Dehydration, dryness, flakey and lacklustre skin – panic mode!
Our skin can be a little more reactive to the sudden temperature change from the cold outside to the heating inside, so we need to make some adjustments to our skincare alongside lifestyle habits to prevent a compromised barrier function and prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
Lifestyle Tweaks
While it’s second nature to crank the heat up when its cold outside its essential to be mindful of how high you turn it up, keep it at a lower but comfortable setting and keep it low when you are sleeping to prevent it compromising your skin.
Invest in a humidifier to use in your home, office, and the rooms you spend most of your time in, this will help to add moisture to your environment. It’s a must for your bedroom; I mean you spend eight-plus hours there and sleep time is when the skin goes into repair mode, and its prime time for rejuvenation, there’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep.
Avoid hot showers as tempting as it is, it will cause TEWL, dry and sensitised your skin. If your skin turns pink it’s too hot.
Skincare Tweaks
Change your skincare routine as we move through the seasons to prevent dry and dehydrated skin by following these skincare rules.
Adding a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can help combat dehydration, although correct usage is vital, to avoid more dehydration. We have all heard of Hyaluronic Acid by now, and it works by holding 1000x its weight in water, and it draws moisture from the atmosphere to your skin, but if you are in a dry environment, it can end up pulling moisture from your skin which leads to dehydration and flakiness. For example, if you are living somewhere like Vegas, you probably don’t want to use Hyaluronic Acid on your skin- the climate is dry. Therefore if you are cranking up the heat in your home and causing a dry atmosphere, you need to be mindful of the environment you are creating (invest in a humidifier) and also how you’re applying hyaluronic acid serums.
Don’t panic; there is no need to throw your Hyaluronic serums out but follow my guidance.
Apply Hyaluronic Acid serums to damp skin, either dampen with water or a hydrating mist as this will create a moist (not my fav word but I need to get my point across) environment for the hyaluronic acid to work, then once the serum is absorbed immediately apply a moisturiser to lock in the Hyaluronic Acid.
Invest in a humidifier asap to create more moisture in your environment, your skin will thank you in the long term – just saying!
Ceramides
Okay, so you hit your 30s, and life is supposed to be great, right?! You care less about what people think and general bs, but did anyone tell us that our ceramides would decrease by 40% by the time we reach 30 – nooo!!!
What Ceramides?
Ceramides are naturally occurring waxing lipid molecules which are vital for the skin’s ability to retain water.
Ceramides are like the cement to bricks, it holds are skin cells in place, prevents water and moisture escaping, keeping our skin healthy and plump.
A reduction in Ceramides leads to skin dryness, dehydration, irritation, fine lines and wrinkles.
Adding skincare containing ceramides will have a profound impact on the skin’s health.
Oils
If your skin is dry, you need to add oils—skin-nourishing oils to your skincare routine. Oils help to replenish the skin with vital lipids for a healthy skin barrier. Dry skin is a skin type which lacks oil, and this can be due to genetics, lifestyle and diet but as the colder months arrive you may need a little more oil than you do the rest of the year as the skin barrier is more likely to become compromised due to the environment. Skin that is not usually dry can find using an oil a couple of times a week will be beneficial to the skin in the colder months.
Moisturiser
Moisturiser is for everyone, and apply twice a day. If your skin becomes drier as the seasons change, you may up the ante with a richer moisturiser at night time.
Slugging with
Creme Masque Vernix helps recondition the skin by revitalizing, repairing and protecting the epidermis. I apply a thicker layer as a overnight treatment. Rich in ceramides and omega 3 & 6, I wake up with hydrated, soothed and radiant skin. Perfect for winter months.
Follow the rule of thinnest to thickest when layering your skincare.
Reduce Exfoliation and Actives
As the skin is more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity in the colder months, I recommend reducing actives and exfoliation (many are overdoing it). Reduce retinol, AHAs, BHAs and exfoliate 1-2x in ten days. If your skin is continuously raw and flakey, you need to take it down a notch because you barrier is compromised and healthy skin is a healthy barrier.
Use a Ph Balanced Cleanser
Using a Ph balanced cleanser is an essential step of your skincare routine, and it should be a staple all year round (its non-negotiable). I prefer switching to a milk-based or oil cleanser for the Winter months and only using a gel-based a few times a week.
Don’t forget your sunscreen even in the Winter months →
Diet
Drink water, and lots of it. It’s normal to have more warming caffeinated drinks in the colder months but be mindful as they do dehydrate the body which reflects on the skin. For every cup of coffee, double up on the water.
Eat plenty of root vegetables and warming foods, too many cold foods can create dampness in the body, and the body needs warmth at this time. I tend to switch out my breakfast smoothies for delicious warming oat bowls.
Stay warm beauties
With Skin Love
Kimberly
