The Six Best Ways to Support Your Skin Barrier: Cold Weather Edition.
There are many cozy reasons why we love the winter season. But you're probably also very aware of the pitfalls, like how its windy and cold, dry outdoor air and overly irritating indoor environments can make your skin less than happy. So how can we best support our skin barrier – the outermost layer of your skin that you see and touch every day and is your protective shield from the outside world – during the winter months?
Hydration
Get creative with the cold weather drinks you have on hand. From water with lemon in the office, to hot tea in the evening, to adding electrolytes to your exercise water. Staying hydrated will have a direct impact on how your skin looks and feels in these days of harsher temperatures and dry, dehydrating indoor conditions. Not only good for the skin, but for the whole body.
Select Gentle
You most likely won't need an exfoliating cleanser in the winter months as much as you would in other seasons, since your skin doesn't produce as much of its natural oils. Try Epionce Gentle Foaming Cleanser, which effectively removes dirt, oil and other impurities on the surface, including make-up, without leaving the skin feeling tight or dry.
Moisturize your skin regularly
By routinely moisturizing your skin after you shower, you can help your barrier retain moisture after all natural oils have been removed, reducing the chance of experiencing an extreme condition like dryness, and reducing visible blemishes and aging. Epionce Renewal Body Lotion or Renewal Calming Cream are good options as soon as you jump out of the bath or shower.
Daily SPF
Even if the weather forecast looks dreary and boring, it doesn't matter if you're at home, in your car or in the office - research shows that up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds. Both UVA and UVB rays can reach the skin and can be just as harmful as the rays on a bright, sunny day. That's why it's important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen year-round, like Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen, which provides broad-spectrum protection that evens out skin tone while providing a natural, healthy glow.
Beyond skin care
In addition to sunscreen, we can protect our skin from the raw, chilly winter weather by choosing the right clothes. For example, although we have lathered our hands with the fast-absorbing, non-greasy, moisturizing hand gel, it is important to avoid any compromise of the barrier by wearing appropriate gloves or mittens outdoors as well.
Avoid too hot water
Although it may feel counterintuitive, long, hot showers can compromise your barrier, even when they feel like a respite from the cold. These types of showers can actually make your barrier more prone to drying out as they strip your skin of its natural protective oils, and can lead to dry, flaky and uncomfortable skin.
Ready to create a winter skin care regimen that is unique to your skin type? Contact us and we will create a personal guide tailored to your needs.
Written by Epionce UK
