During the winter months, dry skin is very common. Cooler air contains less moisture, leaving our skin more dry from our surroundings. The upper level of skin becomes dry, and sometimes a weakened skin barrier is the result.

In order to maintain a stronger skin barrier, using products containing natural ingredients and ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter help to retain moisture. Further, avoiding ingredients that dry out the skin is the first step to winter skin maintenance. 

Common signs of dry skin:

  • Redness
  • Scaling or flaking
  • Rough texture
  • Redness (red spots on skin or red dots on skin)
  • Iitchiness 
  • Irritation 
  • Cracks in skin
  • Stinging or burning sensation

 

Although dry skin is common during a shift in seasons to the winter months, dry skin can occur at any time of the year. Using products year-long that hydrate and protect your skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

How To: Skincare in Winter

Choosing the right skincare products during the winter months is crucial in helping alleviate dry skin, eczema, and red spots or bumps on the skin. Skincare products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, shea butter and avocado oil for skin help to maintain a stronger skin barrier that helps lock in moisture. 

Many products contain moisturising ingredients but also contain ingredients that dry your skin. This includes artificial fragrances, salicylic acid and glycolic acid. This in turn can have an opposite effect, especially during the winter months. 

It is important to understand the ingredients and to look for products that contain natural ingredients or natural fragrances if you desire scents in your products. 

Tips for winter skincare:

  • Avoid very hot showers/baths (especially when skin is already irritated and dry)
  • Use a hydrating serum and a moisturizer right after washing your face or body
  • Moisturize with a hyaluronic face cream multiple times per day
  • Avoid use of astringents or oil absorbing products
  • Use gentle cleansers and wash sparingly if possible
  • Moisturize the entire body including hands and feet with hyaluronic body serum
  • Stay hydrated and use electrolytes for health hair skin and nails

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our joints and our eyes. The substance helps to lubricate and cushion joints and other tissues in the body. 

Topical hyaluronic acid (HA) found in many skincare products acts as an effective moisturiser. It locks in moisture by binding water to collagen in your skin, leaving skin looking fuller, plumper and smoother. Due to these properties moisturizers containing HA are the best moisturizers for dry skin. 

In contrast, oily skin can sometimes be a result of overcompensating for dry and dehydrated skin. Hyaluronic acid can be useful for oily skin as it effectively hydrates the skin without clogging pores. As a result, hyaluronic face cream is an effective moisturizer for oily skin too!

Another notable ingredient is lactic acid for skin. Lactic acid helps to keep the skin less dry and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Lactic acid works by eliminating dead skin cells on the surface, improving roughness, redness and red bumps on the skin. It can be beneficial for use in those who experience rougher skin, or the appearance of dry patches on the skin. 

Vitamin C and vitamin c serums are an important step in any skin care routine. Whether it is during the winter or during the summer, vitamin c provides essentially nutrients to help keep skin healthy. Vitamin c can help repair damage to skin from sun exposure, dryness and improves skin barrier damage. 

Vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of collagen. Increased collagen formation helps to improve skin elasticity, plumpness and can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dehydration. 

Disclaimer 

Pascoe Canada does not offer health or medical advice as we are not a healthcare practitioner. Please speak with your healthcare practitioner before beginning any program related to nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, and/or wellness. All content published by Pascoe Canada is developed through collaborating with licensed medical professionals and contributors. This includes text, graphics, images, and other material on the website, newsletter, and products (“Content”). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always do your own research on whether this is for you along with your healthcare practitioner advice. Always consult your healthcare practitioner prior to using specific herbs because you might have underlying conditions that need professional care. The content is general in nature and is subject to change. It is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.