Whether you’re from Australia or Antarctica - nobody is a fan of dry skin. So much so that recent research by Mintel Beauty and Personal Care research found 66 per cent of all new products launched globally in the skincare market in 2012 had a moisturising and hydrating claim. Skin often becomes dryer, dehydrated and sensitive due to the harsh elements and our environment in the cooler months,” says Dr LeWinn’s anti-ageing expert Kerrie Moore. Avoid using products that are harsh and drying and replace them with products that leave the skin feeling comfortable, hydrated and protected.”
So how exactly does the cold weather lead to dry skin? According to Bioelements creator Barbara Salomone, healthy skin is comprised of approximately 25 per cent water, which declines naturally throughout the day through TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL). When the humidity drops during the winter months, the TEWL increases as the atmosphere pulls moisture from your skin. When the percentage of water in your skin falls below 10 per cent, the amount of skin-lubricating lipids in your skin decrease as well, and you begin to experience dryness, flakiness, a tight feeling – and the dreaded itchy winter skin,” says Salomone.
While there’s nothing much that can be done about the factors causing winter skin (unless global warming suddenly kicks up a notch), there are a number of ways that the right skincare products can preserve skin during the colder months.
1. Replenish hydration
First and foremost in winter, keep skin hydrated with products focused on their moisturising abilities. Water is essential for every living cell in your body… why would you think your skin is any different? Our skin demands a regular watering to ensure maximum growth. Keeping the skin in balance ensures the skin is hydrated, smooth, dewy with maximum protection and maximum penetration,” says DermaQuest. Apply a serum under moisturiser for ultimate hydration.
Line Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day CreamLine Smoothing Complex S8 Hydrating Day Cream
Osmosis Skincare Quench Plus+ (NZ)
DermaQuest Skin Rehydrating Serum
2. Provide a barrier for the skin
Different types of moisturisers benefit alternative skin needs. Some help skin attract and retain water, some work to soften and soothe, and some provide a film on the surface of the skin to seal in moisture. This last type is known as occlusives (or barrier creams”) and include ingredients such as petroleum, mineral oil, lanolin and shea butter to provide a protective barrier for the skin. This is essential in winter to stop moisture or water getting out from the skin.
Lovely Lanolin Herbal Treatment Body Oil
3. Cleanse gently
Harsh peels, clay-based masks and alcohol-based toners should be avoided during winter as they can strip vital oil from your skin. Opt for a cleansing milk or mild foaming cleanser instead,” says USANA Health Sciences nutritionist Ravinder Lilly. Salomone agrees, suggesting consumers use a formula that will comfort and hydrate dry skin with ultra-gentle cleansers and essential oils.”
Warming Anti-Blackhead Cleanser
Yes to™ Carrots Cream Cleanser
4. Detox skin
When skin becomes dry it is unable to properly exfoliate on its own leading to a build-up of dead cells that can cause dullness and flakiness. To help counter this problem, look for a good exfoliator or scrub. Cellular renewal slows down especially during the winter months, the result being dull, dry looking skin that may appear older than it really is. Learning the most effective way to exfoliate will not only get your skin glowing but have your limbs smooth and silky in seconds,” explains Natio and Aum public relations manager Serena Mackinnon.
Marshmallow Sugar Crystal Body Scrub
Ella Baché Revealing Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant
Dior One Essential
5. Repair and restore skin
So, despite regular moisturisation and exfoliation you’ve still been inflicted with dry and flaky skin? Don’t worry, all is not lost. Using a combination of the right nutrients and vitamins can help promote the skin’s recovery, with vitamins A, C and E all a great place to start. Vitamin A helps grow new skin as it is involved in the development of new skin cells and tissues, vitamin C helps promote the production of collagen – a connective tissue that is needed to assist in the formation of skin, and vitamin E boosts the growth of new skin cells and tissues by enhancing blood flow.
6. Night treatment creams
Skin is especially vulnerable to moisture loss during night time hours when the barrier function is compromised. Skin is programmed to fine tune its rhythm for the next day at night time,” according to Clinique. Over-night treatments are essential during winter as skin is most receptive to re-building when it is in a non-active state.
Skin Physics Cellugen Ultra Night Repair
7. Body perfect
While there’s nothing better than spending ages under scalding water when it’s freezing cold outside, as the hot water hits your skin it breaks down the complex layer of naturally occurring lipids between and on top of your skin cells leading to dry skin. To help combat this, douse yourself in a body moisturiser or oil straight after hopping out of the shower.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula with Vitamin E
Kora Luxurious Rosehip Body Oil
8. Chapped lips
Because your lips only have thin surface layers of skin, they are more likely to dry out than the rest of your face. According to Los Angeles dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, you lose up to 10 times more moisture through your lips than other parts of your face or body. A good lip balm is essential for avoiding chapped lips in winter.
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