What you need to know about cold weather and skin
Do you also suffer from that winter itch that makes you want to scratch your skin off? Skin becomes dry and irritated when we are exposed to wind, central heating and low humidity.
Harsh weather can erode the skin's natural protective barrier and create gaps in the outermost layer of skin, allowing water to escape (dehydration) and irritants to enter (sensitivity). The dry environment may be responsible for itching as the inflammatory response sets in and histamines are released. It can aggravate inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema, ichthyosis and psoriasis, which suffer from impaired barrier function. Just like the eyelids, the skin of the lips is particularly thin and sensitive and can suffer badly during harsh winters, resulting in dry, cracked and sore lips.
Winter dryness looks bleak, but what can we do to alleviate these symptoms?
Try this:
Back to basics - start with a creamy, soap-free cleanser, a moisturising spray with humectants and a protective moisturiser with at least SPF 15.
Soothing complexes such as oats, ginger and red hogweed work on sensitized skin to reduce uncomfortable sensations.
Nourish your skin while you sleep with a peptide serum rich in argan oil and containing fatty acids, plant sterols, vitamin E and ferulic acid to strengthen the lipid barrier.
Reduce the temperature of your bath and shower, use bath oils and apply a moisturizer immediately after showering (within 3 minutes).
Don't bathe too much, don't exfoliate too much, and don't be too hard on your skin. Treat it gently and with respect!
Avoid licking the lips as the digestive enzymes and bacteria in saliva can damage the lips. Use a nourishing balm with shea butter and avocado.