How To Look After Your Skin During Winter

With Christmas adverts now playing on the television and temperatures creeping closer and closer to zero, it seems we can’t fight it anymore – winter is here. Whilst some of you may be jumping with joy at the prospect of roaring fires, cosy nights in and copious amounts of mulled wine, others may be slightly concerned about their skin.

Harsh winter weather and a serious lack of sunshine can cause your complexion to suffer throughout the colder months, meaning an updated skincare regime tailored towards battling winter woes is in order to keep you looking radiant. We asked Dr. Rupert Critchley – Founder and Lead Aesthetician here at VIVA Skin Clinics – for his top tips .

Moisture, moisture, moisture

“Low humidity, stinging winds and cold temperatures create havoc for the skin. All of these aspects combined mean that moisture is routinely being taken out, even when you get back into the house and turn the heating on. Regular moisturising is imperative to keeping the complexion soft, subtle and hydrated. Moisturise immediately after washing in order to seal in hydration, and opt for products that are natural and organic. Any artificial nasties will likely make the dryness worse.”

Drink enough H2O

“Drinking ample amounts of water each day is just as important in winter as it is in summer. Often we’ll reach for hot beverages to warm ourselves up, but these contain high amounts of caffeine which dehydrates the skin further, making it appear dull and sallow. A good rule of thumb is to pour a glass of water every time you make a hot drink, or grab a bottle with your coffee to go. Think of it as a trade: for every not-so-great thing you put in your body, you put one good thing in too. From digestion to circulation, water is a part of everything the body does, so ensuring you drink enough daily will promote overall good health and as a result, the skin will enjoy improved elasticity and hydration.”

No natural Vitamin D? No problem

“The sun’s appearances become few and far between in the winter months, and so often, we have to find our sources of Vitamin D elsewhere. Vitamin D plays a major role in the life cycle of human cells, and when it comes to skin, having sufficient Vitamin D levels helps minimise acne, enhance radiance, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improve elasticity and even stimulate the production of collagen. That’s why it’s important to keep your Vitamin D levels up during darker days, and you can do so by taking specially designed supplements, or by consuming oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines), red meat and eggs.”

The 3D Face Refresh

“Here at VIVA Skin Clinics, we understand that our clients want to look good and feel good, despite their busy schedules. That’s why we created The 3D Face Refresh, a treatment which targets a number of problem areas in one procedure, with the aim of rejuvenating the complexion and leaving you looking healthier, younger and wide awake. As the focus is on glowing, radiant skin, The 3D Face Refresh is popular amongst a range of our clients, all the way through from those in their early twenties to some of our more mature patients. Sometimes we have the best intentions for looking after our complexion, but not enough time to make it happen. In those cases, we’re proud to leave our clients looking as great as they feel with The 3D Face Refresh.”

To find out more visit about our 3D Face Refresh treatment or to book a consultation, call VIVA Skin Clinics today on 02037 332199.