Winter can be a difficult time for our skin. Rain, cold weather, and heaters can irritate our skin, as can substances we apply or spray on our skin. This can damage the skin, especially the skin barrier. But how can we restore it?
To further explore the answer to this question, it is first helpful to know what the skin barrier is. The skin barrier is simply the protective layer of the skin. This fatty layer allows the skin’s outer cells to adhere to each other and protect themselves from outside negative influences. Think not only weather conditions such as sun and cold, but also heaters and hot showers. Even things you put on your skin, or spray on, can damage the skin barrier.
How Do You Repair Damaged Skin?
To keep your skin healthy, it is essential to avoid taking showers that are too hot, provide extra protection from weather conditions such as rain, sun, and cold, and pay attention to your heating. These factors can dry out the skin and impair the skin’s barrier function.
This also applies to certain substances in skin care products, such as alcohol, perfumes, and essential oils. Some products contain high percentages of active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, and retinol. It is sometimes best to avoid high percentages, as they can initially irritate and dry out the skin. Be sure to seek advice from a therapist or other skin specialist regarding these ingredients.
Fortunately, it is possible to restore the skin’s barrier function by choosing the right products. Ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are used to minimize irritation as much as possible. These substances help restore the skin’s barrier function and replenish the fat layer.
What Chemicals Should I Be Aware Of?
When the skin barrier, which is mainly composed of lipids, is damaged, dry skin results. Skin care products containing alcohol, acids, friction, and dry air from the stove can make skin drier. It is also essential to know that many chemicals, such as parabens and fragrances, can irritate and indirectly damage the skin barrier.
But how do you restore skin? There is little evidence that any particular product is most effective, but some substances, such as ceramides, are highly desirable. Lotions that are water-based are known to have a poor ability to restore the skin’s barrier function. Lubrication with a simple oil-based cream or ointment, free of irritating chemicals, will ensure better skin recovery.
Avoid Vaseline
Vaseline may seem like a good winter dry skin remedy, but it’s better to avoid using it. Vaseline seals the skin and clogs pores. It only works superficially and does not nourish the skin at all. Therefore, choose a cream that moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Products Containing Aggressive Ingredients Should Be Avoided
Anti-acne creams and anti-aging serums may have dehydrating side effects. They should not be used during the winter months. For example, they can be used every other day instead of every day.
Omit Scrubs as Much as Possible
In winter, the skin is more sensitive, and scrubs can be harmful. If you really like to use scrubs, choose a fine-particle scrub and do not do it more than once a week. Also, avoid all products containing alcohol or perfume, especially in winter, as they are too irritating to the skin. Instead, choose a mild cleanser to wash away dirt and impurities from the skin.
Do you suffer from dry patches? Use a little more cream on these areas or apply it more often during the day.
If symptoms worsen in winter, consult a skin therapist who can help with various treatments.
