Shania OBrien spoke to two skincare professionals about the best ways to care for your clients’ skin when faced with the winter chill.
Summer vs winter skin
Warmer temperatures result in increased perspiration, which activates the oil glands on the skin that cause acne. But winter comes with its own set of plights.
The cold, dry season manifests in chapped lips and heels; with peels of dry skin hanging from crevices on the body. Drastic changes between indoor and outdoor temperatures cause adverse affects to natural moisture levels of the skin; drying out already damaged tissue.
“In winter, the skin’s natural self-defense barrier (the hydrolipidic film) is prone to becoming impaired — meaning your skin’s ability to hold moisture is compromised,” said Gina Cook, National Training Manager and skincare expert at Ella Baché.
“Cold temperatures, cold wind and drying indoor temperatures initiate this wave of winter skin damage. As such, the skin can appear red, irritated and flaky, and it may feel tight, uncomfortable, and itchy,” added Nicola Kropach, Aesthetics Rx General Manager.
How you can tweak your skincare routine
Nicola provided several tweaks your clients can make to their skincare routine to prevent dry skin, flare-ups, and to keep skin healthy and glowing all season:
- Don’t use soap. Instead, opt for pH-balanced cleansers, creams, and milk-based skin care products;
- Always use a moisturiser, especially after showering or bathing, and apply moisturiser or balm to the lips;
- Choose a moisturiser rich in humectants that draw moisture in, such as ceramides, glycerin, aloe vera juice and hyaluronic acid;
- Oil-based ingredients like squalane, rosehip oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil can help prevent trans-epidermal moisture loss;
- I recommend double cleansing no matter the season. During winter, it can be helpful to switch to a creamier cleanser, such as an AHA Cream Cleanser or Anti-Pollution Oil Cleanser as the second cleanse because it will improve the skin’s natural barrier.
For added hydrating benefits, Gina recommends Ella Bache’s new Face and Body Cleansing Oil. “This new silky and hydrating cleansing oil effortlessly promotes moisture retention to treat dry and flaky skin, rebalances your skin’s natural PH level, and allows for better absorption of other skincare products. Safflower Oil is combined with considered oils of Lavender and Rosemary for skin regeneration, and Apricot Kernel and Ylang Ylang Oil for hydration – leaving your skin completely balanced and restored.”
Is sunscreen still important?
Nicola also argued that sunscreen was essential to a winter skin routine. “It’s vital to maintain daily sunscreen use, even during winter. I never recommend skipping sunscreen application — except at night!” she said.
Sunscreen is as important on a cloudy day as it is when the sun is out, particularly in Australia since around 80 percent of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds and still burn the skin. Application to exposed skin on a daily basis will cut the risk of melanoma by around 50 percent and will help prevent skin ageing, pigmentation, and the degradation of the skin’ collagen network.
Here are four winter skincare products we love:
Medik8 HYDR8 B5 Intense Serum
To learn more, contact Advanced Cosmeceuticals on 1800 242 011 or visit the Medik8 website.
Ella Baché Limited Edition Floral Oil Face and Body Cleansing Oil
To learn more, contact Hallas Trading on 1300 845 259 or visit the Ella Bache website.
Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum
To learn more, contact Dermalogica on 1800 659 118 or visit their website.
Aesthetics Rx Tinted Water-Resistant Sunscreen with Zinc SPF50+
To learn more, contact Aesthetics RX on 08 7225 6489 or visit their website.
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