The fitness experts say that to get the body you want for summer, winter is the time to train for it! The skin on our body is no different and to achieve great skin we need to work at it too. Winter is a time when we can be prone to extra dryness, dehydration and feelings of itchiness and roughness and this is the perfect time to add in some extra care and attention for glowing body skin come spring and summer.
Let our top tips start your winter body blitz!
Dry body brush.
Dry body brushing has to be my one number one tip for the body with the aim of eliminating toxins and wastes as well as increasing circulation and lymph. It also aids with the removal of dead skin cells and acts a natural skin polisher.
The best way to dry body brush is before you get into the shower or bath. Its performed on a dry skin using a dry natural bristle brush or loofah and should take no more than 5 minutes every morning. Choose a brush that isn’t too hard or stiff and one with natural bristles. You can choose from a long-handled brush or a hand-held brush or even a natural loofah can do the trick.
- Start at the feet and work up the legs towards the heart using long strokes. Avoid any cuts or abrasions and surface veins. You don’t need to be firm, use a gentle soft pressure and let the brush do the work for you. Follow the brush with your other hand.
- Dry brush the stomach in a clockwise manner or from outer waist to belly button and work over arms upwards and inwards.
- Use a long handle brush to reach the back and work from bottom of the back to top.
- Your skin should not be red or irritated but should feel stimulated and invigorated.
Cleanse.
Cleansing your body with harsh soaps and washes can strip your skin of its precious oils and leave your skin dry, itchy and dehydrated. Use gentle body washes that are soap free and acid balanced. Try the Conditioning Body Wash from Dermalogica; its perfect for gentle cleansing without stripping due to the natural foaming extract of Quillaja Saponaria which gently removes impurities and excess body oils. It also has the most refreshing blend of essential oils to invigorate the skin and is perfect for all skins. If you love to use a cloth, try the Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth, a hygienic and quick drying body cloth that’s perfect to use with your body wash. It also helps to exfoliate your skin and remove dry rough skin. Alternatively, try the asap sponge cloth which will ensure a thorough but gentle body cleanse.
Exfoliate.
Removing dry rough dead skin cells is important for a healthy glowing body skin. I recommend exfoliating your body once or twice a week. The Revitilising Bodyscrub from asap is a great choice because is contain Glycolic Acid and nourishing Essential Oils to polish and revitalise your skin. It’s great to use before a self tan application too!
Moisturise.
Winter’s dry skin needs moisturising and it’s important to apply a moisturiser once to twice a day. The best time to apply a moisturiser is when your body skin is still slightly damp after bathing or showering as this allows better absorption of the moisturising ingredients. Try asap’s Revitalising Bodymoist which aims to intensely hydrate the skin. Its rich formula but thinner texture allows for easy coverage and combines Glycolic Acid to smooth and Essential Oils to revitalise the skin. Alternatively, use Dermalogica’s Body Hydrating Cream which also contains Hydroxy Acids and Essential Plant Oils to smooth and hydrate the skin.
Clear.
Problem body areas like ingrown hairs, acne and Keratosis Pilaris can also be targeted with specialist products.
Keratosis Pilaris is characteristically seen and felt as tiny lumps and dryness in areas like the thighs, arms and even on the cheeks of the face. It’s a harmless and common skin condition that is due to abnormal keratinisation and is generally more prominent in winter months. Exfoliation is key to keeping the skin clear as well as moisturising to protect and smooth.
The Clearskin Bodygel from asap is a great formula that is perfect to use if you suffer from Keratosis Pilaris to help remove dead skin cells on the body. Containing a combination of Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids allows for good exfoliation without irritation with White Tea and Bilberry contain powerful antioxidants to soothe the skin.
The Clearskin Bodygel can also be used on areas of body acne like the back or chest. Or try the Dermalogica Medibac Clearing Skin Wash over these areas to control breakouts and excess oils.
Ingrown hairs can be kept at bay by using the Clearskin Bodygel pre and post waxing or shaving too.
Cellulite.
Its estimated that around 80-90% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives. The “dimpling” effect on areas like the thighs and bottom happen when the structure of the body’s fat cell chambers breakdown. Toxic accumulation, fluid retention and poor circulation contribute to the formation of cellulite.
What is the best way to treat it? Whilst there is no magic cream or formula to make cellulite disappear, there are some simple things you can do to minimise the appearance. Topical creams like asap’s Cellulite + Skin Firming Treatment help to increase the skins microcirculation to assist with toxin and fat metabolism with the use of Caffeine as a key ingredient. Forskohili, a potent herb aids in binding fat and Solanum Lycipersicum from the tomato helps to stimulate lymph. The aim is to reduce the appearance, hydrate and improve skin firmness. Using the special applicator, lightly massage over targeted areas for 1 -2 minutes morning and night. You can also use it in conjunction with the Revilitising Bodyscrub for best results.
Lymphatic Drainage and dry body brushing are excellent for cellulite reduction as they both help to gently move lymph and blood to improve circulation. Hard massage like kneading that can actually push fluids into the tissues should be avoided.
The final word is about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Exercise will help increase blood and lymph circulation, nourish the skin cells and aid in the remove of waste. Avoiding alcohol, processed foods and refined sugars and including lots of fresh produce will go a long way to manage cellulite and keep it at bay.
Hands.
Don’t forget your hands! Hands are the also the first to show ageing so it’s important to include them in your body blitz! Use a gentle hand wash and avoid the overuse of antiseptic hand sanitisers as they dry out the skin. Try Dermalogica’s AGEsmart Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment which is full of nourishing ingredients and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy.
Do you have a question for us or want more info on a suggested body product? We are always on hand to give advice and share our knowledge with you. Simply email online@prodermal.com.aufor more!
Yours in skin,
The Prodermal Team X
