Autumn has to be one of my favourite times of year, the change in colour of the leaves, fireworks, cosy evenings wrapped up with a good book or movie, Halloween, however, one thing that I, like so many others, don’t enjoy is that winter itch, literally, as your skin becomes dry, cracked and sensitive! It doesn’t happen overnight, it’s over a week or two and only happens at this time of year or, when you’re visiting cold places.
As the weather turns colder during the winter months it can be more challenging to look after your skin as you battle with cold weather, heating, wind, rain, winter sun, hats and scarves rubbing on your face, there's a lot which can cause dryness, sensitivity and irritate the skin, just to name a few.
All these elements can strip the natural protective layer of the skin causing water to escape and irritants to enter which creates gaps. To us, this presents itself visually as cracked, dry, dehydrated skin and this in turn creates that itchy sensation which most of us will feel on our faces or hands at this time of year, but for some, it can also exacerbate other inflammatory skin diseases (rosacea, eczema, psoriasis for example) all over the body as the impaired barrier function worsens.
Another common issue is found where we have areas of thin skin on the face – the eyes and lips. During the harsh winter weather these already delicate and sensitive areas tend to show the symptoms first either feeling tight and sore around the eyes, or cracked and tender lips.
So, how can we protect, hydrate and soothe our skin?
Simplify your skincare routine.
"You wouldn’t want to wear your summer wardrobe in the middle of winter, similarly, we should think about adjusting our skincare to also suit our needs at different times of the year."
A hydrating or cream, soap free cleanser like the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser will still remove impurities from the skin whilst also gently nourishing a drier, stressed skin.
Incorporating a soothing and hydrating spritz toner such as the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Mist will help support the skins natural barrier and ease redness and sensitivity.
Opt for a lightweight but intensive moisturiser to help seal essential moisture into the skin and protect the skin’s defensive barrier – Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance is a fantastic option to help enhance the skin's natural resilience and support barrier recovery whilst locking in hydration to help enhance the skin's moisture content and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Skincare Boosts
We all need a boost every now and then, your skin is no different. Dermalogica have some fantastic products to help your skin through the coldest days and replenish lost moisture. Check out our suggestions below or ask us for advice at your next appointment.
Barrier Repair – This really is a fabulous product. Targeting dryness, dehydration, sensitivity and redness, it creates a shield to protect against environmental aggressors. Dermalogica describe this product as;
‘’ Velvety moisturiser helps fortify sensitised skin with a damaged barrier. Use this unique anhydrous (waterless) moisturiser after toning to help shield against skin stress triggers. Our exclusive UltraCalming Complex contains Oat and botanical actives to help minimise discomfort. Help restore a healthy barrier function and combat free radicals with Oil of Evening Primrose, Borage Seed Oil and vitamins C and E’’
Melting Moisture Mask – The great thing about this mask is that you can pop it while you’re watching the TV and just leave it on. When you’re ready, all you need to do is towel off any excess. This mask is dreamy and is a favourite of mine, it goes onto the skin like a balm and as your skin naturally warms the product it changes to a luxurious oil to deeply nourish and replenish the skin.
Invisible Physical Defence – UV light can cause damage to our skin at any time of year, not just during the summer months. This SPF is always in my cabinet, its weightless formula and non-greasy texture makes this perfect to layer over your moisturiser, or as I do, mix it in with my moisturiser, before applying to the skin. Perfect for all skin types this is must have product.
At Peachi Beauty we understand that your skin is unique so, if you’re unsure where to start, which treatment to book or what products are best for you, click here to contact us and we'll be happy to help.
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