Winter has arrived, with our skin being flaky and red and feeling tight. Skincare specialist, and founder of Bedew Skin, Rachael Robertson, gives us the low down on why cleansing balms could be the tool you need this season.
“Cold air, dry indoor heat, low humidity levels, and harsh winter wind all zap your skin of moisture,” Robertson said.
“This can leave your skin looking less radiant. The good news is that there is a solution to this problem – cleansing balms.”
“If you have dry skin, balms will nourish, and if you have oily skin, it can help regulate your sebum production. To pick the best for your skin, here are some things you should look out for…”
Surfactants
“Many balms are filled with beautiful oils but contain no actual cleansing ingredients. These cleansing ingredients are called “surfactants”. Without surfactants, the oils in the balm won’t rinse from the skin, which can cause clogged pores, excess oil and breakouts.”
Oils and butter
“Oils are beneficial as they clean clogged pores, and remove dead skin, pollutants, and make-up. Natural butters in cleansers are great because they don’t contain water which helps lock in skin moisture protecting the acid mantle and moisture barrier. They also have the ability to protect against moisture loss and prevent signs of aging.”
© SYSTEMHydration
“You should also look for hydrating ingredients which will help stop your skin feeling tight. Glycerine and Squalene are top on my list. Glycerine works to maintain moisture and prevent irritation. Squalene helps strengthen the skin barrier and retain hydration and moisture, and helps your skin stay clean of impurities.”
Exfoliant
“While you may think exfoliation should be avoided if your skin is a little dry, the opposite is true. Gentle exfoliation shifts sluggish skin cells to reveal fresh skin and promote a healthy glow. Whilst I wouldn’t recommend a harsh physical exfoliant, or to use chemical exfoliation serums every day, milder exfoliants in your cleansing balms are great as they’re diluted.”
Vitamin C
“Vitamin C is a hero skincare ingredient, and one to embrace in winter. It has skin-brightening properties, promotes collagen production, boosts the effects of your SPF, protects against UV damage, reduces skin inflammation, evens skin tone, retains skin moisture, and targets the signs of ageing…the list is endless.
See bedewskin.co.uk
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