Emma Hobson's Dermalogica Skin Logic: Winter 2013

Emma Hobson's Dermalogica Skin Logic: Winter 2013

Love or hate winter it's just around the corner and we better get ready for it. Just as we'll change our diets to hot soups and lashings of hot chocolate, we must also look at changing our skin care routine to one that is more nourishing and protective.

Winter products ideally need to address the effects of the harsher environment; ingredients such as silicones are a godsend, creating invisible shields to protect our skin against dehydration and can even repair an impaired barrier. Having powerful anti-inflammatories which reduce redness and irritation such as Panthenol (B5), Oat Kernel (Avena Stavia), Lavender, Ginger, Camomile and Red Hogweed. Nourishing emollients such as Evening Primrose Oil and Shea Butter and various peptides which repair and restore the skin.

Some Winter Skin Suggestions:

Avoid too-hot water on your skin, this will prevent increased dehydration and sensitivity.
Though drinking water is good for you it doesn't correlate directly to having hydrated skin. Better to rely on products that protect your barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
If the heating is on you'll need to combat the dry climate by placing a bowl of water in the room, better the water evaporates from the bowl rather than your skin.
Add a few extra drops of oil to your bath or body moisturiser for that extra skin nourishment.
Apply a sunscreen SPF30+, you still need to protect against UVA all year round.
Don't forget to always carry a protective lip balm to prevent dry cracked lips.
Use eye drops to combat dry, itchy eyes.
Watch your caffeine intake, keep those coffees to a minimum.

If Your Skin Suffers the Winter Blues Try:

A milky/creamy cleanser, one that has a light vegetable oil base such as safflower oil.
Exfoliating with a hydroxyl acid booster, applied under your moisturiser or an exfoliating masque two to three times per week.
For sensitive skin, avoid the use of scrubs and opt for micro-foliation, a gentle and super mild skin -polish' using rice bran and rice extract. Exfoliating will prevent the skin feeling taught, rough and flaky and it will help eradicate any dry patches you may be experiencing.
Masquin once or twice per week with a multivitamin or a hydrating masque, preferably directly after exfoliation for optimum performance:
MultiVitamin Masque: a multi-complex of vitamins for the skin which act like a -power pack' for a stressed, environmentally ravaged skin. I like to think of this type of masque as an -ambulance in a tube' since they often contain Beta Glucan (from oats) and Panthenol (B5).
Hydrating Masque: these cooling gels often contain Hyaluronic Acid which binds moisture to aid a thirsty skin.
A hydrating spritz to alleviate unpleasant dry patches. It reduces the quality of moisturiser you'll need (added bonus!) and can be used throughout the day to give a real surge in moisture levels.
A hydrating booster, these super hydrators also contain Hyaluronic Acid, a wonder ingredient that has the ability to hold a 1,000 times its own weight in moisture, certainly able to keep dehydration lines and flakiness at bay.

A moisturiser that has a slightly higher oil content but note only slightly. It's not necessary to use a -heavy weight' moisturiser now we have such fantastic ingredients and formulations. Look for moisturiser that -work smart' and contain a complex of Vitamin A, C, E, Panthenol (B5), essential fatty acids, peptides, anti-oxidants and a great ingredient to combat winter skin is Betagulcan.
A night-time serum if you feel your skin needs that extra nourishment and TLC whilst you sleep. Apply an overnight repair serum. Ingredients such as Argan, Rosehip Seed and Rose Oil, blended with essential oils combine with sophisticated actives such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 which deeply replenish lost oils and give lacklustre skin a fresh, dewy appearance.