Winter can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving it dry and rough in texture after being battered by the cold winds outside and dehydrated by fierce central heating. This often only becomes noticeable as we transition into warmer weather and, this year, our skin is also coping with months of COVID-related stress or experiencing ‘maskne’ breakouts.
We asked Suzi Noble, Lead Nurse Practitioner at Karidis Clinic, what Spring skin habits we should be embracing.
It’s all about protection
“Lighter and brighter days mean you should be using protection on your skin. Investing in an SPF 30 or above that suits your skin will not only protect you from UVA and UVB rays, but it will also help to combat anti-ageing and perform a defence against the formation of dark spots,” Suzi explains. “Heliocare’s clear gel formulations will leave your skin looking and feeling healthy and soft.”
And if your skin has been damaged previously? “Using an antioxidant serum in the morning, like Obagi Vitamin C can also protect your skin from free radicals such as pollution and sunlight and lighten any pre-existing pigmentation.”
A time for new beginnings
Suzi reveals that now is the perfect opportunity to do the hard work when it comes to skin rejuvenation. “Spring is a great time to start courses of laser treatments such as the Harmony ClearLift to help stimulate collagen and the appearance of firmer more revitalised skin, without the extra worry of damaging the skin in the sun (although SPF should be worn all year around).
“Refreshing and renewing the skin through non-invasive treatments is important to prime the skin ready for the warmer air and increased humidity the sunnier days ahead bring with it and it makes the transition from winter to spring easier on your skin.”
Pamper neglected skin
Not had a facial since the beginning of lockdown? At the Karidis Clinic, we know how much the skin be transformed just through facials alone: “Facials can help to kickstart your Spring skincare routine, producing a more hydrated complexion that makes you feel ready to face the world as lockdown eases.
“The Hydrafacial removes the outer layer of dead or damaged skin using a stream of microcrystals blasted onto the surface of the dermis. The serums used within the Hydrafacial MD™ range, and which are delivered direct to the skin’s surface, contain glucosamine, lactic acid, and active botanicals for cleansing and hydrating all skin types. Some serums also contain mild concentrations of salicylic acid, used for cleansing and hydrating oily and acne-prone skin.”
Stress and skin ageing
Whatever your situation, the last year has been challenging and it’s no wonder many of us feel that we can see more lines and wrinkles as a result. When you’re stressed, your body responds with a cascade of hormonal activity that takes its toll on your skin in a number of ways. First, it compromises the skin barrier, leaving your skin dehydrated. Stress also triggers glycation, causing your skin to look less elastic.
However, one of the most damaging results of stress on the skin is the increase in free radicals causing oxidative damage. This results in pigmented spots, sagging and an increase in lines and wrinkles.
Suzi recommends incorporating skincare that is rich in antioxidants to reverse the damage caused by free radicals. “Stimulating collagen in the form of retinols is also a great place to start,” she confirms. Recently, Suzi herself used the Obagi Nu-Derm system to transform her skin by addressing hyperpigmentation and improving visible signs of skin ageing. Nu-Derm is ideal for Hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun spots and rough, uneven skin.
If you’re looking to reboot your skincare programme or are interested in any of the treatments we offer, arrange a consultation with Suzi or Karolina at the Karidis Clinic. The clinic will be fully open on 12 April, but in the meantime our aesthetic practitioners are offering online consultations – click here for more information.
