Solutions for winter skin woes

Posted on 20 June, 2017

As the colder months approach, they can bring more than just a rosy glow to our cheeks.

In winter, many people report their skin is dryer, flushes more easily and is prone to irritation.

Why? In cooler and windier environments, there is less moisture in the air which is further compounded by coming in and out of artificial heating. Water is lost from skin cells called Keratinocytes and essential lipids stripped from the surface of the skin, impairing the barrier.

There is plenty that can be done to ‘nurse’ your skin through winter.

Here are the top tips

CREATE A BARRIER

Choose a more occlusive moisturiser than the one used in summer to aid in restoring the barrier function of the skin.

LATHER UP

Steer away from detergent based cleansers which can strip the skin of natural lipids, and use an emulsifying cleanser to stimulate ceramide production and lock in moisture.

AN ALPHABET OF VITAMINS

Amp up the antioxidants in your skincare, especially vitamins B3, A and C as these are essential for maintaining optimal skin health and hydration.

PLASMA IS YOUR FRIEND

Depleted, thinning and crepe like skin is increasingly common in winter, especially around the eye area. To stimulate collagen production and build integrity in this area, a course of PRP (platelet rich plasma) treatments is a must in winter.

HYDRATE

Winter skin is often associated with dry, flaking skin due to dehydration. Procedure Peels are a perfect way of lifting dead cells and stimulating fresh new ones.

TIME TO REPAIR

The cooler months are a fabulous opportunity to start addressing photodamage caused by exposure to sun such as Fraxel laser, Genesis laser and IPL.

GET LIPPY

Cracked lips? A great tip is to use your antioxidant rich eye cream on your lips day and night. Sounds crazy but it works!