Winter skincare: 7 expert tips to fortify your skin barrier against the cold
To navigate the intricacies of winter skincare, we turned to an expert on how to give your skin barrier that extra love it deserves in colder months.
The double whammy of chilly outdoor temperatures and the cranked up indoor heating can prove to be especially harsh on the skin. (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock) Winter is upon us, and let’s face it, it might give us the much-needed respite from the scorching heat of the sun, but it can do a real number on our skin. The double whammy of chilly outdoor temperatures and the cranked up indoor heating can prove to be especially harsh on the skin.
The first sign of your skin’s health deteriorating may appear as a dull, dry and flaky complexion, but the real villain is the subtle erosion of your skin barrier. For those living under a rock, the skin barrier is the protective layer, which is in charge of keeping your skin hydrated and fending off all the external aggressors. So, to navigate the intricacies of winter skincare, we turned to an expert on how to give your skin barrier that extra love it deserves in colder months.
Understanding the skin’s natural barrier
The skin barrier, also known as the epidermal barrier, is the skin’s outermost layer (stratum corneum) that acts as a protective barrier between the body and its surroundings.
“Made up of a complex structure of lipids, proteins, and other chemicals, the skin barrier helps to minimise water loss, guards against irritants and pathogens, and keeps the skin’s microbiome healthy. It is critical for maintaining the skin’s overall health and integrity,” says Dr Anand Toshniwal, director of Aesthetic Aura Skin & Hair Clinic.
When the barrier is disrupted, a variety of skin disorders such as dryness, flakiness, inflammation, and infections can occur. “Harsh skincare products, environmental pollutants, and certain medical diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, can all compromise the skin barrier,” Dr Toshniwal said.
Here are 7 tips to protect your skin barrier during winter months, as per the expert:
Hydration is key
Your skin can feel as parched as a desert during winters, making it important to amp up your water intake to keep it hydrated from inside out. Additionally, consider using a humidifier to combat dryness caused by the heater.
Omega-3 power
Boost your skin’s resilience by consuming omega-3-rich foods like salmon and flaxseeds. You can incorporate fish oil supplements into your diet after consulting your doctor.
Choose the right cleanser
Treat your skin to a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip away its natural oils. Include barrier-building ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and fatty acids, in your cleansing routine.
Moisturise regularly
Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to replenish and repair your skin. (Source: Freepik)
Seal in that much-needed moisture with a luxurious, emollient-rich moisturiser. Look for key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides to replenish and repair your skin.
Don’t skip SPF
Don’t stash away the sunscreen just because it’s winter. Shield your skin from the winter sun’s sneaky rays with a broad-spectrum sunscreen boasting at least SPF 30.
Protective clothing
Bundle up in layers to shield your skin from harsh winds and low temperatures. Wearing hats, scarves, and gloves not only keeps you warm but also provides an additional barrier against the elements.
Limit hot showers
While hot showers may be tempting in cold weather, they can strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers to avoid excessive drying.
Exfoliate wisely
Polish your skin with a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to bid farewell to dead skin cells. Over-exfoliation, however, can harm the skin barrier, so tread lightly. Choose a mild exfoliator and limit its use to once or twice a week.
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