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3 Ways to Handle Dry Skin in Winter: Our Expert-Led Guide
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The Symptoms of Skin Dryness: Debunking the Myths of Dry Skin
When it comes to dry skin, many interpret this as the usual noticeable signs. Whether this means visible skin flakiness, or that skin is rougher to the touch than usual. However, the truth is, dry skin (especially when not addressed) can cause a wide range of skin symptoms.
See the most common signs of dry skin:
- Tightness or discomfort, especially right after cleansing your skin
- White flakey patches especially around the nose, cheeks, or forehead
- A dull complexion that can look like redness on lighter skin, and grey ash-like on darker skin tones
- Base makeup that clings or sits poorly on the skin after application
- Itching or sensitivity to products usually used in your routine
- In more extreme cases, dryness can cause skin cracks, and later, result in bleeding
*Please note that the above is a general overview of how dry skin can look. For a dry skin evaluation by cosmetic nurses, contact our Results Clinic team for a consultation booking.
Why is My Skin So Much More Dry in Winter?
We all know that Winter brings about those common symptoms of dryness. However, the reason for this is that cold air holds less moisture than warm air. And, as a result, the atmosphere around you is drawing water from every surface it touches (and yes this means your skin too)!
The Impact of Weather Conditions On Skin
Harsh wind conditions can have a major impact on the inner hydration of our skin. This is because over-time ongoing exposure to wind conditions can break down the skin’s “lipid barrier”. People otherwise call it your skin’s protective shield, as it protects you against transepidermal water loss.
As noted by an article on Pub Med Central, it’s noted that “elevated TEWL levels indicate compromised barrier integrity”. And, as your barrier grows weaker, it becomes more susceptible to being reactive and sensitive. This makes preserving your lipid barrier key for maintaining your skin’s integrity.
Hydrate Your Winter Skin Care Routine, with Skin-Loving Steps
While it’s important to make sure that your skin is hydrated year-round, Winter is key to nourish your skin with hydrating skincare. This doesn’t just mean slathering on cream, but also taking the right steps in your routine. When the skin is dry during Winter, the right hydration is essential.
1. Incorporate Hydrating Skincare Ingredients
One of the most important aspects of moisture retention are the right skincare products. In particular, look for those that are formulated with a kind of humectant. This is a star ingredient type which specifically draws in water. Luckily, there are many kinds of humectants for different skin types.
| Ingredient | What it does | Best way to use |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic Acid | Helps hydrate the skin by attracting moisture. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. | Use as a serum or toner on hydrated skin to help lock in moisture. |
| Niacinamide | Supports and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier by helping the skin produce ceramides. | Use as a serum on dry skin. |
2. Seal Moisture into Your Skin
The appropriate use of a cream for your skin type is key. This not only enhances the appearance of dry skin, but also penetrates deeper into the skin’s layers. By choosing the right cream, combined with regular use of it, you can shield your skin’s barrier against the cold.
| Tip | What it means | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Choose the Right Moisturiser | Pick a moisturiser based on your skin type. A deep night cream may suit very dry skin, while a lightweight lotion may be better for oily skin. | Use a richer cream for dryness and a lighter lotion to avoid heaviness or breakouts. |
| Apply Cream or Lotion on Damp Skin | Applying moisturiser on damp skin helps lock in hydration and keeps the skin looking plump. | Apply it after a shower or cleansing, while the skin is still slightly damp. |
| Hydrate Morning and Night | Moisturising twice daily helps protect the skin barrier during the day and supports skin repair overnight. | Use moisturiser before sunscreen in the morning and apply a thicker layer at night. |
3. Use a Gentle Exfoliant Regularly
Frequent exfoliation of your skin removes the barriers that block moisture absorption. By removing these dead skin cells, it allows for the more potent absorption of skincare products. So the products can then penetrate deep into the skin’s layers.
| Tip | What it means | Best practice |
|---|---|---|
| Use a Chemical Exfoliant | Gentle chemical exfoliants help remove dead skin cells without the harsh rubbing of physical scrubs. | Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant to support smoother skin and better product absorption. |
| Exfoliate 1–2 Times a Week | Exfoliating once or twice weekly is usually enough in winter. Over-exfoliating can make dryness worse. | Follow the product instructions and avoid using exfoliants too often. |
*Feeling unsure about the right products for your skin? Check out our Results Laser Clinic skin dryness collection, formulated with gentle, hydrating and nourishing ingredients.
When to Turn to In-Clinic Treatments for Winter, Dry Skin
While a great skincare routine is key not just for moisture, but skin health, in-clinic treatments offer several advantages. This is mainly because professional treatments provide potent skin exfoliation that over the counter products can’t replicate. Through skin exfoliation, this promotes cellular renewal for potentially smoother skin.
| Microdermabrasion | Oxygen Infusion Therapy | Photo Rejuvenation Age Peel |
| For an in-clinic treatment that provides deep exfoliation, microdermabrasion can achieve just that. It works through a device being used to buff away the outermost layer of the skin. Alongside this, the process triggers collagen production.
According to an article on PubMed Central, “microdermabrasion offers a method to increase skin permeability”. This is why it can support deeper moisture absorption. By removing dead skin cells, it may also help prevent dry skin breakouts. |
For a treatment that delivers strong hydration to the skin, oxygen facial therapy can be a promising option. The therapy involves applying a professional-strength serum, which is infused into the skin. This may help deliver a more hydrated and plumper-looking skin appearance. | To support the skin’s resurfacing process, this age peel works through a blend of active acids. Once applied, these acids can target a wide range of skin concerns at once. The blend helps remove dead skin cells and supports cell turnover through collagen stimulation. |
*If you’re searching for a skin treatment provider, Results Laser Clinic offers comprehensive in-clinic services for dry dehydrated skin. Providing microdermabrasions, oxygen infusion therapy, and photo rejuvenation therapy options post-consultation.
Making Winter Lifestyle Adjustments
While the right skincare routine is essential, your lifestyle habits should also reflect this cold season. This means that it’s important to not only seek the right treatments, but also to re-consider harmful steps within your lifestyle.
| Use a Humidifier to Hydrate the Air | Incorporate Fatty Foods | Avoid Scalding Hot Showers |
| When winter strips the skin of moisture, a humidifier can be an effective way to raise indoor humidity levels. It works by pulling water from an in-built reservoir and converting it into a mist or water vapour. This can help raise humidity levels to an ideal range of 40 to 50 percent. | Your skin’s barrier against potential stressors and pollutants is made up of lipids. To replenish these from the inside out, aim for a diet full of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids support hydration and help strengthen the skin’s barrier. Some foods include salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds. | While hot showers are common in a winter routine, they can cause the skin’s barrier to break down by stripping it of moisture. This disrupts the skin barrier and can leave your skin feeling parched afterwards. As noted by a PubMed Central article, the barrier of the skin is impaired by water, and “even more so with hot water”. |
The Bottom Line: Be Cautious of Your Skin in Winter
Here’s the truth, Winter skin does not have to mean dry skin. The dryness of skin in Winter is not a skin type, it’s a condition triggered by your environment. By knowing the right steps, you’ll feel prepared to care for your skin during these Winter months.
- Moisturise the skin twice daily, and exfoliate 1-2 times a week
- Choose products formulated with hydrating ingredients
- For potent skin treatments, consider in-clinic care
- Opt for fatty foods in your diet
- Keep your environment moist, avoid hot showers and use a humidifier
Next steps?
Results Laser Clinics is one of Australia’s most trusted providers of Laser Hair Removal, Skin treatments & Cosmetic Aesthetics Treatments. We are committed to delivering results that make you look & feel your best.
Book your free skin analysis and complimentary consultation with our experts today! You can also save time and buy treatments from the comfort of your own home via a Results Online account! Our full-price list can be found here.