Winter Skin

 

Now that the temperature has dropped and the nights have well and truly closed in, it’s time to think about the effects harsh winter weather can have on our skin.

Exposure to the winter elements can cause a number of skin concerns including dehydration, dryness and flaky patches.

It is important to understand the difference between dry and dehydrated skin. Dehydrated skin is caused by a lack of moisture whereas dry skin is caused by a lack of sebum or oil. As the temperature drops, so does humidity, meaning that there is less moisture in the air.  When the temperature and humidity are low the skin is stripped of its natural lipid layer. The purpose of the natural lipid layer is to prevent the skin from drying out. This combined with the drying-out effects of central heating leads to tautness, sensitivity, flakiness and possibly more severely sensitisation and extreme chapping.

A poor or damaged barrier of the skin can lead to breakouts, dehydration, sensitisation, pigmentation and ageing.

Maintaining the barrier function of skin becomes critical during the winter months. Supplementing the skin with additional essential fatty acids and humectants will help to repair the barrier.

Healing the skin is the first step in improving barrier function. Making good product choices is vital. The aim should be not to add moisture to the skin but to keep moisture in. Replenishment and protection is the key.

Years ago heavy barriers creams were used with occlusive ingredients to cover the skin and allow it to heal. More modern products provide many more benefits and we rely much more on actives to repair the skin from a deeper level rather than simple occlusion. 

Environs’ AVST Moisturisers and C-Quence Serums contain vitamins and antioxidants and work at a much deeper level than conventional cosmetic creams. Vitamins A, C and E will benefit a compromised skin through the following:

Vitamin A

·         Stimulates GAGS – locks in moisture

·         Protects and potentates Langerhans Cells – Improves skin immunity

Vitamin C

·         Anti-oxidant

·         Strengthens capillary walls

·         Anti-inflammatory

·         Hydrates

·         Heals

Vitamin E

·         Antioxidant

·         Hydrates

·         Heals

Dry skin is one sign that vitamin A is lacking in the diet. 95% of Women do not get enough vitamin A in their diet.  Vitamin A is vital for healthy functioning of the skin. The easiest way to increase levels is to complement a vitamin rich diet with a food supplement. Advanced Nutrition Programmes Skin Vit A provides a daily dose of vitamin A in an easily absorbable form which is found naturally in the diet and in skin.

For an extra boost of vitamin A in a hydrating format incorporate Environs’ Hydrating Oil Capsules into your evening regime. The capsules are based on vitamin A and beta-sitosterol to counteract the dehydrating effect of the winter climatic changes. These deeply nourish skin at night and promote rehydration and repair.

An essential part of the healing process is to replace depleted lipids. Supplementing the skin with additional essential fatty acids and humectants will help to repair the barrier.

Skin Omegas contain Omegas 3 and 6. They enhance the barrier function of the skin by creating healthy bilipid layers, increase the hydration and smoothness of the skin and are anti-inflammatory to improve skin’s immunity. Supplements feed the body internally, every organ and every cell.

The next step to improve the barrier function is to ensure optimal hydration within the skin. Environ Focus Hydrating Serum contains Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 100 times its own weight in water. It turns skin cells which are shrivelled up into raisins into lovely plum grapes!

In salon the Environ Hydraboost Treatments is the perfect answer to dry, lacklustre skin. This facial incorporates Hyaluronic Acid which holds up to 1000 times its own weight in water.

In addition to healing and hydrating, inflammation must be reduced and controlled. Colostrum Gel is ideal for any skin condition where the barrier function is seriously impaired, for example eczema, psoriasis and acne as it heals and soothes and supports the immune system of the skin together as well as providing antioxidant protection.

A drop in skin temperature during cold weather can cause the surface blood vessels to dilate (get wider) rather than constrict. This can cause damage to these vessels leading to sore red cheeks and nose. Vitamin C is vital for strengthening capillary walls. Environs’ C-Boost boosts vitamin C levels within the skin to hydrate and heal and strengthen capillaries. It also offers anti-oxidant protection and is anti-inflammatory. Support this with Skin VitC for optimum vitamin C levels and all over body protection. 

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help. To break the cycle of sensitisation triggers should be removed. Epidermal (top layers of the skin) barrier integrity may be compromised through the use of hydroxyl acids, soaps and other aggressors.  Controlling such factors will make a difference together with drinking more water and avoiding great changes in temperature, hot baths, saunas and other similar activities.

Stress is one of the biggest factors for all forms of skin conditions. Take time out to receive regular massages and try yoga, meditation or positive thinking.

Take out an Insurance policy and use products to start building the barrier before problems arise.

Why not make an appointment to discuss how Environ and ANP can help your skin through the winter months. We offer full consultations to develop a bespoke treatment programme