The world’s weather has been all over the place this winter, and our local weather seems to swing from chilly -6°C one week to a balmy +12°C the next. Our skin is normally exposed to more extreme temperature shifts at this time of year, from being outside with the cold wind whipping around, to then coming indoors to the dry environment of central heating. All this can play havoc with our skin. It’s no wonder our skin often ends up dry, flaky and itchy. And once dryness starts skin can more easily crack and bleed.
It can be a good idea to change up your regular skincare regime during winter to try to combat this.
At Pharmhealth, we’d like to help you with some suggestions to prevent uncomfortable skin issues and keep your skin healthy and happy through the winter months. Most dermatologists would suggest that hydration is key to keeping your skin happy.

Start from the inside

Just like during the summer, increase your water intake by drinking more water and eating more fruit and veg. Fruits and vegetables are not only hydrating but are beneficial for your skin in many other ways. Citrus-based fruits like oranges and lemons are packed with juice and are rich in Vitamin C, which is vital to maintain your skin’s texture. Foods rich in Vitamin A (leafy greens, tomatoes) and B3 (nuts,seeds wholegrain foods) are also essential to improve your overall skin health.

Protect what you’ve got

Our skin naturally produces oils to help protect and keep it moist, so we can benefit by not losing this natural moisture. Avoid having hot showers or baths, use luke warm water only and try to minimise the frequency and length of time in the water. When finished, pat your skin gently and apply your body and facial moisturiser while your skin is damp. This will lock the moisture into the skin.

Check your indoor environment

To try to counteract the drying effects of artificial heat in our homes, you could use a humidifier if you have one. Alternatively, if you would rather save on the electricity costs, placing a bowl of water near a radiator in the room you are in can replace some of the moisture in the air. Certain houseplants can also help the indoor environment from drying out too much.

Change up your cleanser & moisture 

Just like we have a winter wardrobe, you may want to change your normal skincare products for ones that are more hydrating and protecting at this time of year. 

The latest beauty buzzword around you may have heard is “Skin Flooding”. Skin flooding involves layering different hydrating products on your skin while it is still damp, then sealing it all in with a moisturiser. This helps to maximise the effects of each product and limit the risk of transepidermal water loss, which is when water evaporates through the skin and into the air.

All skin types can benefit from extra hydration, but not all will need to jump on the skin flooding trend. Dry, dull or dehydrated skin types will benefit most from skin flooding.

Serums

Create an additional layer of moisture by adding a small amount of facial serum before you moisturise. Serums are designed to get a higher concentration of beneficial ingredients onto and into your face to target specific skin concerns.

The Inkey List Q10 Serum is a potent antioxidant which helps to reinforce the skin’s natural defences to help combat damage from environmental aggressors such as pollution and harsh weather conditions. Alternatively, Vichy’s Normaderm Probio-BHA Serum can be used on sensitive skin to aid imperfections and blemishes.

Moisturisers

For dehydrated skin, you may need a more oil based moisturiser during the winter to help replenish the skin. It’s all down to preference though, you may like a gel based moisturiser as it won’t feel as thick on the face. For those more prone to breakouts, you might benefit from using a water based moisturiser as thicker oil based creams can block the pores.

Redness and Tightness

The Rosaliac range from La Roche-Posay has been designed specifically to reduce redness and their Effaclar range can help reduce tightness in sensitive skin.

Specialist Skin care

You may not have heard of the MooGoo range, which started by accident when the founder reformulated a cream for his mother’s psoriasis which had previously been used on the udders of dairy cattle. It’s still called Udder care cream and has gained a cult fanbase as it’s been used for psoriasis, eczema sufferers and also people with dry and damaged skin following radiation treatment and chemotherapy.

Psoriasis and Eczema Sufferers

Winter skin is more fragile so if you have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis be sure to avoid any irritants or allergens that you know flare your condition.If you are aware of which products are most beneficial  for your condition, always have a stock at home so you’re prepared for any unexpected flare ups. It’s always best to try to treat as soon as possible.

Speak to our pharmacist if you have any concerns as you may need prescribed creams specifically for your needs.

We stock a large range of emollients and moisturising lotions and creams from Moogoo, Eucerin, E45 and La Roche Posay in store and online.

Bodycare

Use a moisture rich body wash like those from Aveeno or E45. Apply body lotion on damp skin as soon as possible, Weleda skin food is suitable for all skin types, as is the CeraVe range. For very dry patches on elbows, knees or heels; use a thicker cream or emollient on the area overnight.   

Don’t forget SPF!

It may not seem like there’s a lot of sun out there, but the sun can damage your skin all year around. Finish your skincare regime with a minimum Sun Protection Factor of 30.

Your lips need protecting too

Lips are skin too so don’t forget to apply lip balm with an SPF.

Everyone’s skin is different depending on your skin type, age and lifestyle, there is no “one size fits all”. Pharmhealth are happy to help with suggestions for your particular skin concerns. Just ask one of our knowledgeable staff members.