A skincare expert has warned that washing your face in the shower could be damaging your skin.
Darcy Laceby, Co-founder and skincare expert at Absolute Collagen has taken to TikTok to share her top tips for protecting your skin in autumn and winter.
Among these tips include avoiding washing your face in a hot shower. Darcy warns that the water is usually way too hot and can dry out and damage your delicate skin.
These tips have come as Absolute Collagen have spotted that searches for ‘cold remedies’ are up 167% this month, with cold and flu season truly upon us.
However, Darcy and Dr Dave Reilly, Senior Scientist, at Absolute Collagen have explained why the common cold may also be harming our skin this winter:
“If you’re struggling with a cold or flu, then you’re likely facing constant nose blowing and trying to warm up with, hot baths or showers. But both can damage and dry out your skin even after you’ve overcome your illness.
“Tissues are essential for maintaining your hygiene while ill. Unfortunately, blowing your nose too hard can irritate and dry out the sensitive skin around the edge of your nose and lips leading to cracking and splitting. Hydration is key and drinking plenty of fluids will help you to maintain your skin. It is best to also avoid using scented tissues that contain extra chemicals which could cause further irritation.
“A richer moisturiser should help when you are feeling under the weather to get some more water back into your skin, boosting its hydration. For the more sensitive areas, such as just around the nose, try a balm-textured product and reapply throughout the day. Gentle exfoliants can also help to tackle dryness and flaky skin on your face and should be a step of your regular skincare routine. Just to be sure avoid harsh exfoliants, for example, ones that contain microbeads, which could cause more irritation to sensitive skin.
“Warm showers often give a sense of relief when you’ve got a head cold, but hot water and excessive scrubbing can strip essential oils from your skin, getting rid of the protective layer which not only seals moisture in but also helps to protect from bacteria. Losing this layer leads to skin becoming dry, irritated, and vulnerable. Cooler showers and not using harsher or scented products when ill are key to keeping this layer intact.
“Supplements are a great way to rehydrate your skin from the inside out and can help to give your body the key nutrients it has lost whilst you have been unwell. Supplements rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C, and collagen are great for supporting your skin, as they can help keep your skin feeling plump and hydrated. Vitamin C also contributes to the function of the immune system so will help you feel and look better too.”
For more information on collagen and to shop liquid collagen supplements, visit the Absolute Collagen website
