Winter is truly upon us and you may be experiencing skin dryness, dehydration and a skin barrier breakdown due to changes in cold temperature, central heating and low humidity.
To combat dryness and dehydration this winter, here are our top tips for a healthy skin this season.
Keep it clean...
You don’t need to necessarily change your cleanser during colder months, however if you are experiencing extreme dryness you may like to take your cleanser up a notch in the Dermalogica cleanser range. Alternatively, if you don’t currently use a pre-cleanser, then this may be the key to your skin health. Dermalogica’s PreCleanse, is a nourishing oil based pre-cleanse that is perfect for all skins to use. It not only removes surface debris and dirt but leaves the skin clean and ready for your next cleanse without stripping your skin and leaving it dry. That’s because it contains Borage Seed Oil which is a good fatty acid that has been used widely to treat inflammation, eczema and dehydration.
Prodermal tip…It’s great to use around the eyes and lip area too.
It is still important to exfoliate your skin during winter. However, take note of your skin condition; is it peeling, red, itchy or inflamed? If so, then reassess your level of exfoliation and take it more gently. Try using a microfoliant that will buff and polish the surface of your skin without irritation. Choose from Daily Microfoliant or Daily Superfoliant as they both contain ingredients to lightly exfoliate to keep your skin clear without irritation.
Prodermal tip…Use Daily Microfoliant on the lips to keep them smooth.
Boost your barrier…
Keeping the barrier function intact is so important for any skin but no more so than in winter. Your barrier is made of lipids, dead cells and natural moisturising factors. It functions to keep your skin hydrated, healthy and strong. However, it is easily disturbed by internal and external factors.
Serums and booster products are perfect to introduce through winter to help keep your barrier intact. Choose products with ingredients that include Panthenol and Oats that will help with any winter inflammation or Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter to nourish and moisturise a dry skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a favourite to use in formulations as it helps to hold moisture within the skin and is like giving your skin a big glass of water! Our favourite include Skin Hydrating Booster.
Prodermal tip…Serums and boosters are traditionally applied first and closest to the skin where they provide maximum benefits. Toners and moisturisers can be applied over the top to help keep precious moisture locked in.
Facial oils are also beneficial to use as they will help to nourish your skin. Rose, Argan, Sunflower Seed and Chia Seed Oils are all great sources of good oils that will provide antioxidants and replenishment to your barrier layer. Try the AGE Smart Overnight Repair Serum for night and Phyto Replenish Oil for daytime dewy skin. Lastly, my go-to moisturiser in winter is Super Rich Repair which is the heavy weight, richest of Dermalogica moisturisers. I personally recommend this soothing, hydrating and protective cream because as an outdoor winter sports enthusiast it works so well for my dry and thirsty skin.
Masques are always a great way to boost your skin. In winter, boost your barrier by applying your masque a few times a week. Skin Hydrating Masque will provide the ultimate hydration and Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque provides antioxidant and healing qualities to promote healthy tissue regeneration.
Prodermal tip…For added masque benefits, apply a thin layer and leave on overnight.
Putting on the spritz…
Spritzing your skin with a toner will help to combat skin dryness and dehydration. A favourite is Dermalogicas Antioxidant Hydramist which is full of antioxidant goodness that will supplement the skins protective barrier and shield the skin.
Prodermal tip… Perfect to use throughout day, even over make up to keep your skin hydrated and protected from a heated environment.
Keep it calm…
Irritated, sensitised and sensitivity can be a constant concern for winter skins. If you suffer from a genetically sensitive skin or are sensitised due to the cold environment, help is on its way in the form of the Ultracalming range of products from Dermalogica. This complete range of products are designed to control inflammation and reduce the signs of sensitivity, irritation and redness. The research team at Dermalogica have formulated the exclusive “Ultracalming Complex” into each product that helps to keep the barrier intact and to soothe reactive skins. Choose from a cleanser, calming mist toner, primer, serum, repair mosituriser and sun protector. This range uses ingredients like Oats to calm, Panthenol to promote regeneration and Silicones that create a shield against the environment and to reinforce the barrier layer.
Prodermal tip… Ultracalming Cleanser can be used with or without water to cleanse your skin.
Body Blitz it…
Don’t forget the rest of your body this winter. Eat plenty of foods that contain essential fatty acids like fish, nuts, avocados and keep up your water intake. Try hot water with lemon and honey or warm ginger tea to replace caffeine if you prefer warmer drinks when it’s cold outside. Avoid long hot baths, showers and soaps as they dry your skin.
For body smoothness use the Body Hydrating Cream. Its excellent to use throughout winter as it contains hydroxy acids to exfoliate your skin and essential plant oils smooth your skin.
Prodermal tip…The best time to apply a body cream whilst your skin is damp.
Not sure about what extras you need this season? We want you to have the best skin ever, so contact the Prodermal team with any skin or product question…big or small.
Stay warm!
Yours in skin,
The Prodermal Team X
