It’s winter, the season of dry, flaky skin and scalps, not to mention painful cracks and chaps (sounds wonderful doesn’t it?) Don’t worry, we’ve got some great antidotes to these common winter blues.
Here at BigGreenSmile we recently met up with some of the lovely team behind A’kin to get some background on their products.
We also interviewed Annabelle Personeni, botanical chemist for A’kin, (who’s been working for over 20 years in the skin care industry) to get a few tips and tricks on dealing with some of our customers most common skin problems. Here are a few of the amazing things we picked up (and a few winter tips of our own). Plus, you can read the full interview here.
How to treat sensitive scalps & do the laundry too!
Our scalp is an extension of our face, yet we pay very little attention to it – poor scalp – and an irritated scalp can drive us crazy (as anyone who’s been in the itch-scratch cycle will know). A’kin’s Unscented Very Gentle Shampoo can help to treat dry, flaky, itchy and burning scalps. It’s ideal for men or women with eczema and is gentle enough for kids too (because it won’t burn their eyes).
Some surprising tips
- Try it as a rescue remedy if you’ve had your hair coloured and your scalp needs a bit of TLC after those nasty chemicals.
- - Use it as an alternative laundry aid – just pop some into your machine instead of your usual washing powder!
No hair wash is complete without a conditioner and A’kin’s Unscented Very Gentle Conditioner is a great scalp treatment and conditioner in one. Annabelle recommends leaving on the scalp (for up to ten minutes) as an extra scalp treat. Oh, and it’s wheat free too.
You can use a few drops of A’kin’s Pure Radiance Certified Organic Rosehip Oil to give yourself a deep scalp massage which can help with dandruff and irritation caused by cold weather and hair products.
Once your hair is washed and clean, do your best to avoid the hairdryer (unless you’re going somewhere super special) because excess heat will dry more than your hair.
Protect your skin from winter (and all you need is one product)
A’kin claim their Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil is one of the best-kept beauty secrets there is because the oil can be slotted into any existing skincare regime. Pure Radiance Rosehip oil has a deep colour and very thick texture, despite this, it sinks into the skin in seconds and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. We asked Annabelle what makes this oil stand out from so many others on the market. Here’s what she said …
- - It’s extracted by the Co2 method – rather than the more commonly used cold pressed method – which ensures no nourishment of the seeds is destroyed by heat (we can get behind that!)
- - It contains over 80% Omega Fatty Acids (which will maximise moisture levels in your skin - yey)
- The deep orangey colour indicates the intensity of its concentration (and we do like orange)
- Plus it lasts up to three years (unopened) which is a significant shelf life …
More importantly, what can it be used for?
Hold onto your hats people, because this is a long list (and we only picked out a few) …
- Use it to improve moisture levels in your skin (hello again Omega Oil) when the central heating gets turned on – just smooth on a few drops and voila!
Boost your skin’s natural radiance by adding some under your day or night cream (you’ll remember from our article on beauty oils that oils like these can help your daily moisturiser sink in more effectively).- Restore dry, rough and flaky skin by smoothing a few drops onto your elbows or knees every day until you’re back to normal.
- Reduce redness with a few drops on the skin and lips (it’ll protect your skin from harsh winter elements and is particularly useful on skiing holidays, if you’re lucky enough to be going on one!).
- Strengthen your nail, hand and cuticle areas by rubbing in a few drops each day.
- Try it as a neck smoothing treatment … apparently there’s no natural moisture in your neck area (eek) so your delicate skin can struggle to stay moist and radiant and needs all the help it can get.
Try adding some to your hands and face when you’re on a long haul flight. It’s small enough to travel with, and will keep your skin hydrated. Apparently A’kin’s Rose & Geranium Pure Creamy Cleanser in One is another post-flight must-have. Smother yourself with some before showering once you arrive at your destination and it’ll add moisture to the skin and leave you feeling hydrated.
- It’s a great massage oil for the face and body (pop in your favourite essent
ial oil if you want to add a little zing).
- Smooth a few drops over hair follicles and split ends for a hair treat.
- Mix a few drops with your usual body moisturiser for an extra seasonal hydration boost.
I don’t know about you, but I think we’re sold.
No article would be complete without a few BigGreenSmile winter skin tips, so here are some from the team:
Don’t forget sunscreen – the sun can get you whatever time of year it is, and sun is damaging to the skin. Use products with UVA and UVB protection under your daily moisturiser.
Say no to super-hot baths – we all love a good soak, but hot water can have a drying effect on the skin and often aggravates dry skin conditions. Go for warm water and don’t stay in the tub for too long!
Central heating can dry out the air when you’re inside and cold dry air outside saps moisture from your skin causing dryness, dullness and flaking (not very gorgeous). Try investing in a humidifier for your home which will add moisture to the air and prevent all of the above.
It’s easy to drink less water in the winter because we’re topping up on warm drinks including tea, coffee (and … um … hot chocolate) - but your skin needs to hydrate all year round, so carry on filling up that water glass.
Keep on eating the good fats … not eating enough can dry your skin out, whereas the right ones can plump out a dehydrated complexion. Try avocado, some salmon or a handful of nuts every day, or try a supplement.
Try the above and say hello to good winter skin, scalp and hair days!