How Winter Affects Your Skin
The impact of seasonal weather changes on the skin can be quite problematic at the best of times, as changing temperatures and humidity spark a variety of unwelcome reactions. This year many people are finding it worse than ever, due to the impact of working from home and exercising outdoors more. The good news is, there are treatment solutions – including cosmeceutical products for use in the comfort of your own home.
So why does the change from summer to autumn and winter affect the skin so badly?
The first and most obvious issue is the temperature. Cold and wind can make the skin very dry. This is especially the case when you are going in and outdoors a lot, as the skin is constantly adjusting from the warmth of heated homes, workplaces and vehicles to the cold outdoors.
Other lifestyle changes can also have an impact. UV exposure is still an issue even in winter, especially as many tend to fall out of the sunscreen habit in the cooler months. Eating more fatty and sugary foods can trigger inflammation, and in severe cases, it can become inflamed and flaky. Not drinking enough water can also exacerbate dryness.
While the skin can easily become dry in winter, oiliness is also a risk, where the skin goes into overdrive trying to counterbalance the weather. It can also be a consequence of too much and/or too heavy moisturisers.
For those prone to conditions such as acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, the start of winter often heralds a few weeks or even months of aggravation, inflammation and disturbance to the balance of the skin.
Preventing winter skin problems
Trying to prevent the onset of problems is better than waiting for trouble to happen. This means looking at anything that could be triggering skin problems. Protecting the skin through sensible use of appropriate hydrating products as well as using sunscreen whenever outdoors. Maintaining a healthy balanced diet can be helpful. Consider the temperature of your home, office and car – as avoiding overheated environments indoors is just as important as avoiding excessive cold outdoors.
Treating winter skin problems
Where problems do occur, modern aesthetic medicine does offer treatments that can help. Mulberry House Clinic offers a range of high-tech skin treatments that work in various different ways to improve the condition of the skin. By stimulating cell renewal and collagen production, the skin is noticeably refreshed. Issues such as thread veins and even rosacea, eczema and psoriasis can be improved with the right approach.
As a doctor-led clinic, all consultations are carried out with former GP Dr John Tanqueray, who has had an extensive career in general practice alongside his skin clinic. As such, he is able to diagnose and advise on a range of conditions which the clinic is equipped to help with. 5 options include:
- IPL/laser to stimulate skin renewal. We offer both Laser skin resurfacing and IPL skin rejuvenation
- TIXEL Thermal Fractional Rejuvenation uses heat rather than lasers or injections can can improve areas of darker pigmentation
- PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
- LED skin therapy, which can improve acne, eczema and psoriasis
- Chemical peels/microdermabrasion to strip away the outer skin cells to reveal new skin
These in-clinic treatments are currently unavailable during lockdown, but we hope to reopen early December and are accepting bookings.
At-Home Cosmeceutical Skin Care
Mulberry House Clinic is an official supplier of ZO Skin Health skincare. This is a great option either alongside professional treatments but can also be very effective on its own, thanks to intensive ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin A and retinol.
We are able to offer consultations during lockdown via skype. Medical-grade skincare products can be prescribed and despatched for your use at home to give your skin a real boost with an intensive regime designed to help you cope with the season.
One product to consider is the Radical Night Repair, an advanced 1% retinol that targets both the superficial skin (epidermis) and the deeper skin (dermis), as well as delivering antioxidants and anti-inflammatories for ongoing skin protection and a range of potential benefits including:
- Increased cell turnover and collagen production for a thicker firmer skin surface
- Reduced pigmentation and sun damage
Dr Tanqueray tried during the previous lockdown and said:
“Redness, flaking and irritation for the first 4-6 weeks is inevitable when your skin isn’t used to it. Understandably this can be a barrier for people who can’t manage the side-effects while living their normal daily lives. Being isolated at home for the last few weeks gave me the perfect opportunity to try using Radical Night Repair as a peel.”
Following a course of treatment, he added:
“My skin looks brighter and fresher and feels very smooth. Pores are reduced and even the lines on my cheeks and around my eyes are softer.”
Review of RNR Retinol
For more information and to read the full review, see:
Mulberry House Clinic
Mulberry House Clinic was established in 2003 and offers an impressive array of the latest skin treatment technology as well as popular anti-ageing injections and laser hair removal.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
