Put your best foot forward (and face!) and get your skin ready for the transition from winter to spring 

We all know that the winter and the weather that comes along with it can wreak havoc on our skin texture and appearance. The cold winter months typically will have less humidity and hydration within the air, along with the central heating that we use will have extremely drying effects on the skin. This can lead to sensitivity, redness, flaking/peeling and irritation.

After what felt like the longest January, the days will soon be getting lighter and longer! Here are my top tips to look after yourself and your skin this year. 

One of the most beneficial ingredients you can use in your skincare regime is hyaluronic acid - you may have heard of it, it’s such a buzz word in the beauty industry and has been for a few years now. Without getting too scientific about it, it’s usually found in water-based serums and work so well, as they’re lightweight and your skin will absorb the ingredients quickly. It can hold up to 1000 x its weight in water, so as it goes into your skin it will create pools of moisture and has been shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too. It’s honestly such an amazing ingredient - so clever! 

Another holy grail for you, that I would never be without in my skincare regime is ceramides - this is one you may not have heard of but is such an essential in the winter months especially, as they moisturise, strengthen the skins structure and protect the skin against external aggressors. When we’re out in harsh weather or similarly inside with the heating on (both environments create dry air), it can reduce the levels of moisture in your skin and break down the natural protective skin barrier. They are in essence a fatty acid found in moisturisers and can be used on top of hyaluronic acid to help retain the moisture and prevent water loss.

The main difference between the two is their consistency, one is water based and the other oil. The biggest tip I have for you is whenever you use serums - always use your water-based first (vitamin C/hyaluronic acid/niacinamide) and follow with your oil-based ones after (retinol/ceramides) - this will ensure that they are absorbed in their most effective way. I’ll be doing another blog soon about vitamin C and retinol and their wonderfully anti-ageing effects. 

Top 3 product brands 

HYALURONIC ACID 

The ordinary - I remember when the brand came out and I was so shocked (and a bit dubious) because they were so inexpensive, but this is such a staple in my skincare regime I buy it in multiples, so I never run out! It runs along the others at such a good price tag but is rated along with them because of its molecular formulation and quality.

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% - £7.90 – Look Fantastic
• Medik8 - this is obviously a bit pricier as are all the products from this brand, but they are highly recommended by dermatologists and skincare professionals around the world. Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense - £59 – Look Fantastic  
• Kiehl’s - I always find their products super high quality and lovely, although I’ll be honest, I’ve not tried many but I know friends who have. Kiehl's Ultra-Pure 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Moisture Plumping High-Potency Serum - £23.20 - Look Fantastic  

(All of the above options are also fragrance free for those that simply don’t like it or find it irritating). 

CERAMIDES

• CeraVe - not only is this brand super affordable but they have such a good range for all skin types. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturising Lotion with Ceramides for Normal to Dry Skin - £15.50 - Look Fantastic
• NIP+FAB - I love this brand, I use a lot of their other products too and they also do a cleanser, and you can buy it in a bundle.  Ceramide Fix Serum 12% - £23.96 - Look Fantastic
• La Roche Posay - this is such a beautiful brand, a bit more expensive for some of their products but in my mind always worth it. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Facial Moisturiser - £17.57 - Look Fantastic 

Can you tell where I buy all my beauty products? I’m sure you can buy them elsewhere, but I’ve been using the website for a long time now - it’s fab and they always have great deals too! 

I hope I’ve helped you all with the journey and understanding of what happens to your skin in winter, it can be such an adjustment and sometimes that comes with changing our normal routine too to allow for progress.