Winter Wellness

Top Of The Swaps: How To Get Your Winter Wellness On Track

Winter has finally arrived – and with it comes the usual dark mornings, gloomy afternoons and early evenings. While it’s hard to move past the SAD and frosty weather, there are a few swaps you can make at home to get ahead of the winter wellness curve (and save yourself the ‘new year, new me’ moment in January).

But how exactly does the shift into winter impact our overall health? Aside from the obvious – flu season is rampant at this time – we experience a multitude of changes with the shift in seasons. ‘The transition into winter can significantly affect overall wellbeing due to changes in weather, daylight, and lifestyle habits and it is completely normal to feel a bit of a shift both physically and mentally,’ notes Dr Raj Arora, an NHS GP and director of The FaceBible.

She notes that changes can impact us on multiple levels: mood (‘low energy, lack of appetite, mood changes and sleep disturbances’), exercise (‘colder temperatures may discourage outdoor activities’), physical health (‘there’s an increased risk of infections such as colds and flu, which takes its toll on our immune system’) and even our skin (‘the combination of cold air and indoor heating can strip the skin of moisture, leaving it dry, irritated, and more sensitive’).

So what can we do to soften the (frosty) blow? Use this as a time of reflection, suggests celebrity personal trainer Aimee Victoria Long. ‘Shorter days and softer light encourage a slower pace, inviting us to rest and restore,’ she explains. ‘The reduced sunlight can affect our energy and mood, so this season often asks us to be more intentional about how we nurture ourselves.

‘Rather than resisting the change, it can be a moment to reconnect with small, grounding rituals and to prioritise rest, nourishment, and reflection,’ she adds. ‘Winter reminds us that slowing down can be deeply restorative.’

And if reflection doesn’t come easily, don’t worry – we’ve asked our network of fitness, nutrition and skincare experts to share their top wellness swaps for winter. Click below for the verdict.

Are At Home Microcurrent Devices Worth The Investment?

We all have our skincare go-tos – a weekly collagen sheet, a cult retinol treatment, a super hydrating SPF – but when it comes to beauty gadgets, we tend to be a bit more selective. There’s the massagers, the gua shas, the rollers, the depuffing wands and the LED masks, but one skincare tool we’re seeing more and more of lately is the humble microcurrent device. Promising to lift and sculpt (as long as you have the right technique, of course), microcurrent therapy is the hot new thing not just in the salon, but at home too.

We get the inside scoop on the beauty phenomenon from Melanie Simon, electrical aesthetician and founder of ZIIP.

What is microcurrent therapy?

First things first: get to know the therapy behind the device. ‘Think of microcurrent as a personal trainer for your face,’ encourages Melanie, ‘but instead of lifting weights, your skin and muscles are gently stimulated by tiny electrical currents.

‘These currents mimic the body’s own natural electricity to energise cells, boosting collagen and elastin, improving circulation, and supporting lymphatic drainage,’ she continues. ‘The result? Skin that looks more lifted, radiant, and alive. It’s completely non-invasive and can give an instant post-facial glow and sculpt.’

Melanie also notes that, with the added guidance of apps (as is seen with ZIIP), you can also target specific areas of concern, like fine lines, sagging, uneven tone, pigmentation, inflammation, and congestion. And all from your bedroom, no less.

How do microcurrent devices work?

The hard bit is getting these microcurrents to interact with areas of the face you want to target – which is where your beauty gadget comes in. ‘Microcurrent devices send tiny, carefully controlled electrical currents through the skin using conductive probes and gel, ensuring the energy flows comfortably and efficiently,’ explains Melanie.

What are the benefits?

As we mentioned, the main benefit associated with microcurrent therapy is facial sculpting – but Melanie tells us there are plenty of other pros to add to the list. ‘Microcurrent subtly sculpts and tones facial contours, improves circulation, and gives skin that unmistakable post-facial radiance,’ she emphasises. ‘By boosting cellular energy (ATP), it also supports collagen and elastin production, improving firmness and texture over time.’

There’s also the added luxury of being able to achieve results like these without a trip to the salon or clinic. ‘It’s non-invasive, easy to use and perfect for anyone looking to maintain or enhance skin health at home,’ says Melanie. ‘Think of it as a cumulative treatment: the more consistently you use it, the more your skin performs at its best.’

How long until results are visible?

Melanie notes that there are both instant and long term results that come with using a microcurrent device. ‘You’ll be able to see and feel an instant difference – more lift, less puffiness, a brighter, more awake look, even after one session,’ she says. ‘But the magic really happens with consistency. Over four to six weeks, you’ll notice more defined contours, improved tone and that “energised” look that makes skin appear healthier and more alive.’

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