It may be caused by the influx of Vitamin D our body gets, or because that thin layer of facial sweat caused by scorching weather actually makes you look like a dewy goddess, but summer gives our a skin a glow that can't be matched at any other time of the year. But why should it be that our visage looks its best during a season, that in the UK, can last for as little as a week? Yes it requires more effort, but a healthy epidermis can be achieved with a little help from a few bathroom cabinet inhabitants. To fully understand what is needed and why our skin looks so dull during the winter, we asked Dr Marie Drago, founder of French beauty brand Gallinée, to give us the low down.
Why is our skin so different in the winter compared to the summer?
Unsurprisingly, it's because of the weather. When the temperatures start to drop, the dry air draws moisture away from the skin which results in it being dehydrated. This is amplified when you throw in other factors like air conditioning, central heating and hot water into the mix. But as Dr. Drago explains, this can lead to other skin issues rising to the surface that you might not have had to battle with during the summer. "They also weaken the skin microbiome and the skin barrier, leading to skin that's more reactive and more sensitive," she says, making it even more of a priority to be looking after your skin during this time of year.
Is there any preventative measures we can take to stop our skin from being dehydrated?
Before you even start adding a load of beauty products to your shopping basket, there are a few changes you can make to your environment that will help. "Avoid electric heating or air conditioning," says Dr. Drago, "and have loads of plants indoors and water them well; they will make the air less dry." In terms of skincare, make sure to avoid aggressive ingredients. "The first step is not to strip your skin barrier: only use gentle cleansers and surfactants, and use warm water as opposed to hot. Then I would recommend to boost the lipid content of your skincare routine, by adding a few drops of oil – we've noticed that’s how people use our new Prebiotic Face Oil."
If our skin is looking dull and in need of a quick remedy to make it brighter, what should we do?
Whilst it's rare to get instant results from a skincare routine and that one particular formula will work for multiple skin types, Dr. Drago shares the components that are universally recognised to do the job. "I love a gentle daily exfoliation, with an acid toner – for example., lactic acid. Follow this with a serum and/or an oil to really plump dehydrated skin."
Are there any particular foods we should be eating that will help our skin glow?
As we know, it's not just about what we apply on the outside that will have our skin looking its best. "Your gut microbiome also plays a role in hydration of the skin, so feed it with lots of fibres," says Dr. Drago. "You should also have a lot of fish oils in the winter, as they are really good at bringing a glow back to your skin." In need of food inspo? Check out this fish recipe here.
What are some weekly treatments we should be doing to be keeping our skin looking its best during the winter months?
Once again, Dr Drago recommends that we should be slathering on anything that promises to give extreme hydration. "I love a good mask or using an extra thick layer of cream and leaving it for a few hours. Especially around the eye area, that tends to get dry more quickly."
What are the key takes from this? It's all about hydration, hydration, hydration!
Shop more Gallinée products here and below:
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+ Winter Skin Wonders...
+ The Hand and Nail Care Collection To See You Through Winter...
+ Surprise Me!
