The countdown to winter has officially begun. With June just mere days away, the drop in temperature brings with it more than just cosy clothes, unfortunately uber-dehydrated, tight and flakey skin is soon to follow.
So what happens to our skin during winter exactly and is it really necessary to keep wearing SPF while the clouds and rain are gracing us with their presence?
On the SPF front, the answer is yes, yes it is. According to research by sun care brand, Hamilton, “UV radiation can damage your skin on cool and cloudy days. Temperature is not a good indicator of UV levels and up to 80% of UV radiation passes through clouds.”
And regarding the changes our skin undergoes, well there is a lot we need to be aware of. From protecting the barrier to why we need to swap out products in our routine and how ageing comes into play.
To learn all about the importance of protection during the harsh weather conditions we are about to face, BD spoke with Liberty Belle Skin Centre dermal clinicians, Jennifer Glebov and Daniela Paolino, to educate us on how we can do exactly that.
How does our skin change with the cooler drop in temperature?
Extrinsic (external) factors such as reduction in temperature, dry wind and indoor heating can dehydrate our skin. Dehydration is a lack of water within the epidermal layer in the skin. Our skin tends to feel more dry and tight, fine lines start to appear and you may start to get some dry flakiness depending on your skin type. Dehydration affects every skin type – even oily skins.
Should we still wear SPF in winter? Why?
Absolutely. If there is light outside there is UVA radiation. UVA rays create free radical damage that causes premature ageing. Protecting your skin with a SPF every day throughout the year will help to reduce premature skin ageing. We recommend using a physical sunscreen that contains zinc like our Superstar SPF 50+.
Should we be using different skincare products in winter and if so, what categories are most important to focus on?
You may find skin needs will change from the warmer to cooler months. Most skin types, even oily skin, will suffer from dehydration – which is a lack of hydration in the skin. Products containing hyaluronic acid (HA) will help to increase hydration. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, therefore hydrating the skin without creating more oil. Our Glam Squad Serum contains three types of hyaluronic acid to target long and short-term hydration, as well as vitamins B3 and B5 for barrier protection and brightening which are both imperative during the cooler months.
Dry skin types are most likely to suffer from flakiness, redness and itching and require something to replenish the lipid barrier. Dry skin lacks oil rather than water, so changing to an oil based moisturiser that is rich in texture will help moisturise skin. Star Quality is our rich radiance cream that has a combination of nourishing oils and butters, with no silicone. Beware of silicone, it makes your skin feel smooth and hydrated but doesn’t actually moisturise.
Why is it important to protect our skin barrier?
Our skin is a barrier and first line of defence to protect us from external influences. When our skin’s barrier becomes impaired it can lead to a condition called trans-epidermal water loss which creates dehydration within the skin. A breakdown in barrier functioning can create skin sensitivities, irritation, flakiness and redness.
How can this impact ageing?
Dry and dehydrated skin will naturally look older - it looks sallow, lines appear deeper and elasticity reduces. Maintaining hydration keeps your skin cells happy.
What's your best anti-ageing tip?
Protection and prevention are better than cure. Protect your skin from UV damage using a physical zinc SPF like Superstar SPF 50+ and protect your skin’s natural barrier function.
Look for active ingredients to help target specific concerns. Vitamin C, niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, peptides, plant stem cells, retinol and AHAs are the gold standards in anti-ageing and can all be found across the Liberty Belle Rx range.
What's something you wish more people knew about looking after their skin?
When it comes to exfoliation, less is best. Over exfoliation or stripping the skin can lead to irritation and sensitivity. We like to use a product with natural AHA’s like Quiet Achiever instead of harsh scrubs. Or try a professional microdermabrasion treatment every 4-6 weeks.
Many people can underestimate the benefits of retinol - it is truly the gold standard in skincare ingredients. Our Dream Team and Eye Dream contain encapsulated retinol which gently delivers retinol to target: Fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven skin tone and poor texture, congestion and blemishes and pore size.
BD recommends: Keep skin protected this winter (and all year round) with these brand picks. Click the product name to learn more and to download hi-res imagery:
Liberty Belle Rx Superstar Broad Spectrum Physical Zinc Sunscreen
This luxe, protecting SPF 50+ cream provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB exposure. The zinc based sunscreen is formulated for sensitive skin, with hydrating coconut oil and antioxidant rich vitamin E for free radical protection.
Hamilton Everyday Face Sunscreen
This SPF 50+ sunscreen provides UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection and has a sheer tint for an invisible matte finish. Moisturising and suitable for all skin types, it can be used under makeup. It helps protect against premature ageing of the skin and sun damage when used regularly.
JERGENS Oil-Infused Softening Vanilla Moisturiser
This oil-infused moisturiser helps to lock in long-lasting hydration with the essential ingredients to proviide visibly beautiful skin. The nourishing oil blend is infused with sweet vanilla essence to indulge skin in sensual softness. A popular and recognisable scent, vanilla evokes relaxation, has calming benefits and embodies indulgence and warmth.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Signature Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+
This is We Are Feel Good Inc's original formula and can be used every single day of the year, whether we are in the water or on the land. Non-greasy, broad spectrum and up to four hours water resistant, it’s the ultimate sun protection.
mesoestetic hydrating moisturiser with sun protection
This moisturiser helps prevent skin ageing, hyperpigmentation and also protects against photo damage. The formula is enriched with moisturising and antioxidant properties, including vitamin E. It complements any treatment that leads to temporary dehydration of the skin.
Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+ UVA-UVB
This three-in-one UV screening foundation encompasses sheer colour, broad spectrum protection and moisturising properties. It delivers maximum protection from harmful UVA rays together with a golden tint foundation. It is free from parabens, fragrance, titanium dioxide and mineral oil.
Reef Dry Touch SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion
This velvety, smooth, dry-touch lotion has been specifically formulated to be lightweight on the skin, non-greasy and easily absorbed, leaving a smooth, powder-like finish. The lotion provides four hours of water resistance and a richly hydrating formula scented with Reef’s delicious signature coconut fragrance. The inclusion of SPF 30+ protects skin against UVA and UVB rays and is suitable for all types of sun exposure.
DermaVeen Daily Nourish Moisturising Lotion
This lotion seals in moisture, leaving skin smooth, supple and healthy. The lightweight formula offers a triple moisturising effect and is easily absorbed into the skin. It contains natural colloidal oatmeal to effectively soothe, hydrate and protect the skin. The moisturiser is hypoallergenic and free of lanolin, parabens, artificial dyes, fragrances and alcohol.
This face cream from SkinCeuticals has been specifically formulated to combat collagen breakdown and moisture loss in mature skin. It provides powerful firming and replenishes moisture with emollients - perfect for skin depleted by the ravages of time. Signs of ageing in mature skin are the result of three factors - dehydration, collagen breakdown, and free radical damage.
This moisturising cream effectively hydrates and helps restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. Developed with dermatologists and ideal for dry and very dry skin on the face and body, this rich, non-greasy, fast-absorbing moisturising cream features patented MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides throughout the day and night.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Baume Body Balm
This lipid-replenishing body cream is formulated to reduce dryness, restore hydration and comfort to dry or very dry skin. This body balm is enriched with prebiotic aqua posae filiformis and microresyl to help rebalance the skin's microbiome as well as shea butter and nicinamide to replenish the skin's protective barrier.
This skin enhancing lotion works by helping to stimulate skin cells and also aims to fight the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and increase firmness. This creamy, nourishing lotion leaves skin with a glowing, hydrated, soft and smooth complexion.
This cream helps to provide fast relief for anyone with dry, sore and itchy skin. The range comes in two formulations: DermAid Cream with dissolved hydrocortisone to provide rapid skin penetration and DermAid Soft for those with more sensitive skin.
Azclear Day Moisturiser SPF 30
This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser helps to protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun and will keep you hydrated for 24 hours. It has a non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
This lotion from Silic 15 forms a barrier to shield the body from water, sweat, detergents, chemicals and other silicones. It provides skin greater protection against dryness, dermatitis, blisters, chafing and rashes and can also help relieve eczema symptoms.
Hawaiian Tropic Duo Defence Face Lotion SPF50+
This lightweight moisturising formula provides a silky, non-greasy feel for your face with Protective Anti-pollution layer that goes beyond UV protection. The Protective Anti-Pollution layer helps phelps to prevent premature skin ageing from the sun and pollution. The Face lotion provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, 4 Hour Water Resistant (Reapply every 2 hours) and features the signature Hawaiian Tropic scent.
QV Skincare Intensive Body Moisturiser
This addition from QV Skincare pampers the skin as it rehydrates and helps to seal in moisture. The emollient intensive balm pampers the skin and rewards it with a soft finish. Suitable for extremely dry and sensitive skin types.
Banana Boat EveryDay Faces Oil-Free SPF 50+
This oil-free, very high protection sunscreen lotion is specially formulated to protect the face and neck from sun damage, without clogging pores. It contains UVA and UVB protection and is idea for wearing daily under makeup. The non-greasy, fragrance-free light lotion glides easily onto skin, absorbing into the skin without leaving any white residue.
