Winter time can be especially hard on skin that already had a difficult time functioning well. Compromised skin is skin that has a faulty barrier function. This means that it is not able to keep in the good stuff and keep out the bad stuff as well as it should be. It is characterized by excessive dryness or dehydration, redness on your cheeks or chin, itchiness, or even cracking and flaking. If you think you might have compromised skin, take my quiz here.
Rosacea, acne, and eczema fall into the category of compromised skin types that tend to worsen in the winter weather.
I have some tips to help you nurture your sensitive skin through this season.
Stay away from hot water. I know, I know. It feels so good. But it absolutely destroys the protective oils on your skin. Hot water strips the barrier of your skin (face and body!) which then allows precious water to escape your cells, leaving your skin both dry and dehydrated. Skip the hot showers and take a warm bath with oils instead.
Use a heavier moisturizer. Many people need to adjust their home care routines seasonally. Compromised skin doesn't easily adjust to changes automatically, so it will probably need a little extra help in the way of products. If you're noticing your skin starting to feel tight in the middle of your day, you may need a heavier moisturizer or serum. I suggest my Myrtle and Neroli cream or the Sandalwood Complex.
Use a healing oil. Adding an oil to your daily routine will give your skin a boost of protection. Oils that are high in vitamin e are excellent choices. You can try an evening primrose, rose hip, or even a hemp oil. These oils will sink deep into your skin and help keep water in each cell.
Protect your skin from the wind. If you live somewhere that is cold and windy, it is very important that you keep that wind from chapping your skin. Make sure to use a scarf wrapped around your face or some type of hood.
Don't let heaters dry your skin. Using heaters will take valuable moisture out of the air around you. You'll need to compensate for that in your ro
utine. Try adding a hyaluronic acid serum that will hold on to the water molecules. If you're using a space heater, make sure it's not so close that it's sucking out all of your water.
The cold, dry air can definitely wreak havoc on already sensitive or sensitized skin. This is the time to gently nurture your skin, and make sure that you're not using any products that will strip the delicate barrier. Seek out treatments that are hydrating and moisturizing.
If you have any questions about what your specific ski needs are, I encourage you to book an analysis with me.
Enjoy the pretty winter weather while you can, because before you know it I'll be writing about how to take care of your skin in the sweltering sun!