In The UK, where we can experience three seasons in a day, it is fair to say the weather affects not only our psyche and wardrobe but also our skin. In cold weather, we tend to love our central heating, which sucks moisture out of the air.
This affects the skin as it typically draws moisture from the atmosphere it is exposed to. So, in colder weather we tend to look for more care from our skincare regime: masks, creams, sheet masks, hyaluronic acid products and barrier creams. We chatted to Jennifer Rock, the Skin Nerd, who gave us her top tips for winter skincare:
1. Hydration
"I am not a fan of rich creams in general – regardless of having oily or dry skin! I personally opt for serums as their lightweight texture ensure they penetrate into the lower layers, which serves a more useful purpose. In fact, if the skin is functioning optimally, you will not need a moisturiser as the skin will and should be able to create its own oil and hydration factors."
"Psychologically, people love the feel of the cream as it’s comforting – but remember that a thick cream is not feeding it, just protecting it. Layering serums is much more worthwhile. Having said this, those with skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, and those who work outdoors need a barrier cream to protect their skin from the elements."
2. Acid Exfoliation
"If you haven’t already, I’d recommend ditching granular exfoliation, as it strips the skin and creates micro-tears on its surface. Instead, introduce acids such as lactic acid and up your vitamin A intake, as these methods are much more respectful to the skin. Gritty scrubs do not encourage the skin to work itself out, while an acid will."
3. Diet
"When my skins needs change I tend to change my diet more than my skincare to ensure my skin gets the nutrients it needs, by increasing fish, omegas, nuts seeds and oils, as this is vital to give the internal skin the tools to lock the moisture in, otherwise we are slapping it on top and not sealing it in.
"You know what I say –‘Feed the skin from within’. There’s only so much a good skincare regime can do!"
Jennifer Rock operates as an independent skincare expert, having recently set up her new business; The Skin Nerd.com - alongside her award winning, sell out Cleanse off Mitt.
Having worked with beauty giants such as IMAGE, Yon-Ka, Environ and having set up the Renaissance Academy and previously taught for the IIAA: International Institute for Anti-Ageing, Bronwyn Conroy’s' College, Beauty Academy and lectured worldwide, Jennifer Rock’s wealth of skincare knowledge has earned her a loyal following and has firmly established her as one of the country’s top skincare gurus.
