Icy cold weather and lots of exposure to artificially heated conditions can wreak havoc with our skin during the colder months. To help us get through this period I had the pleasure of chatting to my friend and skin-health expert Fay Halkitis, a qualified Nutritionist, Naturopath and Beauty Therapist – who better to consult for the best winter skin tips!
A huge thank you to Fay for sharing your tips with us. Read on…
1. It’s started to get really chilly here in London, and that means harsh outside weather plus more time indoors with artificial heating. What are some of your favourite winter weather skincare products to help manage these seasonal issues?
It is so important to update your skincare routine seasonally and the harsher weather conditions call for the introduction of 2 main products. A gentle and aromatic cleansing balm will hydrate, soften and effectively cleanse the skin. My favourite for all skin types is the De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm. To hydrate, you can’t go past topical oils. Don’t underestimate their ability to balance the skin. The trick is to choose the right one for your skin type and use the right dosage.
2. As I am sure you would agree, good skin is about how we nourish ourselves inside and out. What are some of your top foods to consume for glowing skin?
The condition of our skin is most certainly a reflection of dietary and lifestyle choices. Ultimately though, conditions such as eczema, rosacea and acne are primarily hormone driven, whether it is related to excess androgens or cortisol – they are both hormones! We can most certainly consume foods that encourage a state of balance, increase healing and decrease inflammation, which is a by-product of hormonal imbalance. Some of my favourite foods that have an affinity with the skin include leafy greens, avocado, lemon, coconut, extra virgin olive oil, organic blueberries, wild salmon, sweet potato, pumpkin seeds and a little bit of dark chocolate.
3. Tell us about your regular skincare routine.
I have temperamental skin so my skincare routine can be extensive at times but my basics always include a double cleanse, application of a serum or hydrating mist followed by moisturizer. It is so important to use botanical based, chemical free products. Your skin will thank you! I always try to change my products depending on the season but at the moment I am using De Mamiel restorative Cleansing Balm, the following products by Dr Alkaitis: Purifying Cleanser, Replenishing Serum (an amazing organic nectar), Night Cream and Eye cream. Twice weekly I exfoliate with Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser and apply MV Organics Signature mask. Natural make up is equally important and so I only use RMS products.
4. Number one beauty product you can’t live without?
So hard to choose just one but MV Organics Jojoba oil is a great multitasking product- removes eye make up, hydrates and heals.
About Fay:
Fay Halkitis BHSc Nat, ADipBT (CIDESCO) (ITEC) is qualified Herbalist, Nutritionist and Beauty Therapist who combines a unique range of qualifications to practise her area of special interest, Naturopathic skin health.
After completing her Naturopathy degree (the combination of Herbal Medicine & Nutrition) and beauty qualifications in Sydney, Australia and working in the beauty industry for the past 5 years, Fay has observed the healing benefits of regular facial treatments when combined with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle modifications and combines these two key areas for her treatments. As a holistic beauty therapist and Naturopath, Fay strongly believes education is the key in helping clients make the most informed decisions about what they put in and on their body. With a special interest in organic skincare and the concept of ‘food as medicine’, Fay’s combination of nutrition and beauty therapy gives a ‘whole person’ approach to skin health.
Consult with Fay:
Fay is available for facial treatments or skin nutrition consults on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at Content Beauty & Wellbeing in Marylebone, London.
To book an appointment, please phone:
+44(0)20 3075 1006
Let’s make some Skin Food!
I’ve created a simple recipe for you guys incorporating some of Fay’s recommended foods for great skin. Click here to get the recipe for this super simple delicious Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potato. It makes a lovely meal on its own or paired with a grilled salmon fillet or some poached eggs (my favourite way).
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