Lulu and Boo Blog
Winter-proof your skin
Saturday 05 February 2011
Winter can wreak havoc on our complexions - Our hands, faces, hair and bodies can all suffer.After months of cold spells and central heating, many of us are left with skin that feels dry, tight and uncomfortable. Skin is stripped of its
natural moisture by wind, central heating and low humidity. Even people who don't normally have dry skin can find the winter months a problem. Another cause is drinking less water, as people are less thirsty in winter. This causes the skin to dehydrate.
CLEANSEHarsh chemicals, hot water and detergents can all aggravate dry skin.
People who have particularly dry skin, or conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, should look for alternatives to harsh face washes and detergents.
Washing with strong detergents removes more oil from the skin's protective fats and in cases where skin is already dry, can dry it out even further.
This can be a particular problem with hand dryness. If you regularly wash your hands with strong detergents and hot water, you'll make them worse. The same applies to the skin of your body. If you have lots of hot baths or showers, this tends to remove some of the protective lipids from your skin.
WHAT TO DO:• use a gentle
organic cleansing balms, creams or milks
• reduce the heat of your bath or shower
• cut out any excessive washing with strong detergents, particularly excessive hand washing
• avoid harsh products, such as alcohol-based cleansers.
• When washing hands or bathing use natural soap made using the traditional cold process method, which re
tains the natural glycerin of the oils.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:Cleansing the Face with Lulu & Boo's Organic Skincare:Calendula Organic Cleansing MilkChamomile Organic Cleansing Balm Cleansing the hands & body with Lulu & Boo's Organic Bodycare:Lavender and Bergamot Bath Soak and Body WashMay Chang, Lime and Blackpepper Bath Soak and Body WashLavender, Calendula and Aloe SoapOrange blossom SoapRose & Vanilla SoapLemon Tea-Tree Hand Wash - Anti-Bacterial - yet gentle to the skin
MOISTURISEIt sounds obvious, but how many people still forget to apply moisturiser when their skin most needs it? This is extremely important in order to keep moisture levels of the skin, balanced. Most women use a facial moisturiser. However, many aren’t as disciplined about caring for the rest of their bodies including the hands, arms, legs and feet. Remember to moisturise from head to toe!
WHAT TO DO:• Layer your skin with hydrating
organic serum or oil under your
organic moisturiser. That will allow the moisture to penetrate deep into the cells, nourishing the skin.
• Apply a rich body lotion or cream over your whole body immediately after the shower to seal in the moisture. This increases the water content of the skin’s outer layers and gives it a soft, moist look. Re-apply hand creams after hand washing
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
Almond & Rosehip Face creamMulti-Vitamin Face CreamFrankincense Regenerating SerumElderflower & Orange Blossom Hand and Body CreamOrganic Calendula Ointment
EXFOLIATION
Dead skin cells can build up in the winter months. Exfoliating is very important at any time of the year. But during winter when your skin is feeling sensitive and dry, it's more important than ever to keep your skin soft. Plus, applying moisturiser straight on to un-exfoliated dry skin will prevent your moisturiser from absorbing fully
WHAT TO DO:• Prep your skin for moisturising by using a gentle scrub, mask or a muslin cloth. A face scrub or mask can be used once or twice a week.
• A muslin cloth can be used daily with your cleanser. Don't overdo it, though. Over-enthusiastic scrubbing can undermine the skin's barrier function.
• Using a mask, that contains natural enzymes: This is one of the kindest methods of skin exfoliation and can be used on all skin types. Enzymes are extracted from an assortment of sources including papaya (papain), pumpkin, pineapple (bromelain), mango (magneferin, katechol oxidase, lactase), kiwifruit. They stimulate natural exfoliation by dissolving cross-links in the skin, encouraging a rapid turnover and elimination of dead skin cells.
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS:
Fruits & Vitamins Brightening Mask – contains papaya, kiwi and apple extract
Vanilla Sugar Body ScrubHUMIDITYA major contributing factor to winter dryness to skin and hair is low humidity, caused by cold winds and overheated homes and offices. One idea is to leave bowls of water near radiators.
If your central heating is making your home dry, you can always use a humidifier, or avoid cranking up the central heating to full blast – knitwear is far kinder to skin (and the environment).
FOODS THAT NOURISHConsuming the right nutrients will only add to your general health, and will give your skin a boost.
A poor diet lacking in essential vitamins and minerals will show signs, such as flaky skin.
What to do:
• Include important vitamins in your diet, such as A, C, D, E. These can be found in a range of fruits, vegetables and daily products.
• Try to eat a balanced diet. Essential fatty acids such omega 3 are good for general health, and may help play a role in supporting the skin. The best source of Omega 3 in the diet are:
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, sardines and herring.
Flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, soybean oil, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Soy nuts Olive oil, Hemp seeds and Pumpkin seeds
• Supplements, such as evening primrose oil and fish oils are extremely beneficial to the skin.
• Remember: drinking too much alcohol and coffee both dehydrate the skin.
EXERCISEExercise helps produce sweat and increases blood flow to the skin, which improves the skin’s hydration
DIY NOURISHING FACIAL
First Step - Cleanse• Gently massage cleanser over face, eye area and neck using relaxing circular movements. Remove using damp cotton wool, a damp wash cloth or a muslin cloth.
Second Step - Exfoliate• Gently massage Jojoba & Rose Face scrub into wet skin, and then rinse with warm water or remove with muslin cloth.
Third Step – Moisturise & Feed the Skin• As a Nourishing Mask:
Chamomile multi-use cleansing balm - Apply a layer sparingly over clean dry skin. Relax for 20 minutes, then massage the excess balm into the skin.
• If your skin is very dry, finish your facial with six drops of
Frankincense serum or your favourite moisturser. Gently massage into your skin, working from the neck upwards.
lulu & Boo Organic Skincare