With the drop in temperature, there come plenty of things to look forward to this season – from soothing cups of hot chocolate to uber-fashionable winter coats and knee-high boots – but we’re quite sure that dry, scaly skin isn’t one of them!
We bring you expert advice to ensure that you look your stunning best this holiday season. Our resident beauty guru and skin doctor to the stars, POPxo Style Council member Dr Rabia Malik answers all your nagging winter beauty concerns.
What To Include In Your Skincare Regime During The Cooler Months
Now is the time to detoxify your skin care regime. Avoid products with too many chemicals, in particular cleansers containing sulphates in them, which can irritate and dry the skin, so make sure to have a look at the ingredients of your products.
Consider switching to richer, oil based products, particularly at night, to provide increased hydration and nourishment to your skin. For example: rosehip oil, almond and coconut oils as ingredients are perfect for fighting dryness during this season.
Also Read Rosehip Seed Oil Benefits
Dealing With Chapped Lips
You can’t expect a soft, healthy pucker if you don’t exfoliate. Get rid of any superficial dry skin cells and chapping by gently exfoliating your lips – you can use a specific exfoliator like LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub, or otherwise a toothbrush, dipped in warm water.
Then, use a Shea butter based lip balm like Burt’s Bees or L’Occitane Lip Balm Stick and emu oil at night for a gorgeous, lip-smacking pout.
For persistent, severely dry/ chapped lips, ask your doctor for a blood test, as this can sometimes be indicative of a trace element or mineral deficiency.
Keep Your Locks Lush This Season
Try to incorporate a deeply hydrating mask into your regime once a week to keep the scalp nourished. You could also do an oil-based (vitamin E/ almond/ coconut) scalp massage once a week to keep your mane healthy and happy. Plus, it’s oh-so-relaxing!
What Your Skin Doctor Wants You To Know…
Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, even in winter! UV rays can be harmful all year round so choose a mineral based sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 for some no-fail skin protection.
The Hair Care Products I Recommend During This Season
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Switch to a hydrating shampoo once a week like Organix TeaTree Mint Shampoo.
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Use an intense moisture hair mask/ treatment once every fortnight. I like Pureology Hydrate Hydracure Masque, or just pure coconut oil left in overnight can make all the difference.
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Use a thermal protection product to prevent split ends/dehydrated hair, particularly if you are using heated styling tools.
The Skincare Products I Recommend This Season
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A high SPF like Avene Eau Thermale
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An antioxidant serum
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Rosehip oil at night, alternating with a more intensive vitamin A based product to encourage skin cell renewal.
MUST-READ: Rabia Malik on Perfecting Your Night Time Skin Care Ritual