How to prevent dry winter skin

Have you ever noticed how your skin changes with the seasons? If so, you may have noticed how the cooler months will often make your skin drier and flakier. 

If you struggle with this, the good news is you are not alone. Dry skin over winter is common and usually occurs due to changing humidity and temperature levels and harsh winter wind, which disrupts the level of moisture in your skin. The signs of dry skin are typically: 

• Redness
• Cracked, rough texture
• Flakiness
• Itchiness 

While you can’t control the changing weather, you can control the effect it has on your skin. 

We look at the ways you can keep your skin healthy and share our favourite products to help your skin look vibrant all winter long.

1. Hydration

It is no secret that staying well hydrated plays a big role in the appearance of your skin. Studies have shown that your chances of dehydration in winter increase and is often due to people consuming less water, as the colder temperatures make them less thirsty. While this has impacts on the body overall, a lack of fluid can show on your skin in the form of dark under-eye circles, dullness, itchiness, and wrinkles.  Ensuring that you stay on top of your water-intake can ensure that your skin is hydrated from the inside-out. 

In addition to staying on top of your fluid intake, your skin also needs hydration from the outside, which can be achieved by using a hydrating moisturiser targeted at dry skin relief.  Key ingredients to look out for include Ceramides, Urea, Dimethicone and Hyaluronic Acid which work to protect your skins moisture barrier and hydrate your skin. Try to avoid products that are heavy on synthetic fragrances and alcohol, which can strip your skin of moisture and dry it out further. 

Our picks:

Dermal Very Dry Skin Lotion 

Dermal Therapy Very Dry Skin Cream 

La Clinica Dry Skin Relief Body Butter 

La Clinica Essentials Deep Hydration Moisture Cream

2. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are a power-house ingredient in skin care, that work to correct the signs of aging, aid in skin repair and help brighten skin tone - among other important roles.

One of the most popular and most studied antioxidants, is Vitamin C.  When winter hits, increasing our bodies Vitamin C stores is one of the key recommendations to fight off winter ills and chills – and our skin is no different. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, often overlooked in winter skin care regimes. Experts agree that incorporating a serum which includes Vitamin C is a great way to boost moisture and brighten your skin, especially over the cooler months. Vitamin C also plays a role in preventing sun damage – which can still occur even over the winter months when it is not as visible. If you are using Vitamin C, it’s best applied in the morning and should be followed up with a good quality moisturiser that includes SPF. 

Another popular antioxidant is Vitamin E, which is a naturally occurring component of healthy skin and is mostly found in creams and lotions aimed at treating dry skin. Vitamin E helps to accelerate the skins healing and stop skin from losing moisture, while protecting and softening skin. 

Our picks: 

La Clinica Essentials Vitamin C Ultra Serum 

La Clinica Skin Relief Bio Vitamin Oil Face & Body 

3. Mask up!

No - we’re not talking surgical face masks here. Face masks are a great way to replenish and moisturise your skin leaving you with a glowing, healthy complexion. Over winter the key is to avoid any harsh exfoliating masks which can break down your skin’s moisture barrier, particularly if you are already suffering from dry, irritated, or cracked skin. Instead, opt for a face mask that includes hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid and beneficial oils and extracts. 

Our picks:

La Clinica Sensitive Skin Moisture Replen Mask 

La Clinica Hyaluronic Acid Skin Mask 

4. Exfoliate

While it is best to avoid harsh exfoliants, gentle exfoliation on dry winter skin can help to remove dead skin cells and help to keep your skin looking fresh and bright. Exfoliants that include ingredients such as Urea and are paired with nourishing and hydrating ingredients such as Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid are best. 

Our picks:

Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cream

La Clinica Anti-Ageing 3 Fruit Exfoliating Mask

5. Moisturise after washing hands

Winter often brings increased hand washing as we try to protect ourselves from germs. The downside is frequent washing strips your skin of its natural oils, which can further add to already dry, irritated skin. Repetitive use of hand sanitisers can also break down skin due to the high alcohol content. Most hand sanitisers need to contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective, however this also means that they are particularly drying.

One way to ensure your skins health is maintained without compromising hygiene, is to look for hand soaps and sanitisers that are more moisturising than others. Where this isn’t possible, follow up your hand washing or sanitising with a moisturising hand cream that includes ingredients such as ceramides to help restore the skins barrier– just make sure you allow the sanitiser to dry completely before going in with a cream. 

Our picks:

Dermal Therapy Very Rough Hands

Dermal Therapy Sanitising Hand Cream 

Sources:

https://www.paulaschoice.com/expert-advice/skincare-advice/ingredient-spotlight/how-does-vitamin-e-help-skin.html

https://www.healthline.com/health/winter-dry-skin#dry-skin-prevention-tips

https://www.dermstore.com/blog/antioxidants-in-skin-care/

https://www.vogue.com/article/eczema-sensitive-skin-hand-sanitizer-moisturizer

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2021/02/are-you-more-dehydrated-in-the-winter/