Are you suffering from dry and irritated skin?
The recent cold temperatures and dry environment bringing on low humidity at home from central heating can lead to dry and irritated skin.
The winter weather can strip the skin’s natural protective barrier which causes dehydration and allow irritants to penetrate and cause sensitivity. This can also exacerbate pre-existing skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis to name just a few.
HOW TO ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS OF DRYNESS
To help alleviate symptoms of dryness, here are some tips to guide you:
- Reduce the temperature of your bath or shower and apply body moisturiser immediately after.
- Turn the heating down and save your skin and save money on your heating bill.
- Avoid licking lips. Lips can become very dry and irritated. Avoid licking lips as this can make them worse. Use a lip balm with shea butter and avocado.
- Hydrate your body. We all need to be drinking more water. Make sure you keep sipping throughout the day. Swap your coffee for green tea which also has an antioxidant effect.
- Use facial products and soaps that will not dry your skin further. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t draw moisture away from the skin. Use a rich moisturiser. If you are currently using a lotion, try swapping it for a cream.
- Use an indulgent hydrating face mask sheet before going to sleep. During sleep our skin and body uses this time to heal and repair itself. Why not try an indulgent hydrating sheet face mask before bed. These usually contain rich ingredients that are great for moisturising.
- Use sunscreen often. Although it may be getting dark early and the signs of daylight are limited. One thing many seem not important this time of year in their routine is sunscreen. However, don’t be fooled as it is the most effective skin care tool against premature ageing.
- Apply hand cream each time you wash your hands. Most of us are washing our hands frequently. This is very important with the current situation with Covid-19, Common Cold and Flu. But are you moisturising your hands after washing? Constant washing will cause the hands to become dry, flaky and cracked. The skin becomes itchy.
- Consider professional skin treatments.
Winter is a good time to prioritise your skin and health. The best way is to target concerns during this time. A course of micro-needling with radio-frequency will help stimulate new collagen and restore skin laxity. This type of treatment will reboot your body’s own natural elastin and collagen production in a minimally invasive way.
- Book in for a facial
Winter skin is usually dull. Skin peels can target symptoms of hyper-pigmentation after the summer or if you’ve recently come back from a holiday or post acne breakout, aim to get a professional facial every four to six weeks. Because that’s how long it takes your skin cells to move through a full cycle of cell growth. Regular facials will help keep your skin clean, clear and hydrated while maximising your skincare regime.
HOW TO WINTER PROOF YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
KEEP IT SIMPLE.
CLEANSE
Always remove make up and wash your face before applying your products. The skin needs to be clean for ingredients to absorb properly so they can be their most effective. Definitely skip make up wipes – leave those for emergencies and occasional use and not part of your daily routine.
TONE
Skin toners have come a long way from the alcohol-based liquids from before. Nowadays, toners are gentle and hydrating. They allow your moisturiser to be better absorbed. However, if you don’t like using toners on your skin you could skip this from your routine. It is optional.
SERUMS
These really help amplify your skincare routine. They are an optional part of the simple regime but they can really target and boost your skin health and concerns.
Some examples of serums include Vitamin C. This helps to brighten the skin and protect from environmental damage. It is also very strong and not suitable for all skin types particularly those who suffer from acne. Always get advice before starting a new skincare regimen.
Hyaluronic acid is another example. This serum helps to keep skin supple and plump to give your skin as much moisture as possible.
MOISTURISE
You should use moisturiser twice a day. Not only does it provide hydration but also a barrier to protect the skin and trap all the products underneath so you don’t lose their effectiveness.
SUNSCREEN
To be applied in the morning after your skincare routine. Consistent use of sunscreen has the greatest impact in preventing accelerated ageing and skin cancers. Application of sunscreen should be the last step in your routine. I recommend wearing a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher all year round.
Top tip: Although many moisturisers have added SPF protection, this is not sufficient to protect you throughout the day. It is still essential to apply a dedicated sunscreen to your face after you have moisturised.
Written by Farah Zaidi.
Facial Aesthetician at Sutton Dental Centre, Sutton, Surrey. UK
We offer Medical Grade Skincare and Peels, Microneedling with Radiofrequency, Dermal fillers and Anti-Wrinkle treatments alongside General Dentistry and Invisalign.