Skin Reboot

Cold months are notorious for stripping our skin of all moisture, leaving it dry, flaky and prone to breakouts. Below are some key products to introduce to your winter skincare regimen

Our skin changes every day, and each season brings with it its own set of effects and challenges, which demand that we tweak our skincare regimen. Winter affects our skin in various ways — the air becomes drier, sucking the moisture out of your skin, which then leads to dryness and flakiness. To meet your skin halfway, stock up on products that deeply nourish, moisturise, protect and combat the harsh effects of the chill on your skin.

CLEANSING

South African winters can be very unforgiving — cold dry air, early morning subzero temperature and rain in some parts of the country. Indoor ventilation systems, including central heating, reduce moisture levels in the air, which affects the skin. This includes breakouts, as there’s a layer of dead cells on the skin’s surface that clogs pores and prevents sebum from flowing. Use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture, and avoid treatments that are high in salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Exfoliating helps get rid of dead cells, so try scrubs and masks. Medical doctor and owner of Optimum Medical Aesthetics, Dr Nandipha Magudumana says, “A brightening cleanser will remove impurities and surface oils, maintain a healthy glow, and prime your skin for product layering.”

HYDRATION

Adequate hydration is a non-negotiable. Use a light moisturiser as a day cream so it doesn’t block your pores, and a heavier night cream in the evenings. So often, especially in winter, we make the mistake of using the wrong moisturiser. Look out for ingredients that attract water, such as glycerin (retains moisture), hyaluronic acid (plumps up skin cells), allantoin (has anti-ageing properties), propylene glycol (deeply penetrative hydrant), and sodium PCA (emulsification properites). “Do monthly deep hydration, depigmentation and resurfacing treatments to improve your skin’s overall appearance, tone and hydration levels,” recommends Dr Portia Gumede, owner of Dr P Aesthetics Lifestyle Centre.

REPAIRING AND SOOTHING

Extreme weather temperatures compromise your skin barrier, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis that protects you from harsh elements. When irritants penetrate your skin, they weaken it, further preventing it from absorbing nutrients. Use products that are formulated to repair the skin, such as facial serums. Avoid products with astringents, like alcohol, witchhazel, foaming cleansers and physical exfoliation. Choose products with Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), which improves your lipid barrier function, moisturisers with linoleic acid (reduces acne), and an omega 6 fatty acid, which is an effective moisturising agent.

BRIGHTENING

Ever wondered how your complexion can go from bright to dull within just weeks of the weather transitioning from fairly warm to freezing cold? Dehydrated skin hinders blood circulation. As a result, the skin becomes dry and dull. A skin peel or mask will improve this dullness by clearing dead skin cells, therefore helping your skin absorb moisturisers better. We all have different skin types and needs, however adding winterappropriate cleansers, moisturisers, masks, lotions, serums and creams will ensure that you maintain your much-deserved glow throughout winter.