The winter weather can cause havoc with our skin!

Keeping your skin moisturised and healthy during this time of the year takes a bit more effort and particular products aimed at protecting against dry, chapped skin.

We spoke to Gillian McMahon, a NeoStrata Skincare Trainer who explained: “Skin can be drier during the winter months and make the skin feel a bit more sensitive and itchy. 

“For some people, redness may also be a concern. So our moisture barrier is compromised. 

“The cold weather, low humidity, central heating and extreme temperature changes are the most challenging.”

In terms of the specific skincare products or ingredients that are essential for protecting and nourishing the skin during the winter months, Gillian said:

“Hyaluronic Acid (HA – winter game changer to moisturise, hydrate and fight against ageing), niacinamide, retinol and vitamin C – I think these are the ‘must-have’ ingredients. 

“Also SPF every single day. I’m regimental about my SPF. Of course, Glycolic acid is a fab exfoliator for winter. It does all the hard work itself, without any hard physical scrubbing.”

There are some key differences between a winter skincare routine and a routine for other seasons, as Gillians explained to us:

“Winter skincare may involve more soothing ingredients, richer moisturisers, hydrating masks. Your serum may contain more Hyaluronic acid. Even exfoliation is important, You may think this isn’t a necessity but it's important to keep your routine going.”

If you’re looking to prevent and treat common winter skin issues like dryness, chapping, or redness, Gillian gave us the following recommendations:

“Keep hydrated and moisturised to protect the moisture barrier. SPF everyday. Be sure to apply a night cream, perhaps even something more like an emolient. 

“This will lock in moisture while you are sleeping, and also soothe and heal dry skin.

“Fragrance Free will help avoid irritation.”

The Neostrata Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish is the perfect Neostrata product to add into a skincare routine at any time of the year - but winter in particular.

“This is the best gift you can buy yourself as you will feel polished and perfect," Gillian said.

It's a dual action exfoliator with 10% Glycolic acid and professional grade alumina crystals.

“The results are instant and after you try it first, you will want to use it again," she went on to say.

“Use once a week for a couple of weeks and then build up to a week at nighttime, after cleansing. Use a gentle cleanser and night cream. 

“Manually apply and massage gently for about 40-60 seconds, with wet hands. Avoid lips and eyes. Then leave it for a further 2-3 minutes. Go and get your jammies on while you wait!

“You will feel it tingle on the skin which is a great sign. Then wash off with a damp cloth and follow with a gentle serum and moisturiser. Your makeup will glide on the next day.”

This product differs from many other exfoliating or polishing skincare products available on the market and Gillian explained: “First and foremost, it is made by 2 dermatologists and clinically tested.

“It’s a medical grade exfoliator using high quality ingredients. Faster results, using less product. The glycolic acid molecules are very small allowing it to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply. The results are instant.”

The key ingredients in the Neostrata Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish are:

• Glycolic Acid 10% - smooths lines and wrinkles, exfoliates and clarifies pores.
• Alumina crystals – smooths and soaks up any excess oils or impurities

This product is suitable for all skin types, unless you have particularly sensitive skin or are pregnant as the brand doesn’t test on pregnant women.

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