Expert Insight with Dr Qian Xu: Nurturing your healthy skin through winter

The pursuit of healthy skin is a lifelong endeavour, and each season brings with it distinct challenges. As winter sets in, your skin demands special care and attention. The colder, dry conditions strip our skin of its natural moisture and that dry, cracked feeling is an important reminder that our skin is our barrier against the harms of our environment.

Healthy skin is a reflection of the health inside your body.

What does healthy skin look like?

All of our skin is unique, it is why some skin treatments will work for a friend but not as well for you. But healthy skin has some similar characteristics;

Tone:

A healthy skin is typically characterised by a uniform complexion with minimal pigmentation irregularities and the absence of patchiness or redness in areas. Having an even skin tone is a sign of healthy skin and will often appear more radiant.

Hydration:

Healthy skin isn’t dry. If your skin is healthy it will retain moisture well. Well-hydrated skin appears to be plumper. Having good hydration is more than skin deep, ensuring your skin isn’t dry safeguards the skin’s function as a barrier from external elements.

Smoothness:

Smoothness is another attribute of healthy skin. It can mean the absence of wrinkles or the presence of only fine lines. Deep wrinkles may signal significant collagen loss or skin thickening due to sun damage.

Firmness:

Healthy skin boasts good elasticity, resisting sagging and loss of structural support. Firm skin stands as a barrier against the visible signs of premature ageing and helps you retain a youthful appearance

Winter Skin Care for Health and Radiance:

Winter is a challenging time for all of our skin. The colder, dry conditions begin to strip our skin of its natural moistures. It isn’t just the elements outside that your skin has to contend with, outside its cold air, chilling winds, but inside with the radiators on there is a dry heat. These contrasting conditions will make your skin grow dryer, tighter and more irritated.

To care for your skin this winter make sure you: 

Moisturise Properly: In winter’s cold and dry air, maintaining skin moisture becomes a priority. Opt for a rich, hydrating moisturiser containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture and sustain the plumpness of your skin.

Gentle Cleansing: While the drier weather builds up dry, flakey skin, it is important to take a softer approach to cleansing. Harsh soaps and cleansers that keep your skin radiant in Summer may strip away the reduced natural oils from the skin. Mild, hydrating cleansers will serve your skin better in Winter. Alumier’s HydraBoost Cleanser is a great winter cleanser.

Sun Protection: Don’t be fooled by winter’s reduced daylight; UV rays remain potent. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against skin damage and premature ageing. Sunscreen is a year-round essential.

Eat a balanced Diet: Nutrition plays a pivotal role in skin health. A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can fortify the skin from within, promoting a healthy, radiant complexion.

Stay Hydrated: Keeping your skin hydrated from both inside and outside is essential. We often drink less water in Winter, which doesn’t help the skin’s battle to stay hydrated. Make sure you are drinking plenty to look after the inside. Use a good moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated from the outside. We recommend Alumier’s HydraDew for normal skin and HydraRich if you have drier skin.

Humidify Your Indoor Environment: Indoor heating systems can rob the air of moisture, contributing to skin dryness. Utilise a humidifier to reintroduce moisture to your surroundings and alleviate the impact of indoor heating on your skin.

Speak to a skin specialist: If you are experiencing any difficulties or changes to your skin as the weather changes it is best to book a consultation with a medical skin care professional. Your skin is individual and it is important that your treatment plan is designed with your needs in mind.

Achieving and maintaining healthy skin is an ongoing commitment. It extends beyond the absence of skin diseases and encompasses an even tone, optimal hydration, smooth texture, and firmness. As winter approaches, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect and nurture your skin to make sure you maintain your healthy glow.

About Dr. Qian Xu: 

Dr. Qian Xu has been practising medicine since 2008. Her struggles with her skin led her to her passion for helping other people find their smiles in their own skin.

Starting her professional aesthetics journey in 2012, Dr Qian quickly became one of the lead trainers at the Harley Academy. As the Doctor who taught practitioners how to provide aesthetic treatments, you can be certain your skin is in the best hands.

While continuing to treat patients within the NHS, Dr Qian has combined the two specialities to create a holistic approach to skincare. Looking good is more than skin deep. Understanding the complete picture of your lifestyle and general health, she makes a bespoke plan for your skin to rejuvenate and remain healthy.

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