Winter isn’t just coming, in some parts of Australia it feels like it’s already here, and as that distinct chill takes over, we’ve got one thing, naturally, on our mind – how to see our skin through it.
Ultraceuticals Global Education Ambassador, Tracey Beeby is here with some important dos and don’ts when it comes to winter skincare, leading you through the colder months and saving your skin in the process.
“With the change of season comes a varying range of skin concerns due to the change in temperature and lifestyle habits,” Tracey said. “Skin tends to suffer more from dryness and dehydration – which is, lipid and moisture loss – in winter, due to hotter showers and heating, harsher weather outside, more comfort foods and less activity.”
“Certain skin conditions can flare up in winter such as dermatitis and eczema due to the dry, windy air and harsh temperatures, but also the fact that the skin is covered with woollen clothing can often irritate the skin,” she continued. “Dehydration is excessive loss of water from the body. Within our facial skin, dehydration occurs when there is a deficiency of water in the surface layer of the skin, the stratum corneum. This is most often caused by environmental exposure, often aggravated by natural ageing and photo-ageing of the skin. The signs of dehydration include skin tightness or tautness, plus flaking and fine lines, which can affect any skin type.”
Tracey warns that when the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum is impaired, there is an increase in moisture loss that can result in dry, scaly, cracked, sensitised and highly reactive skin, as well as accentuating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“It’s important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin however as both require individual treatment and have a different cause. Dehydrated skin lacks moisture but still may produce oil, whereas dry skin is skin that is oil-dry. A dry complexion can feel tight all the time – even after applying moisturiser and flakey patches may crop up,” Tracey said.
With this in mind, Tracey’s advice aims to elevate moisturised and hydrated skin, even through the coldest temperatures of the year. Follow these dos and don’ts as your winter skin solution.
DON’T Take Too Many Hot Showers
We hate to break it to you but this is on the no-go list. “Hot showers and extreme artificial heating can cause skin dehydration and sensitivities,” Tracey warned.
DO Drink Plenty of Water
You should be doing this year round but in winter it’s particularly crucial, as Tracey explains, to keep internal hydration up.
DO Increase Your Moisture Regimen Over Winter
“Consider opting for a richer moisturiser if your skin is prone to dryness and dehydration,” Tracey said. “In order to prevent your skin from suffering during the cooler months, your summer moisturising routine will most likely need some tweaking. A heavier moisturiser might be in order to help retain vital hydration and support your skin’s barrier function.”
“Within our daily regimen, sometimes a more occlusive moisturiser may be required along with the addition of a hydrating serum,” she continued. “Sometimes an upgrade in your moisturiser is necessary and the addition of a nourishing or replenishing mask will help replace essential moisture while restoring and repairing your skin’s barrier, the epidermis. Internal hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding long hot showers will also assist.”
DON’T Forget Your Body
While we are so focused on our facial skin, sometimes the rest of our body can go a little unchecked.
“Don’t forget to nourish the skin on your body which will be dealing with its own challenges through winter including the constant wearing of heavy wools and synthetic fabrics along with hot showers which all contribute to skin dehydration. Provide plenty of nourishment with a body moisturiser and remember to exfoliate up to three times a week,” Tracey said. “Selecting a body moisturiser that contains a liquid exfoliator is a great two in one product that provides intense hydration and exfoliation using ingredients such as Lactic Acid.”
DO Stay Sun Aware
It may seem counterintuitive but, especially in Australia, we have to be aware of the sun all year round.
“Daily sunscreen is still just as important as ever, so always ensure you use a daily moisturiser with an SPF of at least 30 before heading outdoors,” Tracey said.
DO Invest In The Right Products
As hairdressers, we know the power of results-driven, professional products. In tackling these hair and beauty issues Ultraceuticals recommends products such as their B2 Hydrating Serum to enhance moisture, the brand’s Ultra Rich Moisturiser Cream to intensely nourish thirsty skin, the Ultra Replenishing Mask as a rescue remedy and the Ultra Retexturising Body Complex for dual exfoliation and hydration benefits. The Ultraceuticals UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF50 is your sun-protecting tool, even for the winter months.
Make this winter one of glowing, hydrated, cared for skin!
For more information visit www.ultraceuticals.com
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