Are you searching for winter skincare ideas this season?

Or how to give your skin a boost before a special festive occasion?

These are things I’m often asked about at this time of year, and this season, our skin is facing a double assault – not only from the harsh winter climate, but also, another national lockdown. Extremes of temperature, stress, and overindulging in alcohol and fatty foods all pose a danger to our skin – so how can we look after ourselves this season? Here are my top tips.

FOCUS ON HYDRATION

In-clinic treatments might be on-hold for the time being, but while we’re in lockdown, there is so much we can do to help get our skin looking its best.

I’ve talked before about how important it is to maintain a regular skincare routine, so if you don’t have one in place, now might be the time – and if you do, don’t let it slip!

Your skin is going to be exposed to dramatic changes in temperature over the next few months – you come in from the outside cold, and your skin is immediately hit by the dry warmth of indoor heating. So, your regime really needs to focus on keeping your skin well hydrated.

It might seem counterintuitive, but long, hot showers actually dry out the skin – so try to take shorter, cooler showers. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead, dry skin – but use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, which will only dry out your skin even more.

Moisturise every day with a dedicated hydrating cream for your skin type, and make sure you still use an SPF sunscreen even if you are staying indoors. High-energy visible light from the computer screens you might be using while in lockdown, as well as the UV radiation from the winter sun, are both harmful to the skin – and sunscreen can help protect you from both.

DON’T SKIP THE VITAMINS

As you’ll be inside more, and things like stress-eating and an abundance of festive foods come into play, you won’t necessarily be getting the right kind and right amount of nutrients.

It’s easier said than done, but try to avoid overindulging in fatty, carbohydrate-heavy foods, or drinking too much. An unhealthy diet really can play havoc with your skin, but also, make you feel more sluggish and out of sorts overall.

Supplements are a good way of making sure you get the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Vitamin A,B, C and D supplements are all great for keeping your immune system strong, as well as boosting your wellbeing and helping to avoid the winter blues. Collagen and Omega-3 fatty acids are excellent supplements for keeping your skin hydrated and healthy-looking.

TREATING YOURSELF

When clinics reopen again, there are a few treatments I would recommend that are especially good for winter skin.

Chemical peels and microneedling are both great ways of getting rid of dry, dull looking skin. They promote blood flow and boost collagen production in the face, making you appear refreshed and more youthful. Another popular treatment I recommend is an injectable moisturiser that boosts hydration where your skin needs it most.

After all the ups and downs of 2020, we deserve to enter 2021 looking fresh and rejuvenated. That is why I’m offering my patients my signature treatment: the Dr Raquel non-surgical facelift! This treatment targets eight troublesome areas of the face for rejuvenation, and offers long-lasting results.

In a traditional facelift, incisions are made in the skin, and fat and soft tissue of the face are restructured and redistributed. Excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is “lifted” and replaced over the new contours of the skin.

Of course, this is a surgical procedure, and so can often be painful and have a long period of downtime for recovery.

The non-surgical facelift uses dermal filler to lift the structure of the face – making it a less complicated and invasive treatment. You will need to have a thorough consultation before the treatment, where a detailed treatment plan will be specially created for the needs of your facial features.

This treatment can offer the same kind of benefits as a traditional facelift, but with the added bonus of minimal recovery time. You’ll have a more youthful appearance – without looking like you’ve had anything done!

Some people may experience a small amount of bruising or swelling, and you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days after the procedure, but most people can return to their normal routine the day after the treatment.

If you want to look your very best, try to have this treatment around four weeks before any big event you’re planning for, so that you’re happy with the results and any swelling has completely disappeared.

STAY CONNECTED

Whether you’re just looking for tips on winter skincare, or are planning ahead for a treatment in the future, it’s important during these uncertain times to stay connected and support each other.

Lockdown is stressful, and some people can feel quite low during the winter months, when it gets dark much earlier and it’s more likely to be overcast and drizzly. It can be hard not to feel isolated, worried and anxious.

As well as offering advice on skincare and online consultations, remember I’m available to chat during lockdown – so please don’t hesitate to pick up the phone or pop me an email.

Of course it’s important to follow a good skincare routine, but most of all, try to stay positive – it will help keep you healthy inside and out!

I’m offering the first five lovely patients who book the Dr Raquel non-surgical facelift in December the limited special offer of costing £850 instead of £1,090. But hurry –book now before it’s too late!

For winter skincare and treatments in Kings Hill, West Malling and the surrounding areas, get in touch for a consultation today!

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