Dry skin is more common in the winter than in the warmer months and we all feel the changes from season to season.
The changes in humidity and temperature at this time of the year can irritate the skin.
Dry skin can affect many people during the winter, and the severity of the symptoms can vary significantly. Various treatments can replenish the moisture of the skin and relieve the symptoms. People can also take certain steps to prevent the skin from becoming dry.
The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The thin outer surface of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, also known as the skin barrier.
A combination of lipids and dying or dead skin cells makes up the skin barrier. The skin barrier forms a layer of protection that prevents harmful toxins from entering the body. When the skin barrier sustains damage, the skin appears dry or irritated.
Moisture is essential for the skin barrier to perform well. ResearchTrusted Source has shown that there is less moisture in the skin during winter than in the summer, as well as fewer lipids in the skin barrier. These differences contribute to dryness and irritation.
During the winter months, people often turn their indoor heating up high, which reduces humidity and affects how much moisture is available to the skin.
At the same time, the cold outdoor weather, harsh winds, and rain can strip the skin of its natural, moisturizing oils.
Here are our top tips to prevent dry and dehydrated skin during the chilli season:
It is important to moisturise the skin with topical hydrators, but water – which makes up 64% of our skin – is the hidden key to proper hydration.
Drinking less than 2 litres of water a day (6-8 glasses) will deplete our skin of moisture (leading to a dull/ dry complexion), it robs our skin of that “healthy glow” and it increases the signs of lines and wrinkles.
The use of a daily SPF is just as important in Winter as Summer.
Although we see less of the sun during this season we still have exposure to UV rays – and winter is no exception.
Whilst there are fewer UVB (short wave ultraviolet) rays in Winter, levels of UVA (long wave ultraviolet) – which penetrate the skin’s deepest layers – are still significant enough to cause damage during this time.
CLEANSE
iS CLINICAL’S CLEANSING COMPLEX has a pH of 5.6 which is perfect for removing make-up and pre-treating the skin without stripping it and maintaining a healthy pH balance. CREAM CLEANSER is powerful, yet gentle enough to be used on dry, hypersensitive skin. It combines bio-nutrients, anti-oxidants and restorative ingredients that thoroughly cleanses, but leave the skin comfortable. It can also be used with or without water (for extra comfort).
EXFOLIATE
Unless you have Vitamin A or retinoid-containing products, physical or chemical exfoliation is advised 3-4 x per week.
Some great products from iS CLINICAL that have amazing exfoliating properties are our TRI-ACTIVE EXFOLIATING MASQUE, WARMING HONEY CLEANSER and even our ACTIVE SERUM (to be used at night under your moisturiser).
SERUM
Serums absorb fast into your skin, making them a great step after cleansing.
There are many different serums with each a unique purpose and ingredients.
Ask your skin specialist for the correct serum for your skin.
Great iS CLINICAL winter serums are PRO-HEAL SERUM ADVANCE, SUPER SERUM ADVANCE+ and YOUTH SERUM.
MOISTURISE
Moisture is key. Especially in winter when it provides the skin with enough hydration and comfort to combat tight-dry skin.
iS CLINICAL SHEALD RECOVERY BALM (also known for its scar repairing abilities and post-procedure benefits), REPARATIVE MOISTURE EMULSION (our “glow in a bottle“) and YOUTH INTENSIVE CRÈME are great winter moisturisers.
EYES AND LIPS
These two are delicate areas also needing special care in the winter. iS CLINICAL products that are great for these delicate areas are the YOUTH EYE COMPLEX, C-EYE SERUM ADVANCE+ AND EYE COMPLEX.
Ideal for the lips is the LIP DUO – it is a boxed set containing two products.
It consists of the LIP POLISH ( for getting rid of dry, chapped skin) and YOUTH LIP ELIXIR (smooth and hydrates lips, providing comfort and a healthy glow).
SPF
Sunscreen is vital even in the Winter months.
I personally even sleep with an SPF on, to protect my skin against the blue light damage from the late-night social-media catch-ups.
Although the sun is not so present in the winter we still have daily UV exposure.
iS CLINICAL ECLIPSE SPF50 and EXTREME PROTECT SPF 30 and now 40 is perfect.
Both of these sunscreens come in tints…..Eclipse in beige and Extreme Protect SPF 40 in beige and bronze.
So no excuse for anyone not to wear sunscreen.
And let’s not forget IN SALON TREATMENTS
Have regular treatments even in Winter.
Fire and Ice Treatment is our well-known Red Carpet Facial, giving you an instant glow and great for resurfacing and getting rid of unwanted dead skin cells.
Winter is a great and ideal time for peeling peels.
Our Prodigy P 2 & 3 is the ideal treatment this time of the year and will help shed and promote healthier new skin.
Always remember to consult with a skin specialist or your nearest aesthetic doctor for a comprehensive skin analysis to advise you on the best possible treatment plan.
Lots of love from the VH Skin team