Winter Skin Care
Winter weather can pose challenges for our skin, and a regular care routine can help to boost our skin’s barrier function. istock.com
Choosing a care routine that nourishes our skin’s physical and microbial layers
Our skin protects us against outside influences, such as temperature extremes, damaging sunlight and harmful chemicals. In short, it helps to ensure our body functions well. With such an important role to play, taking good care of our skin year-round makes sense.
In winter, this means paying attention to the special challenges that can affect our skin and having a proactive routine that can help prevent adverse outcomes, suggests Aleyna Zarras, skin expert for La Roche-Posay, L’Oreal Canada. “We’re often exposed to cold temperatures and strong winds outside. And when we go inside, we experience an abrupt temperature change,” she says. “This can make our skin more fragile and damaged, and especially increases the risk for people with sensitive skin.”
For example, Canadians with dry and eczema-prone skin will know that temperature differences and dry air can impact their skin’s ability to retain moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable, itchy and painful flare-ups, says Zarras.
“When choosing moisturizers, look for products that are rich in emollients and humectants, such as shea butter and glycerin.”
When choosing a skin care routine, it helps to be mindful of the building blocks that make up our skin’s protection, she says. “The first line of defence against external influences is the skin’s microbiome – a blend of a multitude of bacteria, yeast, fungus and different microorganisms. We know that in people with eczema-prone skin, the microbiome can be less diverse and unbalanced – and this can contribute to the risk of flare-ups.”
Another important component that plays an important role in our skin’s barrier function are lipids, says Zarras. “If you picture our skin as a brick wall, you understand that you need both bricks and mortar to have an effective barrier.”
Surrounding the cells in the epidermis is “intercellular cement, of which lipids are a major component. People with eczema-prone skin commonly lack the lipid ceramide,” she says.
The good news is that an ongoing skin care routine – using specifically formulated products that work on the physical as well as the microbial layers of the skin – can make a significant difference, notes Zarras. “It’s important that we help to strengthen our skin’s barrier function and seal in moisture.”
For cleansing, she recommends products that are free of irritants like fragrances, paraben and alcohol, especially for people with sensitive skin. “It’s important to use a cleanser that is not stripping or unbalancing our skin microbiome,” says Zarras.
Regular moisturizing can help to prevent dry and irritated skin, but paying attention to a product’s ingredients is key, she notes. “When choosing moisturizers, look for products that are rich in emollients and humectants, such as shea butter and glycerin. Emollients are known to fill the tiny spaces between surfaces to keep the skin smooth, and humectants draw moisture to the outer layer of the skin. And we recommend applying moisturizer within three minutes after a shower or bath to lock in a maximum of moisture.”
Paying attention to all the components of our skin, the physical barrier and the microbiome, can help us keep our skin healthy and make the most of winter, says Zarras. “Also make sure your whole body is protected, including your lips, and use sunscreen when you’re outside, since we’re exposed to UVA rays even on cloudy days.”
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