As temperatures drop, it’s important to change your skin care routine to help reduce the impact of winter weather on your skin.
You can minimise the toll the next few months will take on your skin by preparing now.
Here’s an action plan prepared by budget beauty hero Ziaja to keep you comfortable and flare-free.
This Polish beauty skincare brand has built a loyal Irish following and is available in pharmacies across the county.
1 – EXFOLIATE & CLEANSE DEEPLY
Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells and clears the surface allowing skin to better absorb moisture and nutrients from other skincare products. ZIAJA recommends exfoliating the face twice per week during colder months to increase cell turnover, reduce pores and maintain a glowing complexion. TIP: Don’t forget to exfoliate the neck to get rid of dead, dull cells which can block the effectiveness of moisturisers and anti-ageing creams. It also stimulates cell rejuvenation and restores smoothness to neck skin.
Try ZIAJA ROSE BUTTER MICRO PEELING (rrp€4.79) to delicately cleanse and peel off dead skin cells on the face & neck. Regular use stimulates oxygen circulation and reveals a visibly revitalised complexion restoring natural smoothness and softness.
Cleanse your face daily to remove impurities, dust, dirt and makeup to ensure skin is healthy and refreshed. ZIAJA recommends incorporating a micellar water into your daily cleansing routine. These are toners that contain microscopic oil spheres that cleanse without stripping so they are suitable for all skin types plus they’re quick, easy and you don’t need to rinse them off – think cleansing wipes without the guilt!
Try ZIAJA NATURAL OLIVE MICELLAR WATER (rrp€4.49) a pampering no-need-to rinse micellar water that makes it a pleasure to cleanse. The little molecules in this micellar water eat up and absorb dirt and makeup effortlessly while the natural olive oil ingredient nourishes, softens and hydrates the skin. Its paraben free and dermatologically tested and suits all skin types.
Continue to use a body scrub at least once a week during the winter months as exfoliating the top layer of skin helps moisturising products penetrate more deeply to keep skin hydrated for longer. Regular use of a body scrub also enhances blood circulation which oxygenates cells and loosens fluid build-up – this helps to smooth out the skin which lessens the appearance of cellulite
Try ZIAJA COCOA BUTTER BODY SCRUB (rrp€7.99): it contains a blend of pure cocoa butter, coconut oil, natural crushed walnut shells and macro scrub granules. This unique combination refines and polishes to reveal brighter and smoother looking skin. The scrub has a chocolate fragrance and leaves skin feeling invigorated.
2 – RESTORE & REPLENISH
It is vital to replenish moisture levels before the onset of winter and prepare skin to deal with indoor heating and outdoor temperature changes. Fight back against dull, dry skin by moisturising the face day and night to maintain healthy youthful looking skin. Amp up your level of hydration with an intensive hydrating mask at least once a week. TIP: moisturise right after you wash or bathe as applying moisture to damp skin helps seal that moisture back into the skin.
Try ZIAJA SENSITIVE SKIN SOOTHING DAY CREAM SPF20 (rrp€6.99): a pure and gentle emulsion cream with long lasting hydration and protective properties for dry and itchy prone skin. Every day use reduces roughness, dryness and excessive flaking. With SPF 20 to protect skin against UVA and winter sun rays and prevent premature skin ageing.
Try ZIAJA ROSE BUTTER FIRMING NIGHT CREAM (rrp€6.99): a fast absorbing and intensively moisturising cream that works to refine and firm skin texture while you sleep. The active ingredients combine to boost moisture levels and hyaluronic production – plumping the skin from within helping to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles.
Try ZIAJA MARINE ALGAE SPA FACE MASK (rrp€0.69): as a weekly moisturising face mask rich in marine nutrients that provides an at home spa grade hydration treatment with a fresh and soothing marine fragrance.
To prevent dry, scaly body skin becoming a real problem in the winter apply an ultra-moisturising body lotion or body butter to your limbs in your daily routine. Arms and legs have fewer oil glands which is why they tend to be drier and scalier than other areas.
Try ZIAJA NATURAL AVOCADO OIL BODY LOTION (rrp€5.99): a nourishing and revitalising body lotion that gently delivers hydration while soothing and calming redness and irritations. The natural avocado oil base ingredient is packed with Omega 3 & 9, Vitamins A, B1, B2 and D to replenish the skins protective layer. This body lotion has been clinically proven to increase skin hydration by 42% and it is paraben and colourant free.
3 – SHIELD & PROTECT
Take special care of the delicate eye area, since the skin here is so thin it needs extra attention during the colder months. Bags, dark circles and puffiness seem to increase during winter – so choose an eye cream that offers extra moisture with natural ingredients as it’s such a sensitive area. TIP: With most eye creams it’s advisable not to use them on the lids as the pores are so tiny that they easily clog, resulting in additional puffiness.
Try ZIAJA NATURAL OLIVE OIL EYE CREAM (rrp€6.49): Provides a layer of lightweight moisture to the eye area and protects against environmental damage and reduces puffiness. Helps diminish the signs of fine lines and crow’s feet by visibly smoothing out the skin and improving skin tone.
Keep a tube of lip balm in your bag or pocket as cooler temperatures and cold winds can take chapped lips to a whole new level.
TIP: If lips are flaky, take a clean toothbrush and very gently exfoliate the skin to remove excess skin. Then apply honey or Vaseline to the lips for 15 minutes and remove with a cotton swab dipped in hot water. To avoid chapped lips apply a balm that contains lanolin (a natural oily wax).
Try ZIAJA COCONUT LIP BALMS (rrp€1.99): Contains coconut lipids, canola oil, lanolin, vitamin A and E. Perfectly moisturises, prevents dryness and chapped lips. Gives your lips a delicate gloss and gently lubricates. All ZIAJA lip balms come in hygienic multi-use applicator tubes.
To prevent hands from drying out always apply moisturiser after washing hands and several times throughout the day thereafter. Keep a hand cream in your bag.
TIP: To rehab really dry hands use a very thick hand cream right before bed and then slip on cotton gloves – over night the moisturiser absorbs into skin and you’ll notice the improvement in the morning.
Try ZIAJA GOAT’S MILK HAND CONCENTRATE (rrp€4.49) for on the go intensive hand care this is a special hydrating concentrate with goats milk, shea butter and olive oil to moisturise, nourish and firm skin. It also lightens pigmentation spots and evens out the skin tone.
WHERE TO FIND IT IN DONEGAL: BRENNAN’S PHARMACY, Carndonagh, ESKE PHARMACY, Donegal Town, McFADDENS PHARMACY, Letterkenny, AND MURRAY’S PHARMACY Ramelton
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