Winter is coming and Dermalogica skincare expert Emma Hobson talks us through the best skincare for colder months.

The sun can be just as harsh in winter as it is in summer, and the condition surprisingly drying on our skin.

Emma Hobson, Education Manager for the International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica gives us her tips:

Emma Hobson #3
Dermologica’s Emma Hobson talks winter beauty with Bondi Beauty.

When working out, is our skin affected differently in winter to summer?

A: Not for indoor exercise, if you are outdoors it’s a good idea to use products that increase hydration, reduce sensitisation and most importantly protect the barrier function of the skin. Remember you’ll still need an SPF30+.

Do we need to change our skincare routine in winter and why?

A: Skin experiences subtle changes to our environment. For some it is barely noticeable, for others much more so. Winter brings a harsher climate and a decrease in humidity. The colder weather increases the chances of dehydration, dryness, skin sensitivity and irritation.

When we switch on the indoor heating we find it harder to keep our skin moist and plump, instead we experience dull, dry, taught and flaky (an impaired barrier function) skin that is environmentally sensitised. Because of this for those experiencing changes they need to adapt their skin care routine accordingly.

Do our skin cells re-generate more or less? And therefore do we need to exfoliate more or less?

A: Skin cells can regenerate at a slower pace in winter due to the dry skin being retained on the surface for longer, exfoliation is the perfect remedy to slough off the old, dead skin and allow fresh, plump cells to be made underneath. (see extra notes on exfoliation above).

Do we throw out the products we replace in winter or keep them until spring?

A: As long as you follow the POA (period after opening) guide on the packaging of the product, it’s a symbol that indicates for example 12M which means can be used after opening for 12 months, then it is fine to keep your original products until Spring.

If there is one fail-safe trick for looking after our skin in winter, what is it?

A: In one word, protection. The skin benefits from some special TLC protecting it for any harsh change in environment. In winter the skin can become very dehydrated, when severe this can lead to cracking, itching, very sensitised and irritated. Two key products I’d not go without are 1. a multi vitamin power mask and 2. a silicone based protective moisturiser.

What are the products to consider changing for cleansing, moisturising, treatments and night time?

A: For more nourishing and hydrating skin care routine for Autumn you can adapt your regimen by incorporating :

Cleansing: 

  • A milky/creamy cleanser, one that has a light vegetable oil base such as safflower oil to keep the skin soft and supple after cleansing.
  • Exfoliating with hydroxy acids, ideally Lactic and Salicylic Acids and or digestive enzymes. You can find these in cream exfoliants or skin boosters that applied under your moisturiser, uses these two to three times per week. For sensitive, irritated skin, avoid the use of scrubs and opt for microfoliation, a gentle and super mild skin ‘polish’ using rice bran and rice extract. Exfoliation will prevent the skin feeling taught, rough and flaky and it will help eradicate any dry patches you may be experiencing.

Treatments:

  • Pick up your masking to once or twice a week, best options are a multivitamin (Vitamin ACE & Panthenol) or a hydrating mask, preferably applied directly after exfoliation for optimum performance:
  • A hydrating spritz toner to alleviate unpleasant dry patches. It reduces the quantity of moisturiser you’ll need (added bonus!) and can be used throughout the day to give a real surge in moisture levels.
  • A hydrating boostAer, these super hydrators often contain Hyaluronic Acid, a wonder ingredient that has the ability to hold a 1,000 times its own weight in moisture, certainly able to keep dehydration lines and flakiness at bay.

 

Moisture: 

  • A moisturiser that has a slightly higher oil content, but note only slightly. It’s not necessary to use a ‘heavy weight’ moisturiser now we have such fantastic ingredients and formulations. Look for moisturisers that ‘work smart’ and contain a complex of Vitamins A, C, E, Panthenol (B5), essential fatty acids, peptides, anti-oxidants and a great ingredient to combat winter skin is Betaglucan. If you have an impaired barrier function (really dry, irritated, flaky skin) try one of the high tech moisturisers that have a silicone base, they are formulated with super charged skin protectors fighting dehydration and environmental assault.
  • These ‘velvety’ moisturisers melt on contact with the skin, then form an invisible barrier to prevent water loss and allergen invasion (irritants). They soothe skin and feel incredibly smooth. There are also some great foundations containing added moisturisation which are not heavy or oily on the skin, again look for ones that contain silicones.

For night: 

  • A night-time serum if you feel your skin needs that extra nourishment and TLC whilst you sleep. Apply an overnight repair serum. Ingredients such as Argan, Rosehip Seed and Rose Oil, blended with essential oils combined with sophisticated actives such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 which deeply replenish lost oils and give lacklustre skin a fresh, dewy appearance

What about our hair?

A: Your hair being dead keratin can definitely be affected by the dry, cold climate. Less humidity can make the hair feel more brittle, less smooth and dry to touch.

What is your winter skincare secret?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Renae Leith-Manos

Editor and Founder of Bondi Beauty

Renae Leith-Manos loves fitness, new beauty products, long chats and long flights. She is at her best when traveling the world writing about luxury hotels and Michelin Star restaurants (www.renaesworld.com.au). She has had a colourful media career as a journalist inmagazines and newspapers, in Australia and Asia. She spends her time writing, cooking, consulting to new businesses, running and working out.

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