Radiance Firming Facial Oil

Winter Proofing Your Skin for an All-Year-Round Gorgeous Glow

by Dr. Pauline Hili (PhD)

As winter sets in and temperatures drop across Europe, our skin is the first organ to respond to the changes. The combination of low temperatures, low humidity, and the effects of wind and UV on the skin can really add to winter skin woes. As our body's most direct interface with the environment, the skin is especially vulnerable to climatic conditions. Wintertime can see increased incidences of skin problems, irritations and dryness.

Understanding how these climatic conditions affect our skin and how to adjust our skincare routine to build skin resilience is key to maintaining beautiful skin all year round.

Low temperatures and low humidity in the winter can result in very dry skin, and if left unchecked, this will damage the barrier function of the skin. The barrier function protects the skin from external stressors, keeps it optimally hydrated, and transports important nutrients to it. As the barrier function is the primary determinant of beautiful skin, developing a winter skincare regime to protect it is vital. If the skin's barrier function is disrupted, it will behave like a leaky bucket, making it extremely difficult to maintain the skin's hydration levels.

One of the simplest steps to keep the barrier function intact during the winter months is the introduction of an oil to your AM and PM routine. Cold and windy conditions can wear away the protective fatty lipids of the barrier, and oils help to replace them and lock in moisture to the skin's protective barrier. Blended combinations that provide a spectrum of the micronutrients the skin needs are a wonderful way to maintain a gorgeous glow. One of our favorite facial oils is Radiance Firming Facial Oil.

Oils such as macadamia and argan have been shown to help maintain and repair barrier function. Oils such as sunflower, rosehip, and borage can provide protection to help reduce the effects of irritations.

Blended oils with antioxidant ingredients such as oil-soluble vitamin C, algae extract, and tocopherol can supply an antioxidant reservoir to the skin and act as an insurance policy against the oxidative stress caused by winter weather.

Maintaining the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) is the second line of defense in maintaining a beautiful glow during the winter months. The NMF supports the skin regulate how much moisture it produces based on the environment you live in. It helps draw moisture from the air into the skin. Trehalose is a natural ingredient known for its ability to mimic our skin's NMF, and combined with other water-soluble ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, panthenol, sodium PCA, and glycerin, it can be extremely supportive of the skin to maintain its natural hydration levels.

Harsh cleansing can often disrupt the natural moisture within the skin, and during the winter months, it may be valuable to re-evaluate your cleansing regime. Dialing down the harshness of cleansing and introducing a post-cleanse essence to balance skin hydration before moisturizing can work wonders. The Ceramide Moisture Boost Essence is formulated to be used after cleansing but before moisturizing to replenish the vital ceramides and water-soluble components of the skin. This small change in regime can really make a change building the skin's natural resilience.

Pollution and UV damage can be increasingly problematic in the winter months. The sun can reflect on the snow and double UV exposure, and our behaviors during the winter usually contribute to higher levels of air pollution, which can worsen air quality. Particulate matter from pollution can increase oxidative damage to the skin, leading to premature aging and increased age spots. Topical extracts such as kale, watercress, and phytosterols can help combat the effects of particulate matter by breaking it down before it has a chance to wreak oxidative havoc on your skin. Using SPF daily, exfoliating more regularly, and introducing a night repair mask with protective antioxidant extracts and probiotics can really support protecting the skin from the effects of particulate matter.

Alongside changes to our skincare regime, there are some practical lifestyle and well-being changes we can make to keep us gliding through the winter at our beautiful best.

Here are our top 4 Nourish London tips:

• 1. Turn down the temperature on your shower just a tad. This can help reduce drying of the skin.
• 2. Make sure to keep an eye on your vitamin balance.
• 3. Invest in a humidifier to maintain optimum indoor moisture content.
• 4. Adjust sleep patterns to maintain a good circadian rhythm.

Dr. Pauline Hili is the Founder and CEO of Nourish London and is a Scientist, Author, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.