Winter Skin Care

Winter is well and truly here and if we didn't know it-our skins certainly do. Its the time of year when our skins feels dry, parched, tight, dehydrated and tend to show even more fine lines than usual . Not to mention how dull and lifeless the skin can look too! Oh how I hate to look in the mirror in winter and realize how much more I need to pay attention to my skin. Of course it doesn't help that we sit in warm, heated homes and offices, drive to and from work in our warm, heated cars and that's what causes our skins to be dry, tight and dehydrated and  the cold dry outside air has the same effect on the skin. So yes we do need to give our skins a little extra TLC in winter with a particular focus on hydrating, moisture, moisture and more moisture. Extra moisture and hydration can be achieved by switching to a heavier moisturiser, using a booster treatment or pampering with a facial mask. Lets take a look at some mask options: For a normal-drier skin type: There are a few I can recommend: Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque-a creamy, moisturising mask-perfect for a moisture boost. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask- this is a 2-in-1 mask as it contains Glycolic Acid which exfoliates the skin but it is a creamy mask that also moisturises the skin. this mask recently won an award as the Best Radiance Booster in the Essential Best Beauty Buys. I love it and it gives a great result. Ultraceuticals Ultra A Hydration Booster: Also a creamy, revitalising mask that exfoliates and moisturises in one: Even oily skins can experience the tightness and dehydration that other skins experience. The skin contains and produces both water and oil. What tends to happen with an oily skin is that the oil is still being produced but moisture/water is being drawn out by heating, air con, and dry air. So an oily skin will still benefit from a hydrating mask-one that replaces lost moisture but doesn't add to the oil. I recommend: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque. It is a wonderful oil-free gel mask that can be used around the eyes as well. For those of you that are time poor and really don't want to do the mask thing, how about adding a serum/booster to your usual regime? Alpha-H Age Delay Facial Oil is great for dry skin, you can either add a few drops to your usual moisturiser or apply a few drops before your moisturiser. Another alternative is the Ultraceuticals C10 Serum-intensely moisturises with the added benefit of 10% vitamin C for anti-ageing purposes. Don't forget to drink plenty of water!!! And another tip; when you have your heaters on at home, place bowls of water close by so the heater doesn't draw moisture from your skin but rather uses the provided water. Please email me gina@absoluteskin.com.au if you need advice or have any questions.