Save Our Skin

From serums and ceramides, to SPF and peptides, hood asks the skincare specialists to share their top repair treatments for fighting winter’s bite.

Unsurprisingly, many of us will now be feeling the effects of yet another Scottish winter on our skin. Extended periods of cold weather bring dry skin and lips, irritation, sensitivity, and itching. Combine that with the dehydrating effects of central heating, and the fact that our sebaceous glands get sluggish in winter, and the result can be chapped, cracked and sore skin, But fear not, help is at hand.

‘February is always one of our busiest months,’ says Edinburgh-based facialist Julie Brown, owner of The Source Clinic. ‘By now, many clients require what we call a “complexion intervention” to help repair the damage done by the elements. This often means upping the ante in the type of skincare products being used, but can also mean supplementing your regime with specialist treatments if things have gotten a bit out of hand.’ 

Brown was one of the first Hydrafacial practitioners in Scotland, ‘a regular Hydrafacial uses hydradermabrasion to exfoliate which allows the hyaluronic acid to penetrate into the skin and keep it there can make all the difference to weather weary skin.’ Brown also recommends introducing products containing peptides to your routine, ‘peptides can demonstrate remarkable benefits, when applied to the skin, they work hard to revitalise while making it more resilient and stronger. This is particularly important in the winter.’ Brown continues to urge all clients not to let their protection slip during winter – ‘Even on the dreichest, darkest days. SPF 30, minimum!’

Sarah Murray, one of the country’s most in-demand skin gurus, rates ceramides to combat the cold. ‘Ceramides are basically the lipids that make up the skin and a critical element of the natural moisture barrier. We produce fewer in the winter months and as we get older. This can result in skin looking tired and old before its time. When the chill sets in, it’s always a good idea to include ceramides in your skincare routine to protect against environmental threats.’

She also recommends a specialist IonLifting facial for those left feeling lacklustre. ‘This is a great treatment which uses micro-currents to gently stimulate the muscles, leaving the face feeling firmer and more toned. It also helps to propel active ingredients deep into the layers of the skin delivering them where they are needed most.’

Jo Findlay, the founder of Glasgow facial studio 33 Dowanhill, wants clients to know they have to hydrate and moisturise for plump, supple skin, 'Hydrating ingredients add water to the skin, while moisturising products will trap that hydration and lock it in to help build skin’s natural protective barrier and protect it from external elements such as cold, harsh weather conditions or environmental stressors. Healthy-looking and feeling skin needs the right winter routine, so seek professional advice if you need it.’

Jacqui Fenner, owner of Escape MediSpa in Linlithgow is an advocate of using technology in the fight against the effects of winter. ‘I’m a big fan of using radio-frequency treatments to gently heat the dermis and cause new collagen growth deep within the dermal layer. The winter can cause laxity of the skin, and this type of treatment not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles but clients will also see and feel a tightening and lifting effect of sagging skin.’

Nichola Hope, a Dr. Barbara Sturm Aesthetician based at the Gleneagles Spa in Perthshire says, ‘Winter skin feels and looks drier and can become more sensitised. Our skin needs extra nourishment and hydration to strengthen the skin barrier function, to maintain a radiant, hydrated and healthy glow.’

The Signature #SturmGlow Facial was created around Dr Sturm’s skincare philosophy to deliver hydration, boost skin barrier function, soothe signs of irritation and improve the overall skin health and skin matrix – making it perfect all year, but particularly effective in the winter.

One of Scotland’s leading facialists, Elizabeth M uses her 25 years of experience in the industry, to suss out exactly what is causing her clients’ winter skin woes. But don’t be fooled by Liz’s background as a licenced aromatherapist, or her love of natural active skincare ingredients, she is also a believer in using the latest technology in order to get the best results. 

‘The most noticeable thing about winter skin is how dull it looks,’ says Liz, ‘therefore, I love the Oxygeneo treatment at this time of year.’

This treatment revitalises skin cells by adding pure oxygen to the face, rejuvenating and brightening skin. Liz uses a special concentrated gel with essential nutrients that stimulate superior anti-ageing results, and then finishes off with radio frequency to tighten and lift the skin. The overall effect is plumper, more hydrated skin and a revitalised complexion.

photographer: Aga Urbanska/model: Rachel Flett at Model Team/Makeup: Jacquelyn McPhee