Powerful Hydration & Lipid Protection for Winter Skincare
As we begin the new year, we are faced with the effects of the cold and drier winter air. Whether you are someone who loves the cooler weather or not, one thing we all have in common is the impact of this seasonal weather on our skin.
As the temperatures continue to drop, the harsh cold winds and icy temperatures can cause normal skin to experience some characteristics of dryness and mild sensitivity, and those who already have dry to sensitive skin are now experiencing an amplification of those concerns.
There are many factors that contribute to the overall drying and dehydration of the skin at this time of year. The cold air which lacks humidity strips our skin of important lipids and moisture that keep our skin hydrated, while the indoor heat of our offices, homes or cars will also then contribute to the concern of flaking skin, potential dull appearance, and sensitivity.
Our skin is made of many components, an important one in relation to our drier skin is lipids. Our skin has a natural lipid layer that contributes to the protective barrier functions. These lipids are a combinations of ceramides(approx.40-50%), fatty acids(approx.20%), and cholesterol(approx.25%). They help provide the skin not only with moisture but also create a seal on the skin to help prevent water evaporation. During times where we are exposed to drier climates, our lipid barrier is negatively impacted leading to dehydration. Without that natural lipid barrier our skin dries up and the skin experiences trans epidermis water loss (TEWL). Dehydration then causes the appearance of crepe-looking skin alongside the flaking skin and tight uncomfortable feeling of our skin drying out.
Regardless of the degree of skin changes you are experiencing, there are several simple yet key steps you can take to be more comfortable in your skin while we wait for warmer weather to return.
Our Winter Skin Favourites
Micellar 2-in-1 Cleansing Water elevates effortless skincare to new heights. This duel-action formula acts as both a gentle cleanser and a waterproof makeup remover in one. Tiny micelles act as magnets to tap dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping away natural moisture. Botanical extracts of Acai, Goji Berry, Pomegranate, Noni Fruit, Camu Camu, Green Tea, and Coffee infuse the skin with nourishing vitamins and antioxidants. In a single step, skin is cleansed, toned, and hydrated.
Cleanse
It is not unusual for people to switch out their normal cleanser for something a little gentler during the colder months to accommodate the changes in their skin. Many people will use gel-based cleansers especially during the summer months for a deep cleanse, but during the winter oil or cream-based cleansers are best.
You could look for cleansers that contain humectants in them to boost hydration levels in the skin. Humectants are naturally found in our skin and are a popular component of skin care products. They will help attract water and hold it into the skin to increase water levels and diminish the appearance of crepe-looking skin. These could be cleansers incorporating ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s), glycerin, or honey (to name a few-there are many more).
Cleansers rich in ingredients like cold-pressed oils would also have increased benefits for skin suffering from winter weather. These oils such as avocado, soya, argan and many others will contain high amounts of fatty acids, two key ones being Linolenic and Linoleic, which will contribute to the overall moisture and functionality of the skin and reduce TEWL. They also will contain amounts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants to restore skin health back to optimal function.
A great option for cleansing your skin at home is our NEW Replenish Ultra Hydrating Cleanser. Replenish hydration with this complexion-perfecting cleanser that offers natural moisturizing factors that optimize skin radiance and texture. Moisture attracting Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Vegetable and Argan Extract help replenish humectants which result in a smoother more radiant complexion. Containing Glycoderm P an intensive hydration Complex, Argassential™ to plump and firm skin and Snap-8™ a powerhouse peptide solution to reduce expression wrinkles.
Exfoliate
Using a good exfoliator is crucial to ensure the products you are applying are penetrating into your skin effectively, reducing the look of flaking dry skin, and will help improve overall texture and complexion. Exfoliation can happen in a variety of forms from mechanical, enzymatic, or chemicals such as AHAs or BHAs. For this time of year, using an exfoliant containing lactic acids, which is an AHA is a great choice due to its humectant properties. Lactic acid will boost hydration levels within the skin while simultaneously encouraging cellular renewal, boosting collagen production, and brightening skin all while it is exfoliating!
Use either of these powerful exfoliants separately or super boost treatment by adding the Wild Yam & Licorice to your Lactic Microfoliant for spectacular hydration and brightening results.
Containing lactic acid this powerful microfoliant also includes glycerin and aloe and hibiscus flower extracts to act as humectants and to improve the surface of the skin and jojoba spheres to gently buff the surface cellular layer. Due to the duality of the product having both mechanical and chemical exfoliants you should massage into the skin for a few minutes under steam and then allow the product to sit for a minute or two longer to allow the chemical exfoliation to really take effect.
Wild Yam & Licorice is a fine-grained, powdered exfoliant that is a light facial scrub, that refines and polishes the skin, restoring radiance as it gently removes dead surface cells with the refining action of natural grains and naturally derived fruit enzymes. Containing Wild Yam, a Collagen-friendly antioxidant, and Licorice Root extract to help brighten and lighten the skin with nourishing seaweed extract and Burdock extract to gently hydrate and sooth the skin.
Tone
The HydraVite Toner contains 16 moisture-retaining ingredients to supercharge hydration in the skin within seconds. This is a refreshing blend of Hydrating Panthenol and a Copper complex, is scented with fragrant lavender and rose essential oils, instantly saturating parched skin by capturing cooling moisture deep within skin layers – where moisture’s comfort is needed most.
Serums
Hydralift Serum contains Ultra Filling Spheres™, which will act like water balloons expanding within the skin to boost water levels and lift from beneath for younger-looking skin. The serum also contains Inca Inchi Lipactive™ which is high in Omega 3, 6, and 9 to boost the lipid content on the skin as well as Sesaflash which will help the skin hold onto hydration for long periods of time.
Lipid Restore (coming soon) is a nourishing, regenerative anti-aging blend of carrier oils supporting the skin through the aging process. The essential fatty acids maintain the efficiency of the skin barrier and have rejuvenating and anti-aging effects, preventing dehydration in lipid dry skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines. Containing a large content of antioxidants it helps all skin types neutralize free radical damage. The wonderful blended Essential oils like sweet orange, neroli, geranium uplift the spirits and promotes a positive and joyful mood. While lavender promotes emotional stability, calms, balances while nourishing and treating the skin
Moisturize
If you are looking to boost up hydration further and get a real luxury experience, I highly recommend the DNA Repair Crème. This cream has the most amazing smell of blueberries and creates a thick, deeply nourishing cream that will have you excited to apply it morning and night. With a powerful cocktail of blueberry seed, avocado, jojoba, and sea buckthorn oil, as well as shea butter, antioxidants like green tea and COQ10, and nourishing/hydrating components like bladderwrack and sodium hyaluronate you cannot go wrong with this cream.
Eye Contouring Serum is a highly concentrated oligopeptide treatment is a botanical remedy that targets concerns typically associated with chronological aging in and around the eye area. The skin becomes firmer and more elastic in appearance in as little as 8 weeks. Rich in saponosides and flavonoids, this serum strengthens capillaries and reactivates microcirculation. Skin complexion appears younger and more vibrant. Further Boost Hydration & Luxury During Your Facial Routine
Masques the final component
The final component to your winter skincare treatment is a beautiful leave-on masque to bring about optimal hydration and nourishment. That will complement the other products in this dynamic winter collection. The Hydrating Collagen Masque smells and feels amazing on the skin, containing witch hazel for its anti-inflammatory effects, green tea to fight free radicals with its antioxidant components, and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid which will be able to hydrate the skin from a deeper level. The key component of the masque is Marine Hydrolyzed Collagen which will not only help boost hydration within the skin but is also vital for the building of collagen in the skin leading to a more firm and youthful appearance.
Written By Trish Green
DiHom(Pract) B.Ed Cidesco Diplomat ( Esthetician) Bach Flower Therapist.
Founder of Balnea Spa Products and creator of TheraGenesis Skin care
Trish is a graduate of the Victoria University of Manchester, Trish is a teacher with 40 years of experience in the education field. For 30 of those years she has been an educator in the esthetics industry. She is an advocate for raising standards in education for Complementary Health Care Practitioners with special interest in Aromatherapy. Her career in the field of natural health and esthetics is wide and varied. From Doctor of Homeopathy to Cidesco diplomat, Trish is a dedicated professional, committed to ongoing education and the education of others.