Skin deep
THE EXPERT Ifeoma Ejikeme, founder of Adonia Medical Clinic
The good news is the days are getting longer and the air is gradually warming. On a crisp, sunny day, you can almost smell spring. But as far as your skin is concerned, it may as well be mid-winter. Months of cold weather can leave it looking as dull as dishwater. So, do you have to wait for summer to get your glow back?
Some dermatology 101. Sub-zero temperatures coupled with central heating are your skin’s arch-enemy. Both lead to a lack of moisture in the air, compromising your skin barrier –the protective layer preventing harmful toxins from entering your body. When it sustains damage from dry air, it can’t hold on to moisture, leaving it parched and susceptible to environmental aggressors, such as UV rays, which can make it look lacklustre.
Sound familiar? First, rethink your skincare. Switch to a gentle cleanser without any stripping agents. Take sodium lauryl sulfate – the ingredient that gives cleansers a foamy consistency but can further damage your skin barrier. Next, aim to boost hydration with a serum that contains ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid – a humectant that draws 1,000 times its own weight in water into the skin. Both are also low irritation and suitable for all skin types.
After your serum, choose a moisturiser containing ceramides. These work by mirroring the skin’s building blocks, helping the barrier to retain moisture. It’s worth keeping up with acids if you already use them, too. They exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal the newer, brighter skin underneath. Finally, if you can afford to, now’s a good time to treat yourself to a facial. Professional-grade products will address specific skin concerns, while the relaxation and stress relief that facials deliver supports your overall skin health. LED light therapy v
