We might be overly optimistic but we're completely ready for sunnier days. Our skin, however, could do with a little more TLC after months of central heating and searing cold air.
To find out how to get glowing skin, we spoke with experts to discover the best ingredients and find out their top skincare tips. Plus, we've share some of our summer skincare must-haves below.
Switch up your cleanser
Steer clear of harsh, stripping formulas which can compromise your skin's natural barrier and cause further irritation. Instead, opt for creamy and milky textures which are gentler on the skin. For extremely dry skin types, a comforting balm or oil cleanser will get rid of grime while ensuring skin feels comfortable and soft.
Look for simple, hydrating formulas with glycerin, ceramides and calming ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe extracts. Non-comedogenic oils like sweet almond and grapeseed will also work wonders on most skin types.
Jordan Samuel Skin The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
Incorporate an exfoliant
When it comes to dry, rough or dull skin, ramping up your exfoliation is the most important tweak you can make to your winter routine, said Tom Ogden of Alpha-H skincare.
"When the old cells on the surface of the skin start dehydrating, they don't shed as quickly as they should and create a physical barrier that skincare struggles to penetrate. Exfoliation not only removes those dead cells, but encourages production of new cells which release important oils and ceramides as they rise to the surface, helping skin to keep itself well-moisturised."
Go easy by swiping a mild liquid exfoliant with a cotton pad on your complexion (be careful around the eyes) once or twice a week, in the evenings, to see how your skin reacts. Glycolic and lactic acids (known as alpha-hydroxy acids) work on skin surface while salicylic acid (a type of beta-hydroxy acid) is oil soluble and penetrates deep inside the pores to de-clog and tackle acne issues. Be mindful to protect your skin in the daytime with at least SPF30 as acids can increase sun sensitivity.
Don't sleep on vitamin C
Ask any derm about their favourite ingredients for radiant skin and vitamin C ranks high on the list.
This antioxidant helps neutralise unstable compounds known as free radicals, which are associated with ageing. Aside from offering protection from environmental damage, vitamin C also helps to stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, plumper skin. Plus, it interrupts the production and transfer of the pigment melanin to banish uneven skin tone and age spots.
If you have sensitive skin, start with a low percentage vitamin C as it can tingle at high concentrations. Research suggests that an ascorbic acid (the most effective form of vitamin C) serum at 10-20% is best, but even gentler formulas can give great results over time. Unlike the acids mentioned above, vitamin C can be used in the morning, under SPF to boost protection or at night.
Introduce an oil
Supplement your own lipids with a good lightweight facial oil which absorbs quickly. "Any oil or oil-based serum will help to rebuild that first barrier," said skin expert Fiona Brackenbury.
Top tip: If your skin is particularly dry or sensitive, warm your facial oil in the palms of your hands and smooth it over your forehead, cheeks and down on your neck.
If your priority is to restore radiance, skincare expert Caroline Hirons recommends taking 10-20 seconds to massage it in once a day.
Oils with additional vitamin C helps boost brightness while those with anti-inflammatory ingredients (think prickly pear and calendula) work wonders on stressed complexions. If you're particularly sensitive, opt for one without any essential oils.
Moisturise the right way
Opt for lighter creams containing ceramides, phospholipids and essential fatty acids from plant sources that the skin recognises as something similar to its own lipids, and can use to rebuild its barrier. "With thick moisturisers, there's less chance of it penetrating and this is key when you're trying to hydrate," said Caroline.
Try using a hyaluronic acid serum layered underneath your regular moisturiser which will deliver better hydration to your skin than its heavier counterparts. "Heavy creams get their richness from mineral oil and petrolatum, which do nothing for the skin and trick the epidermis into thinking it's hydrated when it's really not," explained Lixirskin founder Colette Haydon.
Mist and Mask
Caroline is a big fan of a great hydrating mist. "I promise you'll feel the benefits very quickly. I use them after cleansing and before applying my serum and after applying my moisturiser and throughout the day," she advised. There are also mists formulated with glow-giving ingredients such as Pixi Glow Mist. Simply spritz generously for radiant skin in no time.
Top Tip: For an extra skin treat, use a glow-boosting mask weekly. An exfoliating formula, when used in the evenings, will have you waking up looking fresh while a hydrating mask will keep skin feeling plump and healthy.
Youth To The People Adaptogen Soothe + Hydrate Activated Mist
Try a low-maintenance tan
Even if you don't usually use tanning products, this could be the time to try a self tanner to restore the glow.
Self-tanning drops such as Clarins Radiance-Plus Glow Booster for Face and Isle of Paradise Light Self Tanning Drops can be quickly mixed into your moisturisers to create an even, natural-looking hint of colour to your complexion.
Treat this as the the final step to help liven up your skin. Simply add a bright lip and you're all set!
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