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As the winter months approach, give your skin a little extra love and attention with the help of Efamol®. Celebrity skincare expert Louise Thomas-Minns shares her top tips and advice for looking after your skin this season. 

Louise says, ‘As the seasons change so does your skin. Winter requires skin to be prepared for the elements and changing temperatures of indoors versus outdoors. Here are some of the common winter skin queries I am always asked and a few handy skin tips’:

1. What is the effect of the drop-in humidity and heating on the skin in winter?
   There is no question that the cold air wreaks havoc on our skin and dryness can be a huge concern. This is because environmental changes start to disrupt the skin’s delicate lipid barrier and allows water to escape. It can also lead to increased sensitivity and even spotty outbreaks. To help combat this, hydrate, hydrate and hydrate some more! While it feels more natural to be drinking plenty of water during the summer, it’s still important to maintain hydration levels during the colder months.

   2. What are the main differences in a summer and winter skincare routine? Is there anything we should add or avoid?
   In the summer there is of course a focus on sunscreen and the use of lighter products. The winter is when exfoliation should be increased, along with the use of heavy moisturisers and comforting masks. A winter skincare routine is all about hydration, rejuvenation and protection. To boost the skin’s hydration, layering serums maybe the way forward for maintaining hydration levels and addressing any particular areas of dryness.

   3. Should we be ditching scrubs and retinol in the winter in a bid to be gentler to our skin?
   Not necessarily. Retinol can be used all year round, if you feel the skin is sensitive you could try a lower strength retinol or alternate the days that you use it. It maybe that you change up the type of exfoliant you use in the winter to more enzymatic based products, which are gentler on the skin.

   4. Why is it important to wear SPF in the winter and when should we apply it in a routine?
   UVA is present 365 days of the year even when it is not sunny, so it’s important to remember SPF is not just for summer. Also, in winter, you need to consider how snow will also reflect and enhance the UVA, so be extra cautious. SPF should always be the last thing on your skin before make-up application and as a separate product to your moisturiser.

   5. Any dietary changes?
   Remember to make positive healthy choices including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to get your all-important five a day. Kiwi fruit, oranges, strawberries, blackcurrants and broccoli are all easy to incorporate and are great sources of vitamin C[1]. Also make sure that you eat fish twice a week, including one portion of oily fish, to increase good fats in your diet. You can also add walnuts, chia and flax seeds to smoothies and salads for these good fats as well. Finally, remember that seafood is a good source of zinc, which helps to support the maintenance of normal skin.

You can also consider introducing a food supplement to your daily routine like Efamol^® High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil, which helps support beautifully smooth and nourished looking skin and can be used by women throughout the month.

Efamol® has been producing its unique premium Evening Primrose Oil for over 40 years and it contains an oil extracted from a specific type of Evening Primrose Plant seed called Rigel. Rigel seeds are specially cultivated and contain up to 33% more GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid) than other types of Evening Primrose plant seeds.

Efamol® High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil is available in 500mg capsules (£11.99 for 90) and 1000mg capsules (£9.99 for 30) from Efamol.com, Amazon, Boots the Chemists, health food stores and independent pharmacies. 

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet or healthy lifestyle.

[1] For the normal formation of collagen and for the normal function of the skin. Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.