CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

As the winter chill sets in, it is essential to protect and nourish your skin in the harsh cold weather, especially with temperatures in the UK dropping below 0 degrees.  

Experts at beauty and wellness marketplace Fresha have provided beauty enthusiasts with their top tips for maintaining healthy skin during the frosty months.

Remember, SPF is not just for summer 

Perhaps the most important tip on the list, SPF should be incorporated into your daily winter skincare routine. Despite the lack of visible sunshine and warmth in these colder months, the UV rays from the sun can seep through clouds and age and damage your skin. It is recommended to apply a high SPF, such as SPF 30 or 50, after you cleanse but before you moisturise to fully protect your skin; even SPF 15 is too low in the winter season. With ‘#sunscreenrecommendation’ hitting 85.6 million views worldwide on TikTok, skincare lovers around the world aren’t skipping this step – so be sure to add this to your beauty regime if you haven’t already. 

Opt for gentle cleansing for a healthy barrier 

During this cold season, our skin can become more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity, so it’s crucial to use gentle, non-harsh products to maintain a healthy skin barrier. It is recommended to use creamy cleansers instead of foaming ones, as well as washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water. Implementing these small changes will ensure that your skin’s natural oils are not being stripped away and that your skin barrier is protected to retain moisture. 

Don’t forget to protect your hands and lips 

It’s not just your face that needs protecting this winter, as the skin on your hands and lips is thinner and more vulnerable to dryness – hence why we lick our lips and suffer from ‘lick eczema’. To prevent this, applying a good quality lip balm and a rich layer of hand cream in between hand washing, going outside, eating, and drinking is necessary. Taking these steps will shield your hands and lips from chapping, cracking and becoming sore during the harsh temperatures. 

Try a vitamin C serum 

Introducing vitamin C to your skincare routine can hydrate and brighten your skin, as well as reduce hyperpigmentation and promote the production of collagen. However, it’s incredibly important to gradually introduce vitamin C to your routine, as it may not be suitable for your skin type. Some vitamin C products may have high concentration, so it could cause minor skin irritation, and in these cases, should be dropped from your routine immediately. Therefore, do a patch test to assess your skin’s reaction by applying a small amount of serum or oil to the back of your hand. If you develop any redness or rashes, then this product is not suitable for your skin. 

If your skin reacts well to the vitamin C serum, then this product can heal blemishes and can provide UV protection, but it must be used as well as SPF as opposed to replacing it. Not to mention, it gives your skin an incredible glow during the dull winter months.

Maintain hydration from the inside out 

The harshness of the cold air can be seriously drying to your skin, so using a daily hydrating moisturiser twice a day is a must to lock in moisture and prevent a dry, flaky face. This moisture should then be sealed with a facial oil, such as argan or jojoba, to fully reap the benefits.  

Hydration should also be prioritised from the inside out, so ensure that you’re drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods, such as fresh fruits like oranges, vegetables like cucumbers, as well as broths and soups. 

Don’t overload your skin with new products 

It is important to bear in mind that the change in temperature does not require a complete change in your usual skincare routine. Overloading the skin with too many products, especially new ones, can exacerbate or evoke skincare issues. It is recommended to trial new products and carefully monitor how your skin responds to them on a day-by-day basis. As well as this, trying one product at time allows you to see the true results with no other factors affecting them, rather than using too many at once and trying to figure out which one isn’t working for you. Taking these steps will ensure that your skincare routine is suitable for your needs, particularly in this cold weather. 

A spokesperson from Fresha has commented on these tips: “The winter can bring challenges to your skin, so it’s vital to adapt your skincare routine to this colder season. This guide emphasises the importance of hydration, UV protection, and being gentle with your skin to protect its barrier and not overload it with products.” 

Amid reports that 6 in 10 football fans agree that they prefer away days over home games (61.2%), SeatPick surveyed 3,000 football fans to uncover what fans consider to be the ultimate away day experience.

Q1: “If you could choose any stadium in Europe (outside of the UK) for your ultimate away day, which of the following would it be?” 

SeatPick can reveal that Camp Nou, Barcelona, is the ultimate away day stadium, with one in six fans selecting it as their top venue. The current closure of Camp Nou for renovations, aimed at increasing the capacity to 105,000 and featuring a retractable roof and a solar powered 360-degree LED display, has fans eagerly awaiting the 2025/26 season, which is clearly depicted in the results.2 

Burnley fans are the most enthusiastic about attending a game at Camp Nou, with over a quarter(27.3%) of Burnley respondents expressing their eagerness, followed by Liverpool FC, where 17.1% of fans are keen to visit the newly renovated Camp Nou. 

The Allianz Arena, home to Bayern Munich, is the second most popular choice, with one in sevenrespondents selecting the stadium (13.4%). The Allianz Arena ranks as the second most popular choice for the ultimate away day, particularly among Luton fans (22.2%). With Tottenham legend Harry Kane’s summer transfer to Bayern Munich, over one in six Tottenham Hotspur fans now favour the Allianz Arena as their top away day choice. Furthermore, despite Manchester United’s recent Champions League loss at the Allianz Arena fans are keen to head back, with the Allianz Arena ranking as the top choice among Man United fans (16.9%). 

Q2: “What team would you like to see for the ultimate Premier League away day?”

Across all Premier League teams, almost one in 10 respondents would choose Tottenham Hotspur as part of their ultimate away day experience (9.6%). Arsenal is the second most popular choice, favoured by 8.2% of respondents, closely followed by Manchester United (8%). 

Fanbases with clear local rivals in the Premier League all picked their rivals for their away day, except West Ham. Despite having local rivalries with other London teams, one in eight West Ham fans in the survey chose to see Manchester United on their away day (12.3%). 

Q3: “How much would you be willing to budget for a single away day ticket?”

The most common budget for an away day ticket among all football fans was between £51 to £100. SeatPick can reveal that Burnley fans are willing to splurge the most on their ultimate away day, with almost 1 in 6 respondents admitting they would pay over £300 – over triple the average cost – for their away day ticket (13.6%). On the other hand, Aston Villa fans are the most budget-conscious, with a fifth (20.2%) not willing to spend more than £50 for an away day ticket, the highest percentage among all fanbases.

International away days, such as the Champions League and Europa League games, consistently generate higher interest due to happening less frequently. If you find it challenging to secure ticketsfor your favourite team’s matches, resale sites like SeatPick are here to assist you. 

Q4: “How much would you be willing to budget for transport to and from the venue, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses during the away day?” 

SeatPick can reveal that a third of fans (30.2%) would be willing to spend between £101 to £200 for their ultimate away day experience, which would include transportation, accommodation, meals and incidental expenses. This was the most popular choice among fans of 16 of the 20 Premier league clubs. Bournemouth AFC and Luton Town fans were willing to spend between £301 to £400 on expenses, while Sheffield United and the Wolverhampton Wanderers were willing to spend between £201 to £300.

Q5: “How far are you willing to travel for an away match?” 

Aston Villa fans are the most adventurous, with almost one in four agreeing that they would travel more than 500 miles (23.1%) for an away day game. Overall, more than a quarter of respondents would be willing to travel between 101 and 200 miles (26.3%). Surprisingly, the second most popular distance to travel is between 201 and 500 miles, with almost one in four (23.5%) respondents admitting they would be willing to travel this far for their ultimate away day experience. 

An emerging tradition are cold plunges, beneficial not only for physical well-being but also for mental health. As the new year develops and many of us outline our “ins and outs” for 2024, this tradition convincingly deserves a spot on your list of resolutions.

The Benefits of a Cold Plunge

Robyn Hatton, explains how this can benefit your body:

“Cold water therapy, also known as cold water immersion involves immersing the body in cold water for a short period of time. This practice is linked to a variety of health benefits, including:

Reduced Inflammation & Muscle Recovery:

Cold water therapy may help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation in the body after intense physical activity. It constricts blood vessels and lowers metabolic activity, which can reduce swelling and tissue breakdown.

Mood Enhancement:

Cold water therapy can also cause an increase in levels of endorphins or bodies produced therefore it’s our body’s natural mood lifters coming into play. This can boost positivity and reduce symptoms of depression.

Improved Sleep:

Some individuals find that cold water therapy, especially when taken before bedtime, can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Stress Reduction:

Cold water therapy may activate the body’s stress response, leading to increased tolerance to stress over time.

Skin and Hair Health:
Cold water can constrict blood vessels and reduce puffiness, which may contribute to healthier-looking skin. Additionally, cold water exposure may improve hair health and shine.

Increased Endurance:

Regular cold water therapy has also been suggested to potentially improve endurance by enhancing our cardiovascular strength therefore increasing the body’s tolerance to stress on the cardiovascular system overtime.

(It’s important to note that while many people find cold plunges beneficial, individual responses can vary. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions, before incorporating cold plunges into your routine. Additionally, it’s crucial to start gradually and not push the body into extreme cold exposure without proper acclimatisation.)”

Images by

Karsten Winegeart

Isaac Burke

Eleanor Carter
Lance Reis

Today is Blue Monday, reportedly the most “depressing” day of the year, as many of us already find ourselves susceptible to the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). With up to 2 million people in the UK, alone, navigate the challenges of SAD annually, Brainworks Neurotherapy’s brain health experts offer valuable insights on how to combat the winter blues beyond traditional light therapy.

The best and most effective way to snap out of the post-Christmas blues is to adopt a holistic approach to your health, and the simple and easy-to-implement lifestyle changes outlined below aim to simultaneously address mood, sleep, physical health, and lifestyle factors.

Strategic Sunlight Exposure

No matter how dreary the weather outside may be, make it a point to step outside for 10-15 minutesevery day before 12:00. To maximise the benefits of this exercise, position yourself to face east, as this aligns you with the direction of the morning sun. It’s also important to repeat this practice in the evening, during sunset. This time, you should face west as the sun sets in that direction.

Exposure to natural light in this way and time frame is essential for supporting your hormonal system. This is because the amount of light that enters your eyes during these times directly influences the production and regulation of hormones in your body, such as serotonin, melatoninand cortisol, which play a critical role in mood and sleep patterns. This effectiveness extends even to areas with cloudy weather, as the light can penetrate through clouds. 

Grounding

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a practice that involves physically connecting with the Earth’s surface to absorb its natural, subtle electrical charge. The idea behind grounding is that in our modern lives, we are often insulated from direct contact with the Earth due to the prevalence of rubber-soled shoes, buildings, and other non-conductive materials. Research indicates that grounding can reduce inflammation, help manage stress levels, and improve sleep patterns. 

To practise grounding, all you need is to locate a patch of grass, sand, or even mud and let your bare skin make contact with the natural earth. In winter conditions, there are several alternative approaches to choose from to practice grounding. One method involves physical contact with a tree or your dog while standing on natural surfaces like stone, sand, or grass. Another option is to wear grounded shoes, with or without grounding socks. Unlike typical footwear, these shoes incorporate conductive materials such as carbon, silver, and copper in both the outer and inner soles, facilitating ground energy transfer to your feet. Aim to spend at least 20 minutes every day practising this to see the benefits.

Bedtime Routine

Set a fixed bedtime for every night, and as the clock ticks, put away your phone, turn off the lights, and gently close your eyes. This simple lifestyle adjustment is often underrated, yet it stands as one of the most effective anti-stress habits. Going to bed at the same time every day offers multiple benefits: It aids in regulating our circadian rhythms, ensuring our body’s internal clock is in sync. This, in turn, helps stabilise the production of crucial hormones like melatonin and cortisol. Such regularity not only contributes to improved sleep quality but also plays a vital role in stabilising mood and promoting better mental health.

Connections 

While the natural reaction when experiencing SAD symptoms might be to isolate oneself, it’s essential to try the opposite by nurturing connections with others. Engaging in social activities, whether with friends, family, or support groups, can offer a sense of connection and belonging that acts as a potent antidote to the winter blues. These interactions not only provide emotional support but also serve as a reminder that you are not alone in your battle against SAD. 

Please note that cases of SAD with more severe symptoms should be evaluated and treated by medical professionals. Treatment options may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, antidepressant medication, or a combination of therapies. In such cases, your GP should be your first point of contact for guidance and appropriate care.

With the winter blues creeping in on us, searches for seasonal affective disorder have increased by500%.

With the colder months capable of having an impact on productivity, which features can help boost productivity whilst at work? With this in mind, Savoy Stewart has teamed up with experts at Brainworks Neurotherapy and Hillary’s, to reveal how to increase productivity during the winter months.

Top office features that can boost productivity:

1. Connection through colour

Colours are thought to influence many of our choices, moods and behaviours.  With many offices typically using bland tones such as white and grey, there are many different shades that can improve and increase employee productivity levels.

Yvonne Keal, on behalf of Hillary’s home store comments: “Light and airy pastel shades such as pinks, dusty yellow, lilacs and mint greens are great colours to incorporate into your office in winter as they promote calmness and can help release any built up tension in your work routine which still allows creative juices to flow.

“Allow the colour to influence your mood and mind-set in a more positive way, whether you paint a whole area or add a pop of colour to your desk, bright colours are proven to activate serotonin levels inside the brain making you feel more energised.”

2. Live plants

Adding greenery such as plants to an office can hold huge benefits for work life. With reportssuggesting that plants are capable of reducing stress and increasing productivity levels, they can also clean the air within an office and help filter out allergens.

Two plants that are great for boosting productivity levels are Bamboo Palm, which is famous for its pollution reducing abilities, increasing easy breathing and can promote clear-thinking. Perfect for a long work day. Whilst the Golden Pothos has similar powers, it can also remove unfavourable smells, keeping your airways clean and leaving no room for distractions.

3. Personalise your workspace

Whether this be at your home office or an external office environment, personalising your work space with your own items that reflect your interests can keep you engaged and relaxed.

Whilst your specific office area may keep you feeling relaxed, taking breaks from your space can have huge benefits on your work day. Studies have shown that regular breaks are great for boosting performance and energy levels, with research finding that taking mini-breaks throughout the work day can support wellbeing and increase productivity, even if it is a few minutes away from your desk.

4. Install artwork

Many office spaces are plain and lacking ‘life’ to their interior, therefore adding  artwork that is personal to you can be great for influencing emotions such as happiness, and can restore mental energy.

Nature imagery has been found to help with work frustrations, whilst artwork from your favourite artists or even family members can bring a sense of connection. Small framed pieces, stickers, posters or photographs all add a fun element, as long as they don’t create any potential distraction to you or other colleagues.

The office environment can have a significant impact on employee productivity, improvement areas to consider are:

1. Change your office layout

With people spending hours at a time in one space at work, the layout of your office is essential for encouraging productivity and collaboration with others.

James Roy, on behalf of Brainworks Neurotherapy comments: “Exposure to natural light  is essential for supporting your hormonal system. This is because the amount of light that enters your eyes during these times directly influences the production and regulation of hormones in your body, such as serotonin, melatonin and cortisol, which play a critical role in mood and sleep patterns. This effectiveness extends even to areas with cloudy weather, as the light can penetrate through clouds.”

2. Remove any potential distractions

Reducing excessive noise and clutter can make a huge difference to your day to day productivity. Utilising ‘quiet spaces’, organising dedicated work areas and setting expectations will help beat feeling unmotivated.

Senior Product Manager, Yvonne Keal, atHillary’s home store, spoke on combating distractions in your workspace:

“A cluttered physical space equals a cluttered mental space, so remove any unnecessary items from your office to maintain concentration. Dim lighting can also make you feel tired, unfocused and increase chances of headaches, therefore placing your desk perpendicular to a window is best for the most natural light.”