Winter can be tough on your skin. The cold air outside and dry heat indoors create the perfect storm for dry, irritated skin. However, with the right care, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long. We asked our esthetic team what they recommend for maintaining your skin's barrier and hydration.
Understanding the Skin Barrier
The skin barrier, or stratum corneum, is the outer layer of your skin. It protects against dirt, bacteria, and moisture loss. In winter, this barrier often suffers due to lower humidity levels and harsh weather.
A healthy skin barrier retains about 30% moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss. Common signs of a compromised barrier include dryness, redness, and irritation. Recognizing these signs can help you act quickly to bring your skin back to health.
Optimize Your Skincare Routine
Choose Gentle Cleansers
Switch to gentle, hydrating cleansers during winter. Look for sulfate-free products that keep your skin's oils intact. Camry shares: "Milky lotion cleanser is also a good cleanser to use during the winter if you are extra dry/sensitive during the winter."
Also, use lukewarm water instead of hot when washing your face. Hot water can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness.
Exfoliate Wisely
Exfoliating dead skin cells is important, but moderation is key. If your skin is showing signs of a comprimised barrier, choose gentle exfoliants like enzymatic products or mild alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or a gentle skin polish. This keeps your skin smooth without causing irritation.
Our esthetician Grace shares: "I recommend usine the Resurface Skin Polish one a week to keep skin fresh, followed by the Enriched Firming Mask to deeply hydrate."
Deep Moisturizers
Approach hydration in two stages: Hydrating serums deliver hyaluronic acid, or stimulate your skin's own hyaluronic acid production, and a rich, restorative moisturizer seals in moisture and supports the skin barrier. Apply your serum and moisturizer right after cleansing to trap moisture.
"For an intensive boost of moisture and to build volume in the skin, I love the HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan. You can apply one or two times a day, based on how your skin feels", recommends Grace.
Colleen's favorites are the “Hydrating B5 gel topped with Triple Lipid Restore by Skin Ceuticals.” Hydrating B5 Gel delivers hyaluronic acid with Vitamin B5, and Triple Lipid Restore is a lush moisturizer designed to mimic the exact balance of a healthy skin barrier.
Humidifiers
Using a humidifier in your home can dramatically improve skin health by adding moisture to the dry winter air. According to studies, maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30% and 50% can help maintain skin hydration levels. Just remember to clean your humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria.
Protect Your Skin from the Elements
Sunscreen, Even in Winter
It’s a common misconception that sunscreen is unnecessary in winter. In reality, UV rays can still damage skin, and high-altitude or snowy conditions can expose you to even more UV damage . Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day and reapply if you're outside for extended periods.
Professional Treatments
For an intensive boost of hydration, or to smooth dry, flaky skin, come see your esthetician. They are pros at adapting every service to support your skin's health.
Diamond Glow or the Deep Hydration Facial are super popular this time of year!
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