The nights are drawing in and the heating is cranked up, which means winter is in full swing. While we love the cosy vibes, our skin often pays the price. That sudden chill in the air and the constant switch between the cold outdoors and warm, dry indoor heating can leave your complexion feeling tight, dry and sensitised.
If your skin is acting up, it's likely a sign that your skin barrier needs a bit of TLC.
What Exactly Is My Skin Barrier?
Think of your skin barrier as the skin's outermost shield. It's made up of skin cells held together by a lipid matrix and has two main jobs:
- Keep the good stuff in: maintaining hydration and preventing excessive water loss (known as transepidermal water loss or TEWL).
- Keep the bad stuff out: protecting against environmental irritants, pollution and bacteria.
When winter hits, this delicate shield is easily compromised. The low humidity outside and dry heat inside strip away those vital lipid
Top Tips for Winter Barrier Repair
Repairing your barrier isn't about throwing the strongest acids at it; it's about being gentle and replenishing those lost components. Here’s how you can nurse your skin back to health this season:
1. Go Gentle with Cleansing
Step away from harsh cleansers as these can strip your skin further. Swap them out for rich, creamy or oil-based cleansers. Look for formulas that are pH-balanced and leave your skin feeling soft, not squeaky. Even better, consider a balm cleanser for that added dose of hydration and nourishment such as IN THE BEGINNING Deep Cleansing Melt, which leaves skin feeling dewy and glowing with health and vitality.
2. Introduce Barrier-Boosting Heroes
You need ingredients that mimic the skin's natural structure to help protect the barrier.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA): HA is a hyperactive ingredient with strong moisturising and lifting properties to help preserve suppleness, elasticity and tone, retaining youthful and healthy skin and making the barrier function better. QUENCH Deep Hydration Mask contains this wonder ingredient and is the perfect product for an instant skin boost!
Sodium Hyaluronate: used in skincare as a hyperactive ingredient to attract moisture to the skin, reduce dryness and increase hydration, which has a positive effect on the skin barrier. Sodium Hyaluronate is the hyperactive ingredient used DOUBLE CREAM Hydrating Moisturiser, making it the perfect moisturiser for those cold winter months.
3. Don't Forget the Body & Bath
The skin on your body is just as susceptible to the cold so don't let your skincare routine stop at your neck.
Swap Shower Gels for Oils: Switch your usual foaming shower gel for a nourishing oil that cleanses without stripping the skin of its natural moisture, such as DRIFT AWAY Relaxing Bathing & Massage Oil- a soothing blend of Mediterranean essential oils that will nurture and hydrate your skin.
Lock in Moisture: Immediately after bathing, while your skin is still slightly damp, apply a rich body butter or cream. This seals the hydration from the bath or shower, providing an extra layer of protection against the cold. We recommend DUVET Comforting Body Cream, which is deeply moisturising and softening.
4. Mind the Temperature
While a super hot bath or shower feels heavenly after a freezing day, that intense heat can actually exacerbate barrier damage by dissolving the protective, natural oils on your skin. Keep your water lukewarm and try to limit your time in the steam.
Don't let winter wreck your glow. Give your barrier the protection and nourishment it deserves, and enjoy a comfortable, calm complexion all season long.