BY FIONA FOWLEY, DIRECTOR
With winter fast approaching and the thermostat back on, it’s safe to say thoughts will have turned to a new wardrobe. But it’s also time switch up your skincare routine to tackle the skin challenges that lie ahead.
You see, our skin is very quickly and quite significantly affected by the falling temperatures of autumn and winter with indoor heating, lower air humidity and lower UV levels creating a dull, dry complexion that’s prone to sensitivity. But you can regain your glow factor and achieve radiant cold-weather skin.
Update your skincare regime in the same way you’d update your wardrobe – think weather appropriate armour. Replace oil fighting cleansers and moisturisers with creamy hydration boosting products for optimising skin plumpness and radiance.
Medik8 offer a capsule collection of potent serums designed to complement existing skincare brands. The CE Thione 15% serum (£83, Zen Lifestyle) not only targets pigmentation but boots moisture levels, improves radiance and luminosity. C-Tetra Cream (£36) also quickly brighten the skin, deeply hydrates and nourishes and also maintains healthy collagen and elastin.
Another winter winner is Elizabeth Arden PRO Barrier Repair Complex strengthens the natural skin barrier function which prevents moisture loss, sensitivity reduction and boosts radiation. And with lactic acid as one of the ingredients, it quickly works to transform the appearance of dull complexions, improving skin tone and texture.
Invest in a microdermabrasion session to gently resurface the skin so it’s winter ready. We use DiamondTome, a crystal-free treatment which uses natural, diamond-tipped wands instead of abrasive particles for skin resurfacing. Not only does it rejuvenate but it also works to reduce fine lines without any downtime.
At home, follow on with Murad’s multi-award winning AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (£35) to polish away dullness and locked-in impurities for a smoother, softer skin texture. Also invest in Elizabeth Arden PRO Sensitive Skin Peel Pads (£54) to deliver the resurfacing benefits of AHAs and BHAs without irritating the skin.
Light therapy, a completely natural method of light-only skin rejuvenation, uses advanced technology to stimulate the body’s own natural processes to counteract the effects of ageing – it’s also a fantastic treatment to boost dull, tired looking skin and perfect for anyone looking for an instant lifting and hydrating effect and a smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles. Light therapy is also proven to help SAD (seasonal affective disorder) syndrome. Our Omnilux LED facial treatment can be done within a lunch break.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep hydrated. And why not add a skin plumping collagen drink to your winter beauty repertoire. Skinade, a natural peach and mangosteen flavoured collagen drink boosts the body’s natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in as little as 30 days. Developed by leading UK scientists, Skinade has been designed to provide a perfect ratio of liquid to active ingredients in order to create one of the most advanced, effective and bio-available skincare products on the market today. Skinade is sold in 30-day packs and costs £105.
Fiona Fowley is the beauty expert and entrepreneur behind the Zen Lifestyle salons. Originally a beauty therapist, Fiona realised there was a gap in the market to create a unique kind of customer experience in the UK beauty and spa industry. She created Zen Lifestyle to provide discerning clients with an exceptionally high standard of therapies in luxurious, beautifully designed surroundings. she has led the business to 18 national beauty awards, as well as being voted UK Salon of the Year 5 times.
