Seasons and Routines

Date: 01/07/2017

Ingrid Katz (Pure Aesthetics) - Published in A2 Magazine Issue 22

Ingrid Katz relays the importance of adapting your skin routine for the cold winter climate.

As winter sets in, we start to feel the effects on our skin. Areas like Johannesburg have a harsh climate, so to endure a winter is quite an experience. Just like we change over to our winter wardrobe, so should we assess our skin care needs according to our environment. This ensures that our skin will cope with the harsher and drier climate. The outside influences of extra heating, fireplaces being lit up, less humidity and less warmth, all play a role in our skin needing a little more TLC.

We need to ensure it is well hydrated and nourished in order to hold onto that goodness for longer, given the external environment is so much harsher. Added to that, our diet tends to change too, as we want less fresh fruit (colder foods) and crave more soups and hearty meals (warmer foods). This results in our body, and in turn skin, working a little harder to digest these, therefore using up extra reserves which then need to be supplemented or replaced.

The effects of Jack Frost

In winter, the lack of humidity (as well as the above influences) will result in our skin losing more superficial hydration. As this happens, the skin will try and prevent this moisture loss by holding onto its dead skin cells for longer. This results in a build up of what we call a horny or keratinised (dry) layer of skin on the surface, which will hinder product penetration, appear dull and feel dry to the touch. As this worsens and the skin gets more dehydrated, it will then go into a crises mode – which not only makes the skin feel more sensitive, but may become flushed or red in the process too.

Another form of water loss compensation is the skin producing more oil to try and lubricate itself. As it does this, the oil becomes trapped beneath the dry layer described above, and hence we often notice the odd breakout happening. However, because the skin is already feeling sensitive due to this dryness, it’s important to note that this is not the time to reach for the nearest granular scrub. We need to ensure good enzymatic (AHA’s) exfoliation to dissolve dead skin and promote new cell development. By doing this, we will ensure better product penetration, thereby making our skin more hydrated.

We will also prevent further irritation or sensitivity to the skin by avoiding any abrasive action on the skin. An oil and water-dry skin will benefit from deeper treatments to ensure that stimulation of the skin’s metabolic processes is happening This ensures that the skin’s capacity to produce oil and retain hydration for longer periods of time, is enhanced.

Combating winter dry skin

Our skins’ most outer layer or barrier is also an important factor to consider. The skin barrier plays a vital role, ensuring that the essential functions that happen beneath the surface do so at an optimal level. The barrier is like the skin’s suit of armour, protecting it from the negative external influences and retaining the goodness beneath the surface. This barrier may become compromised during the harsher climates due to the lack of moisture and negative external influences. This is why it is important to change up what you use to protect and feed the skin – namely your moisturiser and/or serum. In summer or hotter climates, a lighter textured moisturiser is understandable.

As long as there is sufficient humidity in the air, the skin produces oil optimally. In winter or colder climates, however, we have to think about a little layering; either a combination of a serum with your moisturiser, or a heavier textured moisturiser, or both. A serum will penetrate a little deeper into the skin, and so can be used in conjunction with your current moisturiser. This boosts the skin’s lower functions while supporting the outer structure to ensure optimal functioning. A good quality moisturiser that meets your skin’s oil and hydration needs is a necessity. This is firstly providing the barrier repair, and secondly, the protection function mentioned above. All in all, it will ensure the skins ability to retain moisture over a longer period of time is improved.

Supplementing your skin’s needs by means of vitamins and nutrients is also a good way to ensure treatments from within and from the outside, work together to yield a more favourable result. Omega 3 is a must, as this will ensure better oil production, reduce inflammation as well as support many other bodily functions…. And since we all know that oil holds water, we will have better hydration retention throughout.

Final thought

Speaking to your skin care specialist about your skin’s needs and keeping up with your regular in-salon or clinic treatments will also assist and help you get more in touch with what YOUR skin needs. Remember, what works for someone else doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll work for you. Find your own solutions that meet your concerns and needs.

Download the magazine article in PDF format