, need to be adjusted to ensure the care we've taken over the summer months is not undone by winter environments. 

“As the autumn draws in, our skin loses essential moisture and hydration, resulting in dryness, more pronounced lines and a more lack lustre skin,” explains Ruby Sidhu, Trainer at CACI International.

“Winter can take its toll on the condition of our skin,” agrees Wendy Stirling, Founder of Botanicals. “The chilling, cold air robs exposed skin of its natural moisture, often leading to dryness, flaking, chaffing and redness. Then there's the contrasting warmth of our centrally-heated homes, which can deplete the skin of moisture even further. Those with existing sensitive or dry skin, including those prone to eczema, rosacea or other skin related concerns, are particularly susceptible at this time of year and can find caring for their skin during winter an uphill struggle.

“The face has nowhere to hide causing it to feel the full force of the season's wintery climates.”

As Wendy points out, protecting skin from environmental aggressors is just as important in the autumn and winter months as is protecting skin against harsh summer sun.  “As seasons change, temperature and humidity decreases, impacting the equilibrium the skin has established to deal with the environmental insults during the summer. Skin loses moisture and often will start itching,” explains Dr Mervyn Patterson, cosmetic dermatologist from Woodford Medical.

So, what changes should our clients be making during the autumn and winter months? “Hyaluronic acid should be an essential part of your daily regimen, as it works effectively to retain moisture, resulting in plumper skin,” says Ruby Sidhu.

“There are some super-natural ingredients to look out for,” says Wendy Stirling. “My favourite is organic Shea Butter as it's one of nature's miracles for protecting our skin.  It's wonderfully healing and nourishing to the skin, also incredibly versatile, and for this reason finds its way into most Botanicals products.”

She adds:

“It's important to choose natural cream-based cleansing products that don't strip the skin of its natural oils and emollient moisturisers that soothe the skin and help lock-in moisture. Above all, avoid skin care products that contain synthetic ingredients and petrochemicals, as these can have a drying effect on the skin.”

As well as preventative ingredients, you should also look out for products that can repair any damage caused to skin in months previous. “Autumn is the time to repair skin damage that occurred during the summer months brought on by increased exposure to UV rays, heat, sweat, chlorine or saltwater. Hyper pigmentation tends to appear, as well as dull-looking skin,” advises Dr Mervyn Patterson.

In the salon, carry out a pre-treatment review of your clients' skin during their facial treatment; assess environmental damage, discuss their current at-home regime, and ask about their lifestyle which may mean their skincare needs are changing. Are they exposed to central heating all day long which will dehydrate skin and lead to dullness, lines and wrinkles? Are they outdoors mornings and evening walking their dogs, when harsh, cold wind rain can lead to redness and skin sensitivity? By understanding exposure to environmental aggressors, you can prescribe the right products to prevent damage, rather than battling to reverse signs of damaging later. 

Here are some top products we think your clients will love...

Dr Mervyn Patterson of Woodford Medical recommends Epionce skincare, which addresses the root cause of skin irritation and will help skin adjust more quickly to changes in the environment.

Epionce's Intense Defense Serum is a complete multivitamin serum with vitamins A, B, C, D and E to rejuvenate and brighten the skin's appearance. In an independent clinical trial, significant improvements were seen in lines, fine wrinkles, coarse wrinkles, pigmentation and white heads, with a 25% reduction in pore size after just eight weeks of use.

In addition, Epionce's Renewal Facial Cream improves barrier function, plus reduces the effect of inflammatory factors such as cold temperatures and wind. The cream is also clinically proven to improve fine lines, wrinkles, roughness, hyperpigmentation and blemishes.

anatomē's Rose Quartz Facial Roller stimulates the lymphatic system and blood circulation in the skin, reducing inflammation and puffiness of the skin.

For best results, use the roller cold, which will result in reduced dark under eye circles, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines, tightened pores, and a brighter complexion. What's more, the absorption of topical skincare products is improved. 

Botanicals Repair & Renew Night Balm will help feed skin with nourishment, lock-in moisture and soothe any irritations, with noticeable improvements upon waking.  

Enriched with certified organic Shea Butter and infused with White and Green Tea and Rose Geranium, this organic face balm is nourishing, revitalises and soothes the complexion. 

In addition, Botanicals Rosa-Renew Anti-Ageing Serum is an antioxidant-rich organic facial oil serum with rejuvenating Rosehip oil that works in harmony with the body to support skin's natural ability to regenerate new skin cells.  Camellia helps neutralise free radicals, Frankincense helps reduce micro-wrinkles and Carrot provides a rich source of the skin nourishing vitamin beta carotene. Apply one to two drops underneath day and night-time moisturisers.

Botanicals' entire range is 100% natural, certified organic by the Soil Association and is suitable for vegans.

CACI's Hydro mask contains Hyaluronic acid and delivers intensive moisture to the skin, whilst Rose water calms and soothes, and Collagen helps to reduce lines and wrinkles. The appearance of irritation and skin redness is reduced, whilst moisture levels in dehydrated skin are increased, resulting in a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The mask is available for full face treatment, or just for the eye area.

New cosmeceutical skincare range, Decree, offers a range of products developed by Dr Anita J Sturnham. To add moisture to hydration-quenched skin, Decree Peptide Emollient Veil+ Moisturiser has a richer formula is ideal for drier skins. It also treats skin dehydrated by air travel, extremes of temperature and fatigue. It features skin softening Squalene and a Hyaluronic acid complex as well as botanical oils which are all super hydrating. 

In addition, Decree Protect Elixir AM Serum has the benefit of several serums in one, counteracting the Collagen-depleting effects of UV rays, stress and environmental pollution. The serum features protective antioxidant Ferulic acid along with HMW Hyaluronic Acid complex which is hydrating and softening.

L'Occitane has introduced the Precious Dynamic Youthcare collection featuring a blend of Immortelle essential oil and a Hyaluronic Acid complex to protect skin against external factors such as pollution  which can cause oxidative stress, leading to a loss of plumpness in skin, enlarged pores, the formation of fine lines and uneven skin texture.

Products in the new collection include Essential Water to tone skin, Essential Mist to keep skin fresh and hydrated, skin refining and hydrating Serum, lightweight moisturising Fluid which plumps and tightens pores, Energising Eye Balm to revitalise the eye area, and hydrating Cream which is rich yet fast-absorbing for enhanced radiance. 

The Skincare Collection from Sienna X offers a morning routine and overnight routine for winter skin.

In the morning, the brand recommend the following four steps: The Cleansing Lotion, The Toning Solution, The Eye Cream, and The Day Cream. 

The Day Cream is an anti-pollution SPF30 formula which lifts and brightens the skin, with Marine Bamboo which fights the effects of blue light and infra-red. The Eye Cream features SPF15 and Manikara Multinervis Leaf extract to improve skin firmness and elasticity, along with Marine Bamboo from brown seaweed.

In the evenings, five steps in the Sienna X skincare regime include The Cleansing Balm, The Toning Solution, The Facial Polish or The Chemical Peel, The Toning Solution, and The Miracle Mask which features 10% natural Manuka Honey to retain moisture with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.