While we love the thought of cozy jerseys, cups of hot chocolate and snuggling up in bed with a good book after a long, warm summer, we don’t love the way winter affects our skin. Dryness, dehydration, chapped lips and tightness are just a few of the most common skincare concerns that pop up when the temperature drops.
During winter, humidity is lower both indoors and outdoors, meaning there is less moisture in the air. The water content of the top or outermost layer of our skin (known as the epidermis) tends to reflect the humidity around it, and this is why our skin is more prone to dryness during winter.
While we focus a lot of our attention on dryness and dehydration during winter, there is another common skincare concern that does the rounds this time of year. If you’ve ever thought your complexion looks tired or dull during the colder months, you wouldn’t be alone. A lackluster skin with a lack of radiance is a common winter concern.
Some of the most common causes of dull skin include:
Dehydration
Luminosity is closely related to the moisture levels in your skin. One of the leading causes of dullness is dehydration. When the skin is dehydrated, the volume of blood flow to the skin is less than if it is hydrated, which could make the skin look paler and dull. When the skin is dehydrated, fine lines and wrinkles may also appear more noticeable.
Dead skin cells
Our skin sheds dead skin cells every day, and if these cells are not removed from the skin, they can leave the complexion looking dull and tired, and if a build-up occurs, it can even lead to breakouts. Weekly or bi-weekly exfoliation removes dry and dead skin cells, allowing the ingredients in your skincare products to be absorbed more easily, and preventing clogged pores and blackheads. Exfoliation also smoothes the skin’s surface, so that it reflects light and appears brighter.
Dryness
Whilst dehydration refers to a lack of water in the skin, dryness refers to a lack of oil in the skin. Dry skin is typically textured, may have fine cracks and a build-up of cells on the outer most layer of the epidermis.
Lifestyle
While skincare plays a major role in the skin’s luminosity, there are plenty of lifestyle factors that also play a role. Stress results in an increase in the hormone cortisol, which may have a negative effect on the way in blood flow to the skin. Smoking may lead to collagen breakdown, which results in sallow skin. Not sleeping enough also plays a role. Our skin regenerates while we sleep, and if that time is cut short, skin cells will not function optimally. Then there’s the environment to consider. Living in an urban environment with a lot of pollution may affect the skin’s texture, as may exposure to harmful UV rays.
What can be done to increase radiance and glow?
One of the single most important things you can do to improve dullness and increase radiance is to include vitamin C in your skincare regime. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that has the ability to brighten, firm, nourish and smooth skin. More than any other ingredient, it makes the skin glow, often with immediate effect, and offers continued improved radiance the longer you use it.
Not only does it help the skin build collagen, but it can also lighten pigmentation and dark marks.
Vitamin C is mildly exfoliating, which makes it a great ingredient to add to facial scrubs and exfoliants. We recommend exfoliating at least once a week with an illuminating scrub, like NIP+FAB’s Vitamin C Scrub Fix(R250.00). This energizing formula is infused with vitamin C, coffee seed extract and coconut oil to effectively cleanse, nourish and renew the skin.
Because of its exfoliating properties, vitamin C found in facial cleansers may offer gentle daily exfoliation to prevent a build-up of dry or dead skin cells. NIP+FAB Vitamin C Fix Cleanser (R250.00) helps to protect skin from everyday environmental pollutants whilst revealing clearer, brighter skin.
Antioxidants like vitamin C protect the skin from free radicals caused by the sun and pollution, allowing the skin to retain its youthfulness for longer. When used regularly, it may also help soften fine lines and wrinkles. Applying a vitamin C serum and moisturizer twice a day will not only ensure that the skin stays moisturized and hydrated, but it will also improve the skin’s general appearance.
Try Creightons 2% Vitamin C Face Serum (R139.95) and Creightons Vitamin C Moisturiser (R89.95)
Vitamin C is also a popular ingredient used to treat dark circles and under-eye bags. Apply a vitamin C-rich eye cream to brighten the eye area. Try Creightons Vitamin C Eye Serum (R115.95). With 2% vitamin C, this lightweight formula rejuvenates and replenishes the under-eye area and minimises the appearance of dark circles.
In addition to using a good quality vitamin C skincare range, it’s also important to make heathy lifestyle choices. Avoiding smoking and processed foods, getting sufficient sleep and finding healthy ways to manage stress all contribute to a healthy and radiant complexion.
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