If there was anyone qualified to give skincare advice, it is Quite Frankly Natural founder, Samantha Marsh. Samantha founded Quite Frankly Natural whilst working and studying in the health industry for over 13 years. She is a practising Nutritionist and has completed a Bachelor of Health Science and Nutritional Medicine.
Despite Samantha’s knowledge of all aspects of Nutrition, her passion and speciality lie within skin health and natural beauty and it felt like a natural evolution for her to create her own range of therapeutic skincare and makeup products to help manage skin concerns such as acne, psoriasis, dry skin and rosacea.
As we dive headfirst into winter, we wanted to ask Samantha for her top tips on treating problematic winter skin from the inside out.
Q: HOW SHOULD YOUR SKINCARE REGIME EVOLVE IN THE WINTER MONTHS IN COMPARISON TO THE WARMER MONTHS?
A: I would suggest including a good quality, natural facial oil and hydration mist to your routine to help combat dry skin and improve hydration during the colder months. It’s best to include these 2 steps after cleansing and before moisturising, morning and/or night.
Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY SKIN AND DEHYDRATED SKIN AND HOW CAN YOU WORK TO TREAT THEM?
A: Dry skin is how the skin looks and feels after its already been dehydrated or lost its moisture. If we deeply hydrate the skin with the correct skin care products and maintain a healthy skin barrier, we help to reduce trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and therefore maintain hydration in the skin.
Q: WE KNOW THAT DIET CAN HAVE A HUGE EFFECT ON OUR SKIN – WHAT CAN WE DO TO COMBAT DRY AND DEHYDRATED SKIN FROM THE INSIDE OUT?
A: Essential Fatty Acids and water! Drink loads of water (and/or herbal teas) and eat plenty of oily fish and plant oils such as avocado, raw olive oil, nuts and seeds. You can also supplement if needed and dietary intake is inadequate, however, ask your Naturopath or Doctor for advice before taking any supplements.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT TO USE WHEN IT COMES TO TREATING DRY, DEHYDRATED WINTER SKIN?
A: QFN’s Super Hydrating Mist! It is just that, super hydrating! It also naturally contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a win-win! We have so many great reviews on this new product already.
Q: WHAT IS A RECURRING MISTAKE THAT YOU FEEL YOUR CUSTOMERS MAKE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR DAILY SKINCARE REGIME DURING WINTER?
A: HOT WATER! So many people wash their face with hot water and sure it’s nice and cosy when it’s cold in the bathroom but it deeply dehydrates the skin and increases inflammation and redness, especially if you are prone to these concerns. We always recommend to cleanse pre/post shower and with luke-warm/cool water. Trust me it makes a huge difference!
Q: WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO SEEK PRODUCTS DERIVED FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS?
A: Well I could go on and on about the differences between natural and non-natural skincare products for days. Just briefly, I don’t agree with burdening your body and organs with toxic chemically ladened skincare on our face and bodies, when it is completely unnecessary! There are some beautiful natural skincare and makeup brands out there with highly effective, active formulations and solutions, such as Quite Frankly Natural. Look for natural, powerful ingredients such as lactic acid and Kakadu plum, found in our Facial Balancing Daily Foaming Cleanser and stay away from nasty ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and parabens. However, my advice is to do your own research and also beware of green washing! …This is my absolute pet hate!
Q: IN SUMMARY, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS ON COMBATTING WINTER SKIN?
A: 1. Drink lots of water, 2. Eat plenty of essential fatty acids, 3. Shower and wash your face with cool/warm water – NOT hot, 4. Use high-quality natural skincare, 5. Get adequate rest.
But if all else fails, invest in our Super Hydrating CS Mist and a 100% pure silk pillowcase!
