As soon as I feel a change in the temperature, I know it’s not long until I feel a change in my skin. Have you noticed as winter approaches your skin can become dryer, dehydrated and prone to sensitivity? Well there is name for this in the medical community it’s called Chicago Skin or Winter Xerosis otherwise known as Winter Skin. 

So how is it that our skin can change? To understand this let me share our skins basic structure with you. Imagine your skin is like a brick wall of approximately 46 layers. Skin Cells are born in the very bottom layer, they begin life as big juicy grape and as this skin cell makes its way up to the surface imagine that grape is going to transition into a sultana. These sultanas in the top 14 (if you are a thinner more genetically sensitive skin) to 30 layers are embedded in a rich complex of lipids that keep the moisture inside the sultana.  This is what give your skin its protective function. 

During this transition two major developments occur, one is the creation of keratin to give a cell strength, (remember your nails and hair are made of keratin too) and the other is to create our skins Natural Moisture Factor and the skins protective Barrier Lipids.  The correct formation and retention of these are critical. 

Why the concern in winter? Imagine it’s a typical winter day and you need to warm up!  It could be beside a cozy fire, under an electric blanket or in your air conditioned or centrally heated home or bettwe still warming up in a hot bath or shower! When the shower or bath water temperature goes up the time you spend under the hot water goes up too. Who wants to leave!  These simple things can impact the skins moisture levels and barrier lipids of which are water soluble and sensitive to heat.  The hot shower washes away these in a flash and the cells that were in bedded in that rich lipid barrier will now evaporate which is the hallmark of dehydration. 

Another factor to consider is the reduction in humidity and how it directly impacts the skin. Our skin loves humidity and its favorite level is 60% and above. Part of our skin cells natural function is to draw moisture from the air keeping them plump and moist (a process called osmosis).  I compare this absorption to what happens when crisps become soggy when they are left open to the night air at a party. Nobody likes a soggy chip!  During winter when humidity can fall well below the ideal 60% plus the air does the reverse and steals moisture from the skin cells thus resulting in dehydration. 

What is the solution? Here are our Expert Tips to protect skin from dryness and dehydration: 

• Shower temperature and time- Limit the time you spend in the shower and never put your face under the shower rose. Rather splash water over your face with your hands. Be mindful of the facial cleanser and body wash in which you use as many are extremely drying on the skin. Look for a face or body cleanser which is acid balanced to the skin (4.5-5.5) free of harsh cleansing agents and packed with BioReplenishing lipids and botanicals to hydrate the skin. Try Conditioning Body Wash, a super gentle wash ideal for the skin throughout the seasons.For the face try Intensive Moisture Cleanser with its BioReplenish Complex of lipids and Prebiotic algae to enhance and shield the barrier of the skin while cleansing away the impurities.  
  
  
• 3-minute rule- After drying yourself after a shower always apply your hydrating mist serum and moisturizer to your face and body within three minutes.  The damp skin cells will absorb the moisturizing ingredients deeper into the skin cells and lock that moisture in. During winter look for hydrating mist which are loaded with antioxidants and hydrating agents that increase the moisture binding properties of the skin. 
  
  – Dermalogica’s Antioxidant Hydramist or MultiActive Toner saturate the skin cells ready for the application of your targeted serum or moisturiser. 
  
  – PhytoReplenish Oil is a lightweight super hydrating oil to boost skins moisture loaded with Chia Seeds rich in Omega’s along with Wild Thai Orchid and a host of other water-soluble oils to boost hydration. 
  
  – Intensive Moisture Balance give relief to dry skin and replenishes critical moisture though depending on your skin type Dermalogica has a suite of moisturisers which can target your specific needs. 
  
  
•  Increase Fatty Acids in diet – Look for food’s rich in good oils such as Avocado, Eggs, Nuts, Extra Virgin Oilve Oil,  Chia Seeds, Linseed, Olive oils, fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and Sardines. 
  
  
• Increase your water consumption-   Not only does it help to flush toxins away from your body but it also helps to keep the skin looking radiant. Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption. 
  
  
• Use a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air in your home
  
  
• Professional Skin Treatments  
  
  When Pure Indulgence re-opens book in your bespoke Professional Skin Treatment with your Dermalogica Skin Therapist. 
  

Written by Susan Neilon (Dermalogica Senior Educator)