How to hydrate and replenish sensitive dry Winter Skin

Different Season - Different Skin CareAs the seasons change our skin has develops different needs as well and most of us have to adjust our skin care. My own skin has become dry in areas as the temperatures dropped recently and I also had some redness and sensitivity. I have just received an email from one of my lovely clients asking me about a good skin care routine, product tips and facial recommendations for her dry/sensitive and dehydrated skin that also shows redness on the cheeks. She works in an air conditioned office and prefers natural skincare. In the lead up to her wedding day she wants her skin to be best. Don't we all? I got a little carried away with my response, spending about one hour to write recommendations and tips for her, so I thought I might as well share this with all of you, as we can all do with a little TLC for our Winter skins.

The Gentle Cleanse If you are still using a foaming cleanser now is the time to ditch it, it most likely will strip the skin of it's moisture and natural oils that it needs to stay healthy and hydrated. Go for a super gentle cream-, balm-, or milk cleanser and use it to double cleanse. You can use these with your Clearisonic as well. The Calming Cream Cleanser by Z'kin is excellent for sensitive Skin. La Mav Hydra Calm Cleansing Crème formulated with Bio-Flavonoids, Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter to moisturize and cleanse the skin which will reveal a clear, bright, smooth feeling skin. I also love the SMOOTH Cleanser from Miskinorganics and another current favourite is Bloom Glow&Polish a unique cleansing paste that you freshly mix prior to application all these are replenishing the skin while removing makeup and cleansing away impurities.

The Key: Moisturize! Find a nourishing moisturizer that protects the skin from further moisture loss. Use 2x a day or use a different day and night cream if you prefer. If my skin is red, reactive and very sensitive it's in need for instant calming action my go to products are Zk'in Relief Moisturizer and Triology Very Gentle Calming Serum, the names say it all! For dry skin I recommend a very rich balmy moisturizer at night, and even apply it as mask in a thick layer when watching a movie or reading at home. Air conditioning and dry air from heaters is really bad for already dry skin, so please make sure you apply a lovely rich moisturizer and/or foundation as barrier to protect the skin. Trilogy Rosapene™ Night Cream works a treat as replenishing mask. Loaded with Antioxidants in a unique oil blend, manuka honey and Goji this will restore your skin quickly. You can also try incooperate pure organic Oils like Rosehip oil into your routine: Try nutrient rich oils like Rosehip. The trick to using oils effectively is to mix them with water. They absorb so much better this way. Mix equal parts oil and water in your hands, and rub together vigorously before massaging the mixture onto your face. I like to spritz my face with a hydtrating spray before applying oils. Use alone, or layered under your usual moisturizer. Everyone is talking about Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, believe the hype! It's pure skincare at it's best.

Hydration: The Spritz! Hydrating sprays can be very beneficial to have handy on your desk, together with some handcream & lipbalm, especially if you are working in an air conditioned office. Jane Iredale makes my favourite ones, certified organic filled with lovely armomatherapy oils they are the ultimate luxury and the bottles are super pretty too.

Keep Young! To target and prevent fine lines it's a good idea to have a powerful anti ageing eyecream as part of your regime. My favourites are; Tata Harper Restorative Eye Cream, Z'kin Line Smoothing Serum, La Mav Bio A7 Firming Eye Lotion

Shake it off! Keep exfoliating. You can find my guide on exfoliation here. Incoporate healthy fats in your diet like avocado and flaxseed oil, coconut oil and nuts and of course make sure you drink enough water. If you are feeling less thirsty in the colder season try herbal teas and spicy chais (without black tea) which will warm you up, increase circulation and help you to stay hydrated. I hope this helps! Feel free to post any questions or your personal tips and experience in the comments below. :)