Combating Winter Dryness
It’s that time of year again when the leaves are falling, the air is getting crisp, and we’ve broken out our winter wardrobes. Seasonal changes predict our clothing choices and those changes should also predict how we care for our skin.
Winter months can be particularly cold and harsh, which wreaks havoc on the skin due to water loss from the outer layer. Our skin is a hygroscopic organ, which means it has the ability to absorb moisture from the air (think moist, tropical climate) or, have the moisture pulled out of it (think dry, desert climate.)
Low levels of atmospheric humidity create a skin condition known as trans-epidermal-water-loss, commonly referred to as dehydration. In addition to TEWL, many people also experience a condition known as winter xerosis or, winter “itch”.
Winter xerosis is caused from a lack of both water and oil in the epidermis, which impairs the skin's barrier function. An impaired barrier manifests itself as dry, scaly, itchy, inflamed skin. Although people of all ages can develop this condition it is much more common in people over the age of forty and those living in areas where extreme climate changes occur.
Just as a good winter wardrobe will protect your body from the elements; proper seasonal skincare will keep your skin looking glowing and radiant throughout the winter months. Listed below are some tips that will help to stave off the winter skin blues.
Hydrate your air-sounds silly, but dry air is one of the biggest contributing factors to dull winter skin. Keep your skin hydrated by humidifying the air around you in both your home, and office. Skin is happiest at 60 percent or above humidity which is a sufficient level to replenish moisture to the epidermis.
Banish the bath-think twice before soaking in a hot bath to take your mind off of the chilly weather. Hot water and surfactants from soap strip away your natural moisturizing factors and can lead to dry, scaly skin. Try limiting yourself to one 5-minute shower per day using lukewarm instead of hot water.
Minimize the use of soaps-opt instead for moisturizing body washes, creamy cleansers, or oatmeal-based soap. Reduce the risk of abrading the skin and causing fissures (small, microscopic tears) by avoiding bath sponges, loofahs, and rough textured washcloths.
Moisturizer, moisturize, MOISTURIZE -apply moisturizers immediately after bathing and/or washing your face and hands. As we learned in remedial science class, oil and water don’t mix. By applying a heavier moisturizer while the skin is damp, water gets trapped in the outer skin layers preventing evaporation and increasing hydration. Plump, hydrated cells equal happy, healthy cells!
Start using actives- using active, results-orientated ingredients during the warmer months poses a challenge due to increased sun sensitivity. That makes winter months the perfect time to turn up the volume on your beauty regimen! Consider transitioning to products that have corrective benefits such as vitamin-A, Glycolic acid, or Salicylic Acid if your skin is prone to breakouts.
Boost your ingredients- pay close attention to the number of antioxidants in your skincare products to help boost the production of collagen and elastin. Look for products that contain vitamin-C, green tea, peptides, alpha lipoic acid, Tocopherol (vitamin-E), and hyaluronic acid. Antioxidants bathe both the inner, and outer portions of cells and help to increase the skin’s repair rate and encourage cell turnover.
Feed your skin-diet has a massive impact on skin health. We are what we eat! Consuming foods that are high in Omega 3’s and other heart healthy oils can lubricate the skin from the inside out. Eating foods that have a high ORAC value (oxygen-radical-absorbency-capacity) help to neutralize free radicals that degrade connective tissue (collagen, elastin).
Drink lots of water- your skin is composed of a lot of water and its function is to protect and prevent fluid loss. Dehydration makes the skin appear dry and wrinkled so hydrating the body both internally and externally will help to maintain skin smoothness.
Avoid Allergens/Irritants- allergens and irritants can trigger inflammation resulting in redness and itching. Remember that winter skin is more delicate so try and stay away from scratchy/irritating fabrics, chemical-laden detergents, fabric softeners and synthetic fragrance.
Exfoliate- Use gentle exfoliation to increase cell turnover and slough away dry, rough skin. If there are too many dead skin cells trapped on the surface, moisture and nourishing ingredients won’t penetrate as effectively.
Obviously, wintertime and your skin are not the best of friends but upgrading your skin care regimen will help to ensure you’ll maintain a hydrated, glowing complexion all winter long.
Book a skin consultation with our aesthetician and let us help you achieve your best skin! Call us at 415.409.6500 or book online here !
To learn more, contact our San Francisco office and call us at 415.409.6500.