How rude of May to start the cold so early! It’s officially Winter season, and you might be noticing some dry skin or fine lines, maybe even itchiness or little red bumps appearing with all the winter clothes and dry air.
So, let's dive into the world of winter skincare and discover how to address the unique challenges that arise during this season, especially for those with dry skin.
If you didn’t know, last month saw the release of our signature in-house range, Something Else Skincare. It’s naturopathically-curated by yours truly, free from nasties, and full of botanicals that actually address your skin concerns. So many of my patients are telling me about the changes with their skin this Winter, and I thought it’s time I give everyone my recommendations and what items you can use to increase moisture and reduce dryness this Winter.
Winter Woes for Dry Skin: Let's Tackle Them Head-on!
Ah, winter, the season of cozy blankets and hot cocoa. Unfortunately, it also brings some not-so-welcomed challenges for our skin, especially if we are naturally on the dry side. The cold, harsh weather can leave our skin feeling tight, flaky, and in dire need of hydration. This is because we interact with our environment, and when the air is dry, it draws moisture from our skin. If the skin barrier is not functioning properly or there is a deficiency in important nutrients like essential fatty acids required for skin cell health, moisture loss will also happen more rapidly; this becomes much more obvious in winter when the weather starts to change. On white skin, it’s flaky and dry. On dark skin, ashy and streaky.
So, what things change in the skin during winter to make us drier?
Ceramides: The Superheroes of the Barrier
Imagine ceramides as the protective shields of your skin's fortress. These incredible lipids naturally found in our skin act as the "glue" that holds everything together, preventing moisture loss and shielding against external irritants. But during winter, these superhero ceramides take a hit, and their production decreases, leaving our skin vulnerable. That's why it's essential to incorporate ceramide-rich products into your routine to replenish and reinforce your skin barrier! In Australia, ceramides can only be used topically; so opt for ceramide-rich plants like jojoba or moisturisers that have added ceramides.
For those with eczema, ceramide production is actually quite different than those who don’t have this condition, so continued support with topical ceramides is recommended, no matter what month it is.
Sebum Production: Winter's Sneaky Culprit
While we embrace winter's festive spirit, it comes with a sneaky side effect: decreased sebum production. Sebum, our skin's natural oil, helps retain moisture and keeps our complexion plump and happy. But when the temperatures drop, sebum production takes a nosedive, leaving us with dry, dehydrated skin.
But fear not, we have the secrets to help you combat these winter skincare woes!
Firstly, if you have really dry skin or suffer from eczema, consider getting a humidifier in your room to help humidify the air. This will mean the air is drawing less from your skin.
When it comes to internal support, EFAs are a must have, and if you have been skipping them then trust us that you’ll notice a difference when you start moisturising from the inside again! Hydration is also important to keep up in winter to prevent hyperkeratinisation (a lack of skin cell shedding) which can easily lead to problems like folliculitis (which looks like red little pimples).
Ingredients to Warm Up To for Winter:
1. Hyaluronic Acid: Picture a tall glass of water for your skin. Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient that attracts and locks in moisture, ensuring your skin stays hydrated and plump during the winter months. One of my faves for dry and mature skin types, as it’s also very hypoallergenic and you can notice the difference after just a few dyas. Look for our serums and moisturizers infused with this hydrating hero: Moisture Intensive Serum, Deluxe Hydration Mask, and in the moisturisers of our Restore and Renew range.
2. Ceramides: To rescue your skin's barrier and protect against the harsh winter elements, embrace products enriched with ceramides. These fantastic lipids restore moisture, improve elasticity, and shield your skin from environmental stressors. Our favourite source of botanical ceramides is Jojoba oil, which is in most of our items. Our favourite if you’re looking for deep luxurious nourishment is the Ancient Oil Elixir.
3. Nourishing Botanicals: Mother Nature has a treasure trove of botanical wonders to rescue your skin from winter's grasp. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, rosehip extract, and shea butter in our restorative cleansers, hydrating moisturizers, and nourishing serums. These natural powerhouses will lavish your skin with the nutrients it craves. Our Restore range is designed for dry skin, and our Renew range is designed for combination and mature skin.
Winter Skincare Tips to Embrace:
1. Gentle Cleansing: Opt for a restorative cleanser that removes impurities without stripping away essential oils. We love using the Restore Botanical Cream Cleanser as a our second cleanse in the PM after removing product with one of our gel cleansers. This is also perfect for use in the morning where sebum production isn’t high, so the skin requires a little more nourishment than cleansing.
2. Layering is Key: In winter, it's all about layering your skincare products to ensure maximum hydration. Start with lightweight serums, followed by moisturizers rich in ceramides and nourishing oils. This step-by-step approach will lock in moisture and protect your skin throughout the day.
3. Don't Forget Sun Protection: Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen! Harmful UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin. So, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, and keep that youthful glow intact.
Winter skincare doesn't have to be a daunting tas, but it is important to change things up for the seasons. Remember to prioritize ceramides, hydrating ingredients, and nourishing botanicals to combat dryness and protect your skin's barrier. And, enjoy our DIY Bundle Saver to try all your new favourite products!
Much love,
Em (Founder, Naturopath, Skin-thusiast)
