The changing seasons, weather fluctuations, pollution, stress, our nutritional habits, sleeping patterns, travelling through different time zones and the amount of water we drink all play havoc with our bodies and play a leading role in the condition we find ourselves in.

The skin, which covers the entire length of our bodies, is the largest of all our organs. Therefore, it takes the toughest beating and faces the biggest challenges.

During the winter months, in particular, our skin faces a lot of challenges. The cold weather, the snow, the wind and rain can take its toll on the parts of our bodies that are more exposed to the elements; especially our faces. This is why it is extremely important to have a good skin care routine in place and a good moisturising cream at hand.

It’s surprising to discover just how much water is drained from our skin due to the cold and the contrasts in temperatures between indoors and outdoors. In order to prevent as much water as possible from being drained from our skin, in winter it is advisable to switch to a more oil based moisturising cream as opposed to a water based one.

As odd as it may seem, it’s equally important to exfoliate your skin in the winter just as you would in the summer. In fact, it could be more important to exfoliate well in the winter because this is the time of year when dead cells form quicker. The longer these dead cells sit on the surface of the skin, the more opportunity they have to accumulate and lead to blockages of pores. As a consequence, blocked pores create the perfect environment for bacteria that can lead to acne, pimples and other common skin complaints.

Exfoliation is particularly important for people who have especially dry, flaky skin or particularly oily skin.

In the case of people with particularly dry skin, it’s practically impossible to hydrate, or nourish, the skin, even with a good moisturiser, when the dead cells sitting on the surface of the skin are acting as a barrier to the healthy cells. Exfoliation removes this barrier and allows any beauty care product to be better absorbed by the skin.

In the case of people with oily skin, exfoliation not only removes dead skin cells but also impurities and excess oil from the pores of the skin, which in turn reduces the onset of acne.

Although you can make your own exfoliation at home, there are some very good ones on the market. It’s also advisable to get a professional exfoliation at least 4 times a year; preferably at every change of season.

Here in the Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa, not only is it possible to get a professional full body exfoliation and/or a facial exfoliation as part of one of our tailor made beauty treatments, it’s also possible to purchase a range of professional products at an affordable price to take home with you. Please contact us for prices and more information. 

Author: Venerina Conti – Spa Manager – Gran Hotel Elba Estepona & Thalasso Spa.