Confused Winter Skin
Winter is not your skin’s friend.
In colder temperatures we need to adjust our skincare routine to ensure healthy barrier function. Prolonged exposure to reduced humidity, is a well-known risk factor for AD (Atopic dermatitis). AD increases the natural process of water loss through our skin, which causes dry/itchy skin and signals inflammation (redness). It can also make your body dehydrated and make your lips feel super dry.
To make things worse, as we age, we get dryer as well. Excess dead skin can clog pores and PH levels get less acidic, making skin susceptible to bacterial growth. And this time of year, holiday stress can stimulate oil production. The extra oil produced mingles with the loitering dry skin and you can develop acne.
This situation is not easy to remedy because lotions and creams can be too thick and cause more acne, while acne medications and products are very drying and cause dry skin to persist or get worse. It’s very important to see a professional esthetician, even just for a skin assessment and product suggestions so that you don’t make your skin worse and end up in the dermatologist’s office for medication. Knowing the proper skin care routine for your skin not only saves you time and money, if handled promptly, it can save you weeks or even months of skin issues. Prevention is always easier and cheaper than reversal.
Tips for preventing skin damage in the winter months:
1: Cleanse. Twice a day and after exercising with a gentle, exfoliating cleanser for your skin type.
2: Tone. Balance PH levels after cleansing. Rinsing with just water is the worst option when cleansing, water alters healthy PH levels, leaving your skin dry and prone to irritation.
3: Moisturize. You don’t need a night cream/day cream/eye cream... Shoot for a moisturizer that your skin likes and use it from your chest- up, every day, twice a day. Make sure it’s right for your skin type and current skin health.
4: WEAR SUNSCREEN! UV rays cause inflammation, acne scarring, wrinkles, age spots and cancer. I’m not a fan of 2 in 1 moisturizer with sunscreen, they don’t work well for moisture or for sun protection (think all-in-one printers, something is always on the fritz). Instead, use SPF of at least 30 on your face (over your moisturizer) when you’re going to be outdoors; if only inside the whole day, skip this step.
5: Schedule an exfoliating skincare service like a peel, facial or microdermabrasion. This will remove dead skin and unclog pores, kill bad bacteria that causes acne and allows moisturizer to soak in better, saving you money on products.
Shelly Todd, Esthetician
Atopic Dermatitis
