My Go to Winter Skin-care products that I use at home...
The winter can wreak havoc on your skin — making it dry, itchy, and irritated. And it can feel like there’s no escape: Cold, blustery conditions outside can leave your skin feeling raw, while indoor heat zaps moisture from the air and from your skin making it feel sensitive, dehydrated and create premature wrinkles.
Cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Harsh winter winds and dry indoor heat can make the problem worse and lead to cracked and even bleeding skin. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may also flare up during these cold, dry months
The dry environment may be responsible for the itchy sensations, as the inflammatory response kicks in and releases histamines. It can exacerbate inflammatory skin diseases such as rosacea, eczema, ichthyosis, and psoriasis, which suffer an impaired barrier function.
Your skin is the largest organ in the body, yet it is also the one area we pay the least attention to. Here at Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies, I use natural products – for improving skin health and making you feel and look your very best.
Some things that you can do to help prevent your skin from getting easily irritated during the winter months:
Cold, dry air can leave your skin itchy, red, and irritated. Combat dry winter skin with these tips for retaining your skin's natural moisture.
Reduce the temperature of your baths and showers. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can wash away natural oils.
Do not over bathe, over strip, and be too harsh with the skin. Treat it gently and with respect! Frequent bathing and hot temperatures, use of harsh soaps. Limit yourself to one 5- to 10-minute baths or shower daily. If you bathe more than that, you may strip away much of the skin's oily layer and cause it to lose moisture.
Instead use bath oils, and apply body moisturiser immediately after your shower or wash your hands (within 3 minutes). This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp. Moisturize Frequently, Especially Your Hands Applying a hand cream after washing can help
Minimize your use of soaps consider soap-free cleansers and washes
Pat or blot (don't rub) the skin when toweling dry.
Avoid licking lips, as digestive enzymes and bacteria in saliva can damage the lips. Use a conditioning treatment balm with Shea Butter. Applying a moisturizing balm can help heal dry, cracked lips and keep them from getting dry and chapped.
Use a humidifier in the winter. Set it to around 60%, a level that should be sufficient to replenish the top layer of the epidermis.
Always use a sunscreen in the winter months as well as during the summer months to prevent photo ageing. Don’t skimp on the SPF in winter! Your skin is susceptible to sun damage all year round and SPFs also protect against other environmental stressors as well including pollution. Even on Grey Winter Days, just walking through a parking lot on an errand run can effect your skin. Sunscreen is just as important in the harsh winter weather as it is in the summer. The sun’s harmful UV rays can permeate clouds and still cause damage. Before you go outside, apply a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (ideally 30) to all exposed areas of your face, neck, hands and body.
When shaving, use a shaving cream or gel and leave it on your skin for several minutes before starting.
Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate the skin.
Never, ever scratch your skin. Most of the time, a moisturiser can control the itch.
Remember to Eat Right and Stay Hydrated
Sometimes when skin is very dry, it can be helped by foods or supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. It is important to help the skin moisturise from the inside also by drinking plenty of fresh water and staying hydrated internally and externally throughout the day.
Modify Your Facial Skin-Care Regimen for the Season
Just as your wardrobes and food choices change from season to season, it’s important to change your skincare too to ensure you are providing your skin with everything it needs. Temperature changes, differences in sun exposure levels and other environmental stressors that change seasonally all have an impact on your skin, so tailoring your skincare seasonally gives your skin the tools it needs to perform at its optimum best.
During the winter months, the air turns drier and this affects our skin. We are prone to more dryness and flakiness so you need to start using richer, high-performance moisturisers that provide deep hydration and long-lasting moisture. Choose cream-based cleansers, and apply toners and astringents sparingly, if at all. Many astringents contain alcohol, which can further dry your skin. When your skin is dry and itchy stop using products that contain alcohol and fragrances in order to help skin retain its natural oils. Its good to be using products which contains more fatty acids, nutrient rich plant-based oils, vitamin B, and ceramides as these will all strengthen the skin barrier as well as increasing levels of hydration. It’s not necessarily about more product, but the way you use your current products. It is also good idea to give your skin a gentle exfoliation every 2 weeks. And to add in some masks containing hydrating ingredients such as – hyaluronic acid, aloe, honey and at night, a richer moisturizer on your face and neck. All of the products that I recommend below are 100% natural, astringent free, free from alcohol, parabens and chemicals and are all
Here are my Key go to products that I use and recommend to all of my clients during the winter months and what I swear by:
Daily Cleanser:
I love these creamy cleansers, they are perfect for winter skin and keeping skin protected without depleting the skin's natural moisture levels. It works so well to remove makeup and sunscreen. Smells glorious too!
Botanicals Nourish Cream Cleanser - With Rose and Camellia
For Normal, Dry and Mature skins
A pure and natural daily cleanser to help achieve a balanced, revitalised complexion, without depleting the skin’s natural moisture levels. Essential extracts of skin-nourishing rose and anti-oxidant white tea are blended with hydrating palmarosa, and revitalising rose geranium.
Botanicals Organic Skincare contains the best quality, sustainable, certified organic and natural ingredients to promote both personal and environmental health and wellbeing. All products are made fresh in small batches to preserve their active botanical properties, and processing methods ensure that the active nutrient (vital life force) of the plant isn't destroyed by heat or over-processing.
It works so well to remove makeup and sunscreen. Smells glorious too!
I also have
Botanicals Gentle Cream Cleanser - With Mandarin and Chamomile
For Normal, Sensitive and Problem skin
Your 3 in 1 Cleansing, Balancing and Moisturising Make-up Remover
With key ingredients (all certified organic): shea butter, cocoa butter, aloe vera, marigold extract, lavender oil, mandarin oil, chamomile oil.
BALANCE and BRIGHTEN YOUR COMPLEXION without depleting the skin’s natural moisture levels, through a skin-balancing blend of lavender and mandarin in this pure and natural cleanser. No chemicals, no parabens, no alcohol. Cruelty free and suitable for Vegans.
Daily Skin Toner:
Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater
For all skin types
The Forest Essentials Facial Tonic Mist Pure Rosewater is prepared from steam distillation, in which the most vivid and soft petals of voluptuous Roses are used to extract its essential oil. The intense strain of the residual floral water from this process is extremely light, naturally hydrating and fragrant. This is captured in each spritz of our Rosewater for the face, which is cooling, soothing and moisturizing. We use the freshest, highest quality Rose sourced from the verdant city of Kannauj, which is infused in this Pure Rosewater for the face. This beautiful flower is also known as Desi Gulab in Ayurveda.
This hydrating and fragrant Rosewater helps tone the skin, while minimizing enlarged pores. Natural astringent. It balances and restores skin’s pH level and helps tighten pores.
Free from chemicals, parabens and petrochemicals. Non-alcoholic refresher that helps remove the residue of the previous cleansing procedures such as removing of makeup.
It tones, diminishes fine lines and hydrates the skin.
Skin Nourishing Serum:
Marie Jardin Hyaluronic Acid Serum
For all Skin Types
Scientifically proven effect of less wrinkles after 4 weeks. Application: 2x daily (morning & evening))
Immediate and intense moisturising effect
Activates the skin’s own UV protection, regenerates cells and protects from free radicals
Has a high concentration of Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Organic apple juice, Grape seed oil, Dandelion extract and Sunflower seed oil.
It improves your skin texture and helps with reducing dark circles around the eyes.
Suitable for sensitive skin and any mixed skin types. Can be combined with a day- or night care cream as well as any anti-wrinkle cream.
🌱 100% FREE OF: Hormones, mineral oils, parabens, silicon, and micro plastic. This natural hyaluronic acid serum is fully vegan and was not tested on animals. It is also GM-free.
🌱 MADE IN AUSTRIA: High quality natural cosmetics by Marie Jardin. Produced 100% sustainably in Austria. The brown glass protects the hyaluronic acids from light and improves its durability.
This hyaluronic acid also known as hyaluronan is the most natural way to prevent skin aging. Hyaluronan is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by the body and contributes intensively to a firm and elastic skin texture. With increasing age, our body’s ability to produce hyaluronan diminishes more and more. The endogenous hyaluronan reservoirs start to get smaller and smaller from the age of 25. As well as exposure to ultraviolet tradition and light from the sun, tobacco smoke and pollution, which can all decrease its amount in the skin. Because of this, it is important to supply the skin already in younger years with hyaluronic acid serum externally through a high quality, natural serum.
As you may know Hyaluronic acid's main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well lubricated and moist. It can help your skin to look and feel more supple, hydrated which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look firmer and more youthful.
This is the one that I would recommend because of its many skin loving ingredients that benefit the skin and provide it with the nourishment that it needs in the winter months.
Daily Face and Neck Moisturiser:
Botanicals Nourish Moisturiser - With Rose and Camellia
For Normal, Dry and Mature skins
A skin-nourishing daily moisturiser which is easily absorbed, leaving no oily residue. Enriched with (all certified organic): shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil, aloe vera, carrot oil, white tea extract, green tea extract, wild rose, rose geranium, lavender, ylang ylang and palmarosa. This gentle Rose & Camellia moisturiser helps promote the skin’s natural balance.
I also have - Botanicals Gentle Face Moisturiser - Mandarin and Chamomile Balancing Daily Moisturising lotion
For Normal, Sensitive and Problem Skin
Key ingredients (all certified organic): Shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil, jojoba, aloe vera, marigold extract, lavender, mandarin & chamomile essential oils
Which helps promote the skin’s natural balance. It's non greasy formula makes it ideal for use under make-up.
Specific Skin Concerns:
Many of the clients that I see often suffer with Eczema, Psoriasis, Rosacea and Dermatitis.
The cream that I recommend and use if my skin has a flare up during the winter months is:
Eco drop Organic Eczema Cream
It features a special blend of essential nutrients made to help soothe and calm inflamed skin and is gentle enough for daily use. It helps to soothe, repair and hydrate the skin.
Considered the "ultimate rescue cream" it will ease all skin issues brought about by dermatitis or psoriasis. It calms the skin down, preventing debilitating flare-ups and repairs skin cells by hydrating and moisturising dry skin. It also helps heal inflamed and itchy skin and helps those with extremely dry skin.
Key Ingredients of Organic Jojoba oil, Organic Sweet almond oil, Organic Essential oil of Geranium and Lavender oil, Organic Shea butter, Organic Tea tree oil, Organic Rose Otto hydrosol, Vitamin C and E, Organic Aloe vera gel.
100% organic, chemical free, vegan friendly, paraben free.
Night Creams:
Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream
For Dry, Combination and Normal Skin
A buttery night cream that works to nourish and hydrate the skin during sleep. It plumps and firms to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also restores skin suppleness and soothes, providing anti-oxidant defence against free radical damage. Leaves your skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.
Nourishes and hydrates the skin during sleep
Plumps and firms
Feels soothing and comforting upon application
Leaves skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated
Eco drop Youth Elixir Organic Anti-Ageing Cream - With Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid
For All Skin Types
Slow down the hands of time and reclaim your youthful and vibrant looking skin!
As we age, our skin’s inner layer begins to get thinner, causing our skin cells to divide more slowly, giving the skin less structure. This adds to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. We might not be able to stop time, but to try and “slow it down” is a big possibility.
Ecodrop’s Organic Anti Ageing Face Cream is an all organic day and night cream made for you to get younger looking skin!
Key Ingredients of Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Argan oil, Organic Avocado oil, Organic Shea butter, Hyaluronic acid, Retinol Vitamin A, Organic Rosehip oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E oil, Organic essential oils of Frankincense and Sandalwood.
Lip Care:
Madara Hemp Hemp Lip Conditioning Balm
This hydrating and protecting lip balm offers complete comfort and softness from the very first application.
Formulated with richly nourishing olive oil, shea butter, and conditioning hemp oil that energizes skins protective barrier. Rich in essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6, the hemp oil also provides a significant supply of antioxidants that provide strong anti-ageing effects. Also contains Coconut oil, Sea-buckthorn extract, Camomile flower extract and Calendula extract.
Prevents skin dryness and provides extreme comfort all day long.
TASTE & FRAGRANCE / for minimalists Very quiet and subtle, slightly green and citrusy with hints of nutty hemp.
100% NATURAL, 89% ORGANIC.
NO parabens, NO petrochemicals, NO synthetic fragrances or colours.
Only pure ingredients for soft and kissable lips.
Daily SPF:
Kimberly Sayer Anti-Oxidant Daily Moisturising Cream SPF30
For Dry, Normal and Sensitive Skins
Highly Recommended by myself as I use this everyday come rain or shine as a day moisturiser with mineral SPF protection and anti ageing protection.
Cold pressed Borage Oil, fortifies cell growth and provides anti-aging benefits.
This non-toxic sunblock is derived from minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to offer broad spectrum protection from the sun (UVA and UVB) without irritating the most sensitive of skins.
Oat Beta Glucan protects skin against UV-A oxidative stress, free radicals and reduces transepidermal moisture loss.
Contains anti- oxidant Beech Bud extract, an anti-ageing and anti-wrinkling ingredient. Heals aged damaged cells. Nettle extract promotes cellular growth.
Use daily and under make-up.
A luxurious daily hydrating cream with live organic extracts, anti-oxidants and organic sunscreens to help protect against free radical damage. Helps diminish winkles and increases cell turnover.
Highly recommended to use during the winter months and extreme weather conditions. Especially when using blue light, which is from laptops, computers, hand held devices, TV screens and smart phones.
Blue light is more damaging than uv light from the sun. It can lead to changes in your skin cells, such as cell shrinkage and speeds up the ageing process. As well as brown spots, redness and hyper pigmentation such as melanoma and photoaging and the breakdown of collagen and Elastin in the skin. The damage is cumulative and can disrupt the natural rhythm of your skin cell regeneration cycle, which can potentially cause more skin damage over time. Please use daily to protect your skin from this blue light that causes free radical damage and cell degeneration which causes skin sagging and premature wrinkles and ageing in the skin. Even just as short as 60 minutes can trigger these changes to the skin.
Nourishing Daily Hand Cream:
The best hand cream that I can recommend for dry winter hands, I absolutely love this hand cream and it also helps condition and nourish your cuticles and nails. It's a win win hand cream and I highly recommend this hand cream
Aliver Intensive Hand and Nail Treatment
Organic Hemp Oil Hand Cream contains 100% natural ingredients and plant extracts
Hemp Oil is rich in essential fatty acids and Omega 3,6 and 9, essential for healthy looking skin.
For Intense hydration and lasting relief for dry hands.
Softens, Nourishes and Replenishing
Bioactive Hemp seed oil, Aloe Vera, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Camphor Bark Oil, Apple Fruit Extract, Horsetail Extract, Gurjum Balsam Oil, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Cypress Seed Extract, Hop Extract, Palmarosa Oil, Lemon Peel Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Jojoba Oil, Lavender Oil, Vetiver Root Oil, Geranium Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol Serum and Vitamin E
No animal testing or ingredients, no THC, non-GMO, cruelty free and chemical free
Dermatologically tested for very dry skin and containing community trade hemp seed oil; one of the best hand creams for dry hands, soothing and hydrating skin that's left to the elements
FAST ACTING CREAM – Rub thoroughly for 30 seconds for optimal absorption. Lowers swelling from inflamed atopic itchy rashes
SUPERIOR ABSORPTION: Absorbs quickly. Helps with skin conditions & supports the body’s natural healing processes.
This unique, non-greasy formula intensively moisturizes, and is enriched with buffered alpha hydroxy to gently exfoliate.
Discover noticeably smoother hands after just one application.
Effectively hydrates and moisturises damaged skin while offering superior hand skin barrier protection from exposure to extreme weather conditions and excessively washing hands.
This hand cream can heals, relieves, and repairs extremely dry, cracked hands. The skin's natural barrier can be damaged, which leads to increased water loss that causes dry, cracked hands. It not only protects skin from further water loss, but the hand cream also draws moisture to the skin. The protective barrier seals in that moisture, reducing the rate of evaporation.
Weekly Treatments To Use During The Winter Months
Facial Scrubs that I recommend:
Sukin Super Greens Detoxifying Facial Scrub
A blend of kale, chlorella, spirulina and parsley promote a detoxifying, antioxidants and vitamins to the skin, while liquorice and lime peel promotes a clear, radiant healthy, glowing complexion while micro jojoba beads and bamboo gently exfoliate the skin to remove dirt and impurities.
Contains no Sulphates (SLS & SLES), No Synthetic Fragrances, No Animal Derivatives, No Harsh Detergents and Chemicals, No Propylene Glycol, No Artificial colours or preservatives, No Triethanolamine, No Mineral Oils, No EDTA and No Parabens, 100% Vegan, No Animal Testing
Natura Siberica Gentle Face Peeling for Normal and Dry Skin
This gentle exfoliator using Siberia herbs gives instant skin renewal. Containing Meadowsweet and AHA-acids and Vitamin E. Gently exfoliates and renews the skin, improving the complexion and creating smoother and clearer looking skin.
Gently removes dead skin cells
Improves the complexion
Strengthen and protects
Promotes cell regeneration
Suitable for normal and dry skin
Contains no Parabéns, PEG, Silicones, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes, Glycols and Mineral Oils.
Green People Fruit Scrub
A natural exfoliator to deeply cleanse all skin types
A highly effective yet gentle natural exfoliator for instant radiance.
A skin-brightening, organic facial scrub with nourishing Shea butter
Contains ultra-fine exfoliating particles of Bamboo and Bentonite clay
Buffs away dead, dull and dry skin to reveal a smoother complexion
Hibiscus, known as the ‘Botox plant’, has a skin-firming effect
Infused with the light and uplifting aroma of natural Orange Blossom
90% organic
Naturally No - SLS, SLES, methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, irritating emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance, PABA-sunscreen, gluten, colourants, petrochemicals, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs.
Suitable for those who may be prone to eczema and psoriasis.
Weekly Facial Masks That I Recommend:
Nature Siberica Nourishing Face Mask - with Organic Aralia Mandshurica Hydrolate
Aralia Mandshurica, a unique plant adaptogen, hand-picked and collected in the wild, is packed with vitamins B and C and flavonoids. Flavonoids protect skin from external exposure and nourish dry skin, improving its tone.
Organic Siberian Pine oil nourishes and softens skin. Hyaluronic acid deeply moisturises skin, increasing its firmness and elasticity. Plus, antioxidant vitamin E helps to slow down the ageing process of skin.
This mask deeply nourishes and hydrates dry skin, restoring its tone and energy
Nutrition and replenishment for dry and dull skin
Aralia mandshurica is packed with vitamins B and C and flavonoids. Flavonoids protect skin from external exposure and nourish dry skin, improving its tone.
Organic Siberian pine oil nourishes and softens skin. Hyaluronic acid deeply moisturises skin, increases firmness and elasticity. Antioxidant vitamin E helps to slow down the ageing process of skin
Made using gentle hydrolates (floral water). hydrolate is extracted via gentle distillation, ensuring all the valuable antioxidant and active elements remain.
Naturally No - SLS, SLES, methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, irritating emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance, PABA-sunscreen, gluten, colourants, petrochemicals, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs.
Not Having A Winter Skin Care Routine:
The downsides of not changing your routine is that you won’t be giving your skin everything it needs to protect you – its main role!
It’s important to regularly check in with your skin and if you’re not sure it’s got everything it needs, book in for a consultation. Kelly will be able to analyse your skin and provide guidance on how best to care for your skin, season by season.
It’s incredibly important to do any skincare routines and rituals with care – it’s in the name. The more love you give to your skin, the better it will become. Treat your skin routine as your own time to check in with yourself, have contact with yourself and reconnect to your skin and body.
Personalised Skincare Analysis:
A personalised Skincare Analyis, gives you the insight into your skins unique needs that will enable you to make smarter, more effective decisions when it comes to your skincare. It helps you discover products with active ingredients that are right for you. Your skin is like no one else's and its needs are varied. It helps you to reach your skin goals and offers lifestyle tweeps to incorporate, so you have all the tools you need to achieve your best skin.
Kelly will take a closer look at your skin and work with you to create a skin plan that fits around your lifestyle, timing and budget.
If there is something particular you would like to focus on, please let us know.
To book a Skincare Consultation with me either live on Zoom or to forward a recent picture of yourself and send it to me with your skin concerns that you have. The cost of your consultation is re-deemed against any facial treatment in the future or on any products that are recommended.
We will send your personalised report to you in the next 48 hours.
If you would like to find out more or would like to book some time with Kelly please message Kelly here and she will get back to you with all the details.
If you would also like to find out more about Kelly and the Facials that she offer please visit the website.
And to find out more about ways you can look after your skin more and keeping it healthy over the winter months, please check out Kelly's other skin healthy blog posts below:
Wishing you healthy and well this January
Best Wishes
Kelly From Pure Bliss Holistic Therapies
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Visit us at: www.pureblissretreats.co.uk
Email us at: pureblissretreats@mail.com