Lack of hydration in winter months demonstrates as dry, tight feeling skin that is red, itchy and scaly.
Ingredients For Sensitive Skin in Winter
I have an expertise in treating sensitive skin types; many of my clients have this skin type, and have reviewed the scientific research in detail.
Sensitive skin suffers particularly in winter and skincare should be all about protecting the strength of your skin barrier. When walking outdoors, wrap up warm and watch for that tight feeling that signals low levels of hydration. It leaves your skin more open to environmental damage including broken capillaries and more lines and wrinkles.
My signature 4 Anti-Ageing Serum appeals to people with strong eco credentials and seeking science-based products that work: it contains echium oil and liquorice that act as both anti-ageing actives and calming ingredients.
- Echium oil is an oil rich in omega 3, 6 & 9 essential fatty acids and, in particular in stearidonic acid [SDA]. The anti-inflammatory oil has been proven to regenerate skin by increasing production of structural proteins, reducing wrinkles and surface roughness associated with winter skin.
- Liquorice has soothing properties – ideal for sensitive and irritated skin, uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation.
Winter Skincare Recommendations
- Change your skincare to protect and strengthen your skin barrier with nurturing serum and moisturiser with intensive, hydrating ingredients.
- Change your cleanser in the evening – a rich cleansing milk or a balm with a muslin cloth. Cleanse quickly and gently.
- Do not overwhelm your skin with too rich creams and oils.
- Exfoliate only once every two weeks. Use a nourishing mask once a week.
Eczema
Former Leeds Skin, now Evocutis, have produced, in collaboration with Professor Michael J Cork BSc MB PhD FRCP, an interesting video about the treatment of eczema. Prof Cork has developed a special interest in `translating´ the complex pathophysiology of skin disease into cartoons and language that can be understood by a child of six, used by National Eczema Society and the Skin Care Campaign.
Successful treatment of eczema requires to strengthen the skin barrier that is thinnest on the face. It is genetic predisposition and environmental influences that make skin barrier thin and skin open to allergens. Complete emolient therapy + antimicrobials work well together by soothing the skin, breaking the negative itch-scratch cycle and preventing Staphylococcus aureus from breaking the skin barrier further and activating the immune system. As always, a skincare routine works better than a single product.
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