A walking footballer's guide to making your skincare work as hard as you do.

Mar 27
4 min read

As you know, playing walking football outdoors is fantastic for your mental and physical health. But the football season is never ending – hot summer tournaments, plus league games in the wind and rain. All of which can be very damaging for your skin. We spoke to Weleda Wellbeing Advisor and facial reflexologist Jenny Whitfield to find out how to maximise your skincare routine and get the most from your products.

Our skin, especially on our faces, bears the brunt of the weather, environmental pollution and harmful UV rays. Stress, sleep, diet and hydration all affect the health of our skin and contribute to inflammation and irritation. Not only that, as we age and oestrogen levels drop, cell turnover slows and collagen production declines which can cause a loss of elasticity and firmness. Luckily there is plenty we can do to keep our skin nourished and glowing without turning to harsh or invasive treatments, or having to spend lots on expensive products. The way we apply them makes a big difference to how effectively they work.

“A great skincare routine begins with thorough cleansing,” says Jenny. Clean skin is more radiant and allows products to do their job, but products that are too harsh will cause irritation and dryness. Look for products with plenty of natural, nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter, apricot kernel oil and aloe vera, and avoid anything with sulphates (SLS, SDS, SLES, ALS), parabens and ethyl alcohol (often labelled as alcohol denat.). Oil based cleansers are best for removing make-up without stripping the skin of its natural oils and a double cleanse before bed makes sure you have removed everything that has built up on the skin during the day. The number one mistake people make when cleansing their skin, according to Jenny, is using water that is too hot. If you like your shower steaming then it’s best to wash your face with lukewarm water first. This prevents damage to delicate capillaries and stops the drying effects of heat.

The next step in getting fresh skin that is ready to absorb products is toner. It makes sure all impurities are removed and supports cell turnover to keep skin bright. Again, avoid toners containing alcohol and look for ingredients that soothe sensitivity and balance hormones, such as chamomile, clary sage and rose.

The lymphatic system is responsible for removing toxins and refreshing cells. Tension in the neck, jaw and shoulders slows lymphatic flow and the result is puffy or dark eyes, fluid under the jaw line, dull skin, break outs, congested sinuses, headaches and even brain fog. However, a few simple moves added into your skincare routine will support lymphatic drainage and leave you looking and feeling much clearer. The key thing to remember is to start with the collar bone area, which is the final drainage point, then massage behind the ears. Always work from the centre outwards on the face.

Serums come next and they are not a replacement for moisturiser. The molecules in a serum are smaller than that in a moisturiser and they reach a deeper level of cells. Maturing skin will really benefit from a serum that supports collagen production and plumps cells to reduce wrinkles. The best way to apply a serum, says Jenny, is to apply a small amount to the fingertips and ‘raindrop’ them over the face. This boosts microcirculation, encouraging absorption and creating a natural glow.

The larger molecules in moisturisers protect the outer layer of the skin, maintaining the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and nourishing cells so they don’t become flaky or dull. When choosing a moisturiser, look for natural ingredients that hydrate skin and protect against environmental damage: botanical oil such as rosehip, jojoba and safflower oil; rich emollients like shea and cocoa butter; antioxidant pomegranate, vitamin C and green tea; hydrating glycerin and ceremides. Try not to pull your skin around as you apply moisturiser. Rub a small amount between your hands and pat over the face and neck. Apply eye cream with the ring finger in gentle presses around the eye area to prevent pulling and damaging the delicate skin.

Facial oils are wonderful in cold, windy and wet weather as they provide an extra layer of protection. Apply on top of moisturiser, also by patting gently. Give the oil 20 minutes to absorb, then add mineral sunscreen as the final layer of protection. Yes, even in winter! UVA rays are persistent all year round and can penetrate clouds. Don’t forget to protect your lips and hands too.

Key takeaways

Look for natural, gentle skincare ingredients

Use lukewarm water to wash your face

Support your lymphatic system as you apply your skincare

Cleanse – tone – serum – moisturiser – oil - sunscreen

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