Is your skin experiencing winter dryness? Feel like you are constantly scratching and itchy?

 Did you know that wind, temperature, and low humidity from harsh weather conditions can deplete skin’s natural protective barrier? This depletion can be exacerbated by constantly changing extremes when moving from cold to warmer environments, central heating, open fires, and the need to warm up with a hot bath or shower.

 Depleted skin barriers lose critical lipids and ceramides which protect from dehydration (water loss) and prevent irritants and allergens entering the skin. Dehydrated skin becomes tight, uncomfortable and flaky, whilst skin vulnerable to irritants can become sensitised, flushed or itchy. Skin’s already prone to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, eczema and psoriasis can see their symptoms flare up. For others it can make skin feel unusually dry, scaly and possibly even cracked.

The winter dryness looks bleak, but what can we do to alleviate these symptoms? 

 Our top tip for relieving dry skin is to look for plant oils and butters that can boost ceramides and replenish barrier lipids, and hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid that can lock in critical moisture.

Try this: 

• Switch to a creamy, replenishing cleanser that includes phytoactives from Coconut Oil and Murumuru Seed Butter, to help protect barrier lipids and preserve the skin's natural resilience for a smoother feel after cleansing. Be wary of water that is too hot when cleansing and bathing as this strips the skin barrier too. 

• Top up hydration after cleansing and throughout the day with a hydrating spritz loaded with ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid.
• Ramp up your moisturiser to restore lipid balance, or if struggling with increased skin sensitivity, stabilize the skin barrier with a soothing ceramide building moisturiser.

• Reduce skin stress with a multivitamin-rich regime  by switching your moisturiser or adding a masque, including Vitamins, A,C, E and B5 for extra relief.
  

• Try to avoid licking lips, as digestive enzymes and bacteria in saliva can accelerate dryness and cracking. Use a conditioning treatment balm with Shea Butter and Avocado.

We understand that your skin is unique so, if you’re unsure where to start, click here to book for a virtual consultation with our expert skin therapists.  They’ll take you through a full guided Face Mapping skin analysis with personalised product and treatment recommendations.

Or visit a Dermalogica Skin Therapist and kick start your skin in the treatment room for next level results. Find your local Dermalogica Expert here or click here to chat live now.