WINTER can be a rough time for your skin, and these common mistakes can make it even worse.
A skincare expert has revealed the everyday errors that are enhancing your wrinkles.
A skincare expert has revealed the common cold weather mistakes that could be speeding up the ageing process (stock image)[/caption]
Joseph Cann, co-founder of Branded Makeup, broke down the beauty mistakes that are ageing your skin faster during the colder months
Many of us are guilty of putting skincare on the back burner once summer is over.
However, autumn and winter are the time of year when your skin needs the most help, according to pros.
From cold winds outside to dry heating inside, and less sunlight overall, your complexion goes through it at this time of year.
“Colder weather puts your skin under more pressure than most people realise,” said Cann.
“And often it’s the everyday stuff you don’t think twice about that does the real damage.”
Ignoring SPF
Even though the sun may no longer be shining as regularly, it is still as important as ever to apply your SPF.
“UV rays don’t pack up when the temperature drops,” explained Cann.
“Even through clouds, up to 80% can still reach your skin.”
This means invisible damage is happening every day, quietly building into wrinkles and dark spots years down the line.
Scalding hot showers
And while it feels amazing to crank the heat in your shower on a freezing morning, your skin isn’t enjoying it as much as you are.
“Hot water washes away the oils your skin actually needs to stay healthy,” Cann explained.
While hot showers can be great for warming up on cold winter mornings, they’re not good for your skin (stock image)[/caption]
“Keep it up long enough and you’ll notice more dryness, irritation, and a barrier that just doesn’t do its job.”
So those long, steamy showers that feel amazing might secretly be speeding up the ageing process.
According to the skincare pro, the trick is simply keeping the water warm instead of scorching and cutting the shower time down a little.
Most important skincare advice
Faye Purcell, Head of Research & Development at Q+A Skincare shared her knowledge with Fabulous.
What skincare advice would you like everyone to know/follow?
Can I give two! Firstly, wear SPF daily and secondly, double cleanse! Wearing SPF daily, even on cloudy days and during the winter months, is one of the most important things you can do for your skin.
Double cleansing is one of the most effective (and often overlooked) ways to upgrade your skincare routine – especially if you wear sunscreen, makeup, or live in a busy polluted city. I’d suggest an evening double cleanse for best results.
What is a big skincare myth?
Luxury doesn’t mean more effective. You absolutely do not need to spend a fortune on skincare to get great results and Q+A is the perfect example of this. Many affordable products use the same active ingredients as luxury brands like hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C, peptides, or salicylic acid – we use these in lots of our face and body products. A smart, consistent routine with well-formulated products – regardless of price – is what truly delivers results.
If someone is new to skincare, what’s one product you’d recommend them and why?
A moisturiser with SPF. Moisturising daily is an essential for all skin types and can make a perceivable difference to the appearance of the skin quickly. As SPF is also essential, combining these two steps can build good habits quickly and prevent skin cancer. Not only is SPF essential for protecting the skin from sun damage/skin cancer but also helps keep premature ageing at bay e.g. wrinkles/pigmentation.
Q+A have three excellent facial SPF50s (£15 each) – Peptide Anti-Ageing SPF50, Niacinamide Balancing SPF50 and Squalane Hydrating SPF50, that are available from Sephora and Holland & Barrett.
What is Q+A’s number one best seller?
Our Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum. It’s our number one best-seller one is sold every 90 seconds!
When it comes to the body, it’s the Q+A Salicylic Acid Body Wash – we sell one every two minutes.
Q+A is available from Sephora, Holland & Barrett, selected Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose stores and qandaskin.com.
And if you want the spa feeling, drop a little oil into your bath – you’ll get the indulgence without frying your skin’s barrier.
Going overboard with exfoliation
It may be tempting to scrub even harder if you notice your skin flaking.
However, this can do your skin more damage than good, according to the pro.
“Over-exfoliating strips off too much of the protective layer,” Cann revealed.
“That leaves skin red, sensitive, and more likely to age faster.”
Instead, take it easy and opt for something more gentle once a week.
Lactic acid can help to smooth things out without wrecking your skin.
And your moisturiser will actually work better afterwards too, since it won’t just sit on angry, over-scrubbed skin.
Over-exfoliating your face can cause more damage than good, according to experts (stock image)[/caption]
But you need to make sure that you’re switching up your moisturiser for the season.
“Light summer lotions just don’t cut it when the heating’s on full blast and the air is cold and dry,” Cann pointed out.
“Your skin needs something heavier – look for ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
“They don’t just coat the surface, they strengthen the barrier and trap water in.”
Reaching for alcohol-heavy products
And while lots of toners and cleansers can feel refreshing because of alcohol, Cann explained these are one of the biggest culprits for ageing skin.
“Products high in alcohol give you the illusion of clean, but they’re stripping your skin dry,” Cann warned.
“Your oil glands overreact, breakouts follow, and collagen starts breaking down – so lines appear earlier.”
That sharp ‘”fresh’” sting you get when applying toner is not a good sign.
“If alcohol is one of the first five ingredients, that product is not doing your skin any favours. Swap it for something gentler and more hydrating,” Cann suggested.
More on beauty buys
And Aldi has brought back a La Mer dupe that’s £150 cheaper and will save your skin this winter.
Plus, a round-up of different cream eye shadow at all price points ahead of party season.
And a top beauty brand stocked in Boots has shut down its UK factory.
A pharmacist has revealed the half-price dupe you can pick up for a £40 No7 cream.
Plus, the Home Bargains buy that has been described as a dupe for Sol de Janeiro.
