Dry skin
18 December 2024
Holiday season is upon us- and for those of you headed to colder climates for a holiday; here’s a guide to winterproofing your skin health in cold weather.
Escaping the heat and humidity of Singapore for a white Christmas or ski season is a well deserved break for many. While on the ski slopes of Niseko or the Christmas markets of Europe, the cold and dry winter season increases transepidermal water loss to cause dry skin and nails and chapped lips. Conditions such as eczema can be worsened by the dryness and cold winds. Factor in indoor heating, warm onsen baths and the winter sun on the mountains; and the dryness and irritation can be intensified.
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The solution to reducing your winter holiday woes? Making a few adjustments to your skincare routine to safeguard your skin against the extremes of cold and wind. You don’t need to overhaul your routine with completely new skincare products, but a few additions and swaps can do the trick.
Facial cleansers
Keeping the skin barrier clean is still necessary for skin health; but don’t overdo it with harsh cleansers or overexfoliation. If your skin feels dry, painful and tight after cleansing, the oils and protein that make up the skin barrier may be damaged. Instead opt for gentle, pH friendly facial cleansers. Facial cleansers that contain technologies and ingredients such as multivesicular emulsion technologies, glycerin and hyaluronic acid moisturise the skin during cleansing to reduce dryness.
If you have oily skin double cleanse with micellar water or an oil based cleanser before your facial cleanser.
While your usual repertoire of toners, serums and moisturisers suffice for Singapore’s humid weather; they may not be adequate to combat the harsh dry and cold weather. Consider adding in more occlusive (“thicker”) moisturisers or switching your toners and serums to hydrating solutions if you’ve always used exfoliating or clarifying products.
Ingredients that do double duty for hydration and fortifying the moisture barrier include:
• Natural moisturising factors
Protip for choosing moisturisers: choose a mix of ingredients that have humectants, emollients and occlusive functions! Together these ingredients lock in skin’s hydration, condition the skin and reduce water loss. If you’re into longer lasting hydration from within the skin, also consider injectable moisturisers such as Profhilo and Skinvive. These injectables replenish hyaluronic acid into the dermis to retain hydration; for longer lasting hydration and glow.
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Is Profhilo the Injectable Skincare of the Future?
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Finally, sunscreens to defend against UV rays that accelerate signs of ageing like dark spots, dull skin, enlarged pores and fine wrinkles. It might be cold outside, but UV rays are still a menace. Plus, if you’re at higher altitudes, the skin’s exposure to these harmful UV rays increases.
Related blogposts: How to Get Rid of Large Pores: Myths and Truths
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We all know to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen against UVA and UVB rays; with high protection. But let your sunscreens go above and beyond sun protection- choose multifunctional sunscreens fused with skincare benefits and tone up effects. My personal recommendations are in Sunscreen Reviews 2024 and Sunscreen Reviews 2021.
Lipcare often gets neglected; and dry, chapped lips in cold seasons can even crack and bleed. The lips lack sebaceous glands, making them more vulnerable to drying out more easily compared to the rest of the skin. Sharing a complete guide to lipcare in Lip Care: Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Lips.
• Add a humidifier in your room: humidifiers can maintain optimal humidity levels to reduce skin and nail dryness.
• Limit hot showers, heating, hot pools; these dry the skin further
• Cold winds can worsen dryness, so protect yourself with adequate clothing coverage like scarves and gloves. Bonus if clothes have UPF protection to guard against UV rays.
• Use retinoids and exfoliating acids with care! You don’t have to stop using these skincare heroes, but if the cold leaves skin feels dry and irritated, prioritise healing your skin barrier first. You can also reduce the concentration of these actives or switch to less active versions of retinoids if your skin tolerates
Related blogposts:
Sun Protective (UPF) Clothing Explained
The Beginner’s Guide to Starting Retinoids
A Complete Guide to Acids in Skincare & Chemical Exfoliation
Finally, if you’re struggling with winter skin- dryness, irritation, peeling and all. Don’t let these symptoms ruin your holiday- speak to your doctor. You might benefit from in-clinic treatments to restore hydration and your skin barrier!
