Winter Skincare Tips

Vitamin C – the hero product has become a much talked about ingredient for skin health over the last year and I certainly am on board with using it, the use of this will help transform your skin as it fights off free radicals formed by UV radiation.  

Vitamin C – the hero product has become a much talked about ingredient for skin health over the last year and I certainly am on board with using it, the use of this will help transform your skin as it fights off free radicals formed by UV radiation. I hope I have answered some of your questions and I cannot recommend enough to try at least one product, you will be hooked!

What can vitamin C do for our skin?

Vitamin C works as an antioxidant, so in simple terms, an antioxidant helps to prevent or reduce damage to our cells. Application of Vitamin C to the skin helps to keep it healthy and glowing!

Are there different types of vitamin C?

There are 6 types so something for everyone!

• Ascorbic Acid - this is the most effective form of Vitamin C to penetrate the skin.
• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate - this is a little different as when you apply the product to the skin it then converts to Ascorbic Acid thus making it less active however this will make it less irritating
• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate -  this would be the most hydrating and soothing of them all so particularly good for sensitive skin
• Sodium Ascorbate - this falls under mineral salts so and this form is the sodium salt of ascorbic acid, it also converts to this when applied to the skin so again this is a lot gentler
• Calcium Ascorbate - this helps the skin to heal and helps with fine lines and age spots
• Ascorbyl Palmitate - this is both boosting and brightening, this is non-irritating so excellent for those skins that need a little bit of soothing

Is it an active ingredient - how should it be kept and is there a shelf life to it? Will it lose its potency?

It is indeed an active ingredient so should be stored correctly to ensure you get the very best from its brilliance – buy if you can in a dark glass bottle and store in a cool room, always double-check that the lid is on correctly…. It is too good to waste!

How do I apply the products – I’ve heard it’s thin to thick?

Indeed, the rule of thumb is thinnest product to thickest so if applying Vitamin C Serum apply your moisturiser afterwards.

Should I apply vitamin C once or twice a day?

In general vitamin C products should be applied in the morning before heading out for the day, when UV radiation is at its highest however always, always, always add an SPF in all seasons, just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it isn’t getting through to the skin so don’t waste all that hard work of looking after your skin and then not protecting!

Can any skin type get the benefits – should any skin type be cautious?

If you are hyper-sensitive you may have a mild reaction to Vitamin C, however, there are four ingredients you should not mix with Vitamin C

• Benzoyl peroxide is used as a treatment for mild to moderate acne, when combined this will actually oxidize the Vitamin C
• Retinoids contain anti-ageing compounds that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boost collagen production. Combining retinol with Vitamin C is a recipe for peeling, redness, and irritation. If you do want to use retinol it is best to use the Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol at night (an SPF is a MUST for use of Retinol)
• Niacinamide takes out all the good properties of Vitamin C and makes it into a substance that can cause redness and trigger breakouts.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) are chemical exfoliants that can totally transform your skin game, they are all acidic ingredients so may irritate the skin so it would be best to alternate between them and Vitamin C

Are there any side effects when using it?

Some people may experience, itching, tingling when applying, redness, or mild skin irritation. If you do remove straight and leave for a few days, stay away from anything else with active ingredients using perhaps a gentle cleanser or moisturiser

What’s the easiest way to incorporate it?

I would apply a small amount of Vitamin C Serum to cleansed skin in the morning followed by your SPF to see how your skin feels

Is it like retinol where you need to build up a tolerance?

I would recommend starting off in the morning and if no irritation start to introduce in the evening if you do have hyper-sensitive skin perhaps start with every other day and see how your skin reacts

Should I use SPF after using products with vitamin C?

Vitamin C helps to fight free radicals so applying another layer of SPF will ensure your skin is protected and will help with the visible signs of ageing….. keep those wrinkles away! The two products that I highly recommend – IMAGE Vital C hydrating anti-ageing serum IMAGE PREVENTION+ daily matte moisturiser SPF 32+

Shop from Galgorm Resort Shop now!

As Summer approaches and we begin to tentatively take the first steps from our Winter hibernation, it’s time to shake up our skincare regimes and to make sure the products we’re using will protect our skin from the sun and its harmful rays. To demystify and debunk the jargon around SPF, we have enlisted the help of our Skin Expert, Zoe to answer your most commonly asked questions.

We have long heard of the importance of SPF in protecting our skin, but what is it and why do we need it?

As Summer approaches and we begin to tentatively take the first steps from our Winter hibernation, it’s time to shake up our skincare regimes and to make sure the products we’re using will protect our skin from the sun and its harmful rays. To demystify and debunk the jargon around SPF, we have enlisted the help of our Skin Expert, Zoe to answer your most commonly asked questions.

Why do we need to use a broad-spectrum SPF daily in our skin routine?

Did you know that 90% of skin aging comes from the UV rays of the sun? Exposure to the sun causes premature skin aging. The sun contains powerful UVA (responsible for ageing) and UVB (responsible for skin burning) rays that reach deep into our skin and start to break down our cell processes, meaning our skin begins to change and age rapidly. These rays are around all day, all year round, regardless of the weather outside, so do not be fooled by the rain or the cloud. The Sun’s rays penetrate through all elements to reach the earth’s surface, therefore reaching us. By protecting our skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, your skin will receive protection from both the UVA and UVB rays, allowing it to function properly and also ensuring those lovely products that we apply everyday are getting the optimum chance within the skin as they do not get broken down by the UV rays.

Is SPF in makeup enough?

SPF that is within our makeup, is a bonus to us, but alone, it is not enough!

The beauty industry is overflowing with products such as foundations and primers that contain SPF, however they really are not enough to protect the skin from damage. Something important to know and remember is that the term ‘SPF’ only refers to protection from UVB rays, we know that the SPF within makeup will help to protect us against burning, yes! However, there is no UVA protection present from the makeup. UVA rays are our ageing rays and they reach into the deeper layers of the skin where our cell function is. If we alter or damage our skin cell function, we are going to end up with poorly performing skin.

What is the difference in mineral and chemical SPF?

A chemical sunscreen acts like a sponge, absorbing the rays, which can sometimes be a little too much for a sensitive skin as it can tend to heat the skin up slightly. Whereas, a mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays away from the skin.

Can my laptop and other electronic devices damage my skin?

Another important point to take into consideration are the infra-red rays that our skin is exposed to daily. We don’t usually think about these, but at the end of the day, this is still light on the skin.  Infra-red light actually reaches deeper into the skin than UV rays. Like UVA rays, it also reaches down into the dermal layer of the skin where wrinkles are formed and causes extensive collagen and elastin breakdown.  These harmful rays come from all our electronic devices, such as laptops and phones.

Zoe’s favourite Broad Spectrum SPF

My favourite SPF to use is the Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50, by SkinCeuticals. This product protects against UVA and UVB rays in an ultra-light lotion, which is moisturising to the skin and easily absorbed.

What is an antioxidant and why do I need one?

SPF may help fight the effects of the sun’s rays, however and SPF won’t fight off other aggressors of the environment around us. An antioxidant is the ultimate protecting from free radicals and environmental stress. Our bodies naturally produce free radicals, but they can also come from exposure to environmental factors like UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke and other chemicals. With the use of an antioxidant in our skincare routine we can fight the effects of free radical damage and oxidative stress.

If you’ve ever seen a sliced apple turn brown, you’ve witnessed the process of oxidation, which is caused by free radicals. Imagine what is happening inside our skin, this is why it is important to use an antioxidant to fight this oxidisation.

How often and when do I use one an antioxidant?

You should use your antioxidant every morning. We do not need to use on at night time as we are usually pressing pause on our day, resting in bed where we are not surrounded my environmental aggressors.

Apply in the morning, after your cleansing routine, before you apply any other serums, moisturisers and SPF.

Zoe’s favourite antioxidant

Vitamin C is one of the most studied antioxidants in the industry. Dr Sheldon Pinnell, the founder of SkinCeuticals devoted 10 years of his dermatology research into the effects and benefits that Vitamin C has on the skin. This is why all of SkinCeuticals antioxidants do contain Vitamin C. It not only has the ability to fade dark spots, boost collagen and elastin production in the skin, but it also helps to boost the levels of Vitamin E within our skin. Overtime, with sun exposure the Vitamin E in our skin depletes, however application of Vitamin C can help to replenish the Vitamin E that has been lost, therefore leading to a brighter, moisturised skin.

My ultimate favourite is our C E Ferulic, by SkinCeuticals. This is pretty perfect for most skin types, but especially those who are concerned with aging. Not only are you getting the environmental protection, you are getting the extra moisture levels and firming from the Vitamin E and C present, you are also getting the anti-inflammatory effect on a sensitive or reactive skin from the ferulic acid in this antioxidant. It leaves your skin absolutely glowing from inside out!

Zoe's pick of skincare saviours can be purchased online at 

Galgorm Resort Shop.

Aromatherapy Associates understand the importance of a restorative night's sleep for our wellbeing. During these challenging times, it is more important than ever we do everything we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible - and the best place to start is our sleep. 

Aromatherapy Associates understand the importance of a restorative night’s sleep for our wellbeing.

Sleep is such a key pillar in our health, that it formed our very first Aromatherapy Associates blend, born 35 years ago in our founder Geraldine Howard’s own kitchen: Deep Relax. Geraldine specially created this blend for an unparalleled sleep experience, using a unique and therapeutic palette of essential oils to deeply relax our mind and body. Allowing our body to rest has the power to stabilise our mood, energise us and fuel our resilience.

During these challenging times, it is more important than ever we do everything we can to keep our bodies as healthy as possible — and the best place to start is our sleep.

How Can Sleep Support a Healthy Immune System?

Sleep is essential for the optimal functioning of our immune system.

“Contrary to popular belief, our brain and body don’t shut down during sleep; they both work hard during the night, performing important tasks that recuperate and restore our physical and mental functioning, and producing cells that respond to viral threats. It is these very cells that play a critical role in our body’s immune response” Dr Neil Stanley, Chairman of the British Sleep Society and a sleep expert for over 38 years.

Getting sufficient hours of high-quality sleep enables a well-balanced immune defence, helping us come back stronger with whatever our days have in store.

Sleep Rituals to Strengthen Immunity

Sleep is just like anything else in the body – it is a natural state and has to be prioritised and taken care of to function well.

Making sure your body has a chance to rest and recover from the day is important for your immune system to function at full strength.

“To ensure you fall asleep with ease and wake up feeling rejuvenated, there are three vital things to consider”, Dr Neil Stanley recommends.

A Quiet Mind

An important thing for getting to sleep is to go to bed when you are sleepy, as opposed to forcing it. Feeling tired is the result of 1) being the right time for you to sleep, according to your internal circadian clock and 2) how long you have been awake.

What is our ‘circadian rhythm’?

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour cycles that are part of the body’s internal clock, running in the background to carry out essential functions and processes. One of the most important and well-known circadian rhythms is the sleep-wake cycle. Your circadian rhythm helps control your daily schedule for sleep and wakefulness.

In order to achieve a quiet mind and a relaxed body, it is helpful to establish a regular, relaxing, bedtime routine. You need to put the cares and worries of the day to bed a long before you get into bed.

Routine

A bedtime routine signals to the body that it is time for sleep. You should endeavour to spend at least 30 minutes winding down before bed.

For the best chance to sleep well, you should follow a ritual to relax both the body and mind. Our work with Dr Tara Swart, a doctor of neuroscience and Senior Lecturer at MIT, suggests that adopting an aromatherapy ritual will rewire the brain to associate that time, smell and practice with a specific feeling.

Start with clearing your thoughts and let the body rest, soaking in a warm bath. Slow down by pouring one capful of Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil into hands to warm the oil. Slowly breathe in the therapeutic aromas & massage onto torso before stepping into the bath. Follow with our rich Nourishing Body Treatment and finish your ritual by spraying our Sleep Mist onto pillows & pyjamas before tucking in for an undisturbed night.

Fixed Times

One of the other, most powerful changes you can make to your sleep is to have a fixed wake-up time each day. As mentioned above, the body and brain starts to prepare to wake up approx. 90 minutes before you physically wake. The body and brain crave rhythm, so if you get into the habit of waking up at the same time each day, this means that you are far more likely to wake feeling good because the body and brain know when to be ready to start the day. Living as far as possible in harmony with your body clock will ensure good health and good sleep.

Hello, 2021! We’ve been waiting for you…

As we wave a not-so-fond farewell to the year that was 2020, the forecast of brighter days and even brighter skin is very much on the horizon. 2020 was the year of staying indoors, wearing masks and more than likely eating and possibly drinking a little more than usual, all of which have had an impact on our skin, leaving our complexion looking and feeling a little lacklustre. Common problem winter skin concerns have been exacerbated to include dehydration, acne, sensitivity and more.

Hello, 2021! We’ve been waiting for you…

As we wave a not-so-fond farewell to the year that was 2020, the forecast of brighter days and even brighter skin is very much on the horizon. 2020 was the year of staying indoors, wearing masks and more than likely eating and possibly drinking a little more than usual, all of which have had an impact on our skin, leaving our complexion looking and feeling a little lacklustre. Common problem winter skin concerns have been exacerbated to include dehydration, acne, sensitivity and more.

This begs the question; how can we get achieve skin equilibrium this Winter? Well, this has always been a big task as we constantly move from the outdoors to indoors and not to mention the central heating, wind chills and rain we have to contend with. While it may seem daunting, we can turn this around with the right products and skincare regime to target problem skin concerns.  

The first rule is not to overcomplicate things. Skincare routines should first and foremost be simple and easy to follow. Sometimes we’re told to use 10 different creams depending on the time of day and how many times a week which can get very confusing. Get back to basics and start looking after your skin with an edit of key products that can be used for optimal results, beginning with a Cleanser, Antioxidant Serum, Moisturiser, SPF and add in a hydrating mask and Retinol a few times a week.

Winter-weary skin craves hydration, renewal, exfoliation and moisturisation and we’ve pulled together our recommendations available from The Spa at Galgorm.

Using

IMAGE Vitamin C Hydrating Cleanser

Retinol is the word on every beauty-obsessive’s lips but, what exactly is it I hear you ask? Retinol is a type of retinoid that can help to treat skin concerns, improve overall skin texture and appearance by increasing the rate of skin cells turnover. It is the perfect product to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (we love it!). Winter is the perfect season to introduce a retinol into your skincare regime as there is less sunshine which in turn gives your skin it’s much-needed time to heal itself. Introducing retinol should be done slowly and gradually, with a lower grade retinol and SPF is an absolute must to ensure complete protection from sunlight.

Up next is the IMAGE Vitamin C Repair Cream which will quench dryness whilst soothing and comforting irritated skin. Ceramides help to prevent the evaporation of moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin, while vitamins nourish, and hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture.

One skin concern that has become more and more common as the months go on is maskne – acne caused by mask wearing. I know I have certainly noticed changes to my skin after wearing a mask, especially around the cheeks and jawline. Combining a good skincare regime alongside regular treatments will help to target those areas, particularly a Dermalux LED session available at The Spa at Galgorm. A visit to The Skin Clinic will see one of our Skin Experts examine your skin concerns and recommend a course of treatments and product recommendations to begin your journey to optimal skin health. 

To celebrate the launch of our online store, we’re offering 20% off

IMAGE Ormedic Balancing Anti-Oxidant Serum

So, what are you waiting for? Let 2021 be the year of the glow with our tips on streamlining your skincare line-up.