The freezing temperatures, wind and low humidity associated with winter, all wreak havoc with skin. For this reason, your skin care routine may require a little extra TLC. While the daily use of a sunscreen and regular use of an antioxidant (we love Apothekari Undercover Agent Serum), are necessities, some tweaking may be required depending on your age.
Here’s our guide to keeping you skin looking its best this season:
20s: Some of us still experience acne breakouts in our 20s (sometimes even later, sadly). During the winter however, our usual routine may be too aggressive leading to dry and irritated skin. If this is the case, skip dehydrating benzoyl peroxide washes with minor breakouts. Opt instead for gentle cleansers such as Apothekari AHA Mazing Gel which contains a range of alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate and unplug clogged pores without drying. If you manage to escape acne in your 20s, use an extra rich SPF moisturizer to help protect against UVA rays which are prevalent year round. La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV SPF 30 is a perennial favorite here at PhaMix.
30s: Your skin cells don’t turn over as quickly as they once did, meaning that a fresh-looking face may be a bit more elusive. When dead skin accumulates on the surface of the skin, your skin looks dull. Exfoliating once or twice per week will help to remove the dead skin cells sitting on top and keep your skin glowing. Neostrata Skin Renewal Peel Solution delivers a high potency combination of glycolic acid and gluconolactone to eliminate the dead cells responsible for rough and dull skin.
If you haven’t already introduced a retinoid into your routine, this is a good age to do so. Apothekari A is for Anti-Aging is formulated with stabilized retinaldehyde, a derivative of Vitamin A, which is one of the most effective anti-aging skin care ingredients around today. This light serum will help to protect against sun damage and deliver exfoliating, anti-inflammatory/anti-irritant, and skin brightening effects. Retinaldehyde is also the least irritating Vitamin A to skin, making it ideal for all skin types.
40s: Skin can start to feel more dry, and small lines may appear. If you’re not already using a moisturizer, you may want to introduce one now. A moisturizer will not only help to alleviate dryness but also help to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Apothekari Daily Infusion Moisturizer hydrates and plumps, and also restores your skin’s barrier function. Many women start to notice changes around the eye area and if that’s the case, you may want to consider an eye treatment. Apothekari Firming Eye Gel delivers a double whammy of antioxidants – Vitamin C and ferulic acid – along with sodium hyaluronate and algae extract to prevent the signs of aging while correcting existing photodamage. The area around the eyes will appear fresher and more vibrant. Neostrata All in One Eye Contour Serum fights fine lines and wrinkles, crepiness, puffiness and dark circles.
50s: At this age, many of us are coping with hormonal changes. A decline in estrogen and progesterone can have an impact on how skin looks and feels. While you’ve always known that beauty comes from within, it’s even more important to pay attention now. A good diet, adequate rest, exercise and stress management will not only help you to look, but also to feel better. Fill up on lean meats, healthy fats and lots of vegetables and fruit. Find an exercise that you love to do and stick with it.
When it comes to topical treatments, continue with the foundation you’ve built of using a daily sunscreen, an antioxidant and a retinoid. Because skin may become more delicate and sensitive, more gentle treatments may be better for you. Apothekari Cloud Nine Foaming Cleansing Crème cleans but also moisturizes and protects skin. Neostrata Anti-Aging Serum with Fruit and Peptide Stem Cells is a good option if you can no longer tolerate a retinoid. Alternatively, add it to your regimen for an extra boost to help keep skin looking youthful.
Although many individuals find that they can continue to use the same products they always have, some skin types become much more sensitive. If that’s the case for you, you may want to revisit your line-up of treatments. Cliniderm offers a range of skin and hair care products for sensitive skin types.
As always, if you are unsure about any of the products we sell at our store or need advice regarding what’s most suitable for you skin, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always here to help.
