Nikki's Essential Tips For Smooth, Soft & Healthy Winter Skin
As summer gives way to cooler months, many of our Heartwood clients have reported changes in their skin and we are here to help. In this article, Nikki O’Dwyer explains why our skin changes as we approach Winter and how your skincare routine should respond.
SOME OF THE THINGS YOUR SKIN MIGHT EXPERIENCE AS WE HEAD INTO WINTER
BREAKOUTS
At the end of summer, we can experience dead skin cell build-up, which in turn can cause trapped sebum (oil) beneath the surface and therefore increased breakouts.
DULLNESS
As we inevitably lose the sun-kissed glow of summer, the skin can look dull, lacklustre, and any sunspots or pigmentation can become more noticeable.
REDNESS
The skin can flare up due to the cooler temperatures, causing inflammation and redness.
DRYNESS
With more exposure to artificial heating indoors, and colder, windier conditions outdoors, our skin has to work harder to maintain adequate hydration and can become dry and irritated as a result.
HEARTWOOD’S TOP INGREDIENTS FOR WINTER
INDIAN SANDALWOOD
Brimming with botanical compounds santalol-alpha and santalol-beta, these natural actives are uniquely abundant in Indian Sandalwood and classed as multifactorial skin saviours. They work hard to alleviate redness, dryness, rosacea, as well as brighten, hydrate and smooth skin’s texture. Our Indian Sandalwood oil is also good for smoothing fine line & wrinkles, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, scarring, clearing acne & breakouts, brightening the skin & improving age spots.
Indian Sandalwood
Face Oil
Pore Purity
BAKUCHIOL (NATURE'S RETINOL)
Works through the same receptors that retinol uses, which is why many refer to it as a ‘natural retinol’ alternative. It will help uplift the skin’s tone and texture while aiding in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting collagen and elastin growth. The skin is left feeling plump and firm.
VITAMIN C
During the summer months, our skin is exposed to a higher concentration of harmful UV rays which can result in photo damage and premature aging of the skin. The use of vitamin C will help to correct and reverse this damage making it an autumn must have in my books!
NIACINAMIDE
Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 that boosts hydration and collagen production to improve skin texture including smoothness, fine lines and wrinkles. Niacinamide also helps to combat hyperpigmentation and improve the elasticity of the skin.
Super Serum
Royal Treatment
Sheet Mask
CERAMIDES
Ceramides help to create a barrier that prevents moisture loss, keeping skin hydrated and plump. The barrier also protects the skin from harmful irritants, bacteria, and other environmental aggressors. Key in protecting the skin from strong winds and cold weather.
Intense Moisture
CHANGES WE CAN MAKE TO OUR AT HOME SKIN-CARE REGIME IN AUTUMN/WINTER
INTRODUCE A FACE OIL
Switching from heat to cold can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, meaning skin can become a lot flakier and drier in the autumn months. Introducing an oil into your regime will not only nourish skin but will also help your skin to improve moisture retention in the long run. Look for a multi-oil blend.
Royal Oil
Hydrating Oil
TREAT REDNESS WITH CALMING INGREDIENTS
If you’re prone to redness, then chances are you’ll notice it flare up more in the cooler months, especially around the nose and cheeks. Look out for calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients like Heartwood’s own Indian Sandalwood, which help to calm redness and soothe irritation.
Calming Rose
Face Mist
Soothing
Face Oil
INVEST IN A THICKER MOISTURISER
A lightweight moisturiser will have been enough for most skin types in the summer, but cooling temperatures and heating kicking in are signs that you need to reach for a slightly more hydrating, heavier moisturiser. The skin can benefit from something with a thicker consistency to lock in hydration – the skincare equivalent of your winter coat.
Vital Balm
Cream Moisturiser
Rich Face
Cream
SWITCH YOUR CLEANSER TO A CREAM, OIL OR BALM
If you’ve been using a foaming or gel cleanser, switch to a cream or oil-based product when temperatures start to drop. Your skin will be producing less sebum (oil) so it’s important to cleanse your skin gently to prevent oil from being stripped. Cream, oil, and balm formulas will still do an effective job of removing makeup and cleanse pores deeply without disrupting oil balance. Don't forget to double cleanse at night!
Face
Cleansing Oil
Enzyme-Refine
Cleansing Balm
NIKKI'S TOP HEARTWOOD SPA TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR AUTUMN/WINTER
HEARTWOOD PEEL AND HEAL
Reset the skin in Autumn/Winter with a Peel. Enzymes gently break down the keratin protein that holds dead skin cells to the top layers of the skin. The skin looks lighter & brighter, feels smoother in texture, and becomes plump. Many clients have also reported clearer pores & reduced breakouts!
Our revolutionary peel is specially formulated for Heartwood by Hungarian Skincare Expert Eniko Nehez, this treatment can transform the complexion, lifting dull or dry skin to reveal outer radiance. Using the most potent combination of natural enzymes along with the brightening benefits of Heartwood's own Indian sandalwood, this treatment is best for combating scarring, acne, pigmentation, sun damage and dryness.
- Nikki O'Dwyer xx
DIRECTOR OF SPA & WELLNESS