Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme
Founder & Medical Director, Adonia Medical Clinic
One of the primary functions of the skin is homeostasis – essentially helping the body to regulate temperature, prevent free water loss and create a protective barrier from the outside world.
During the winter months, the wind, the change in temperature and even the use of heaters can increase irritation to skin. This can present itself as dryness, redness or irritation and even dark marks.
The skin cells act as the bricks and the lipid layers as the mortar, working together to create a functional barrier against external stimuli. If the skin barrier is working well there should not be irritation. However, if the barrier function is impaired either due to harsh products, environment changes or a breach in the skin [of any cause], aggravation can occur. We can protect our skin in the winter by building an effective winter skincare routine.
Simplicity in winter skincare routines
When you are building your winter skincare routine, remember two things; less is more and start with the basics. If you have dry or irritated skin you should start with a gentle cleanser, then follow this with an antioxidant such as niacinamide which can help to support the barrier function as it upregulates collagen in the skin. This makes skin look firmer and helps to retain moisture. It also prevents free radical damage which can lead to redness, dark marks, and even premature ageing.
The winter is a good time to check in with your skin and see if the products you used in the summer still serve you.
When looking for a good moisturiser, look out for ingredients which help to support the barrier function of the skin, such as humectants which pull moisture in. This includes ingredients such as panthenol, glycerine and hyaluronic acid. In the winter months, look for ingredients which help to lock in that moisture, such as ceramides and shea butter, particularly if you have dry or irritated skin. I recommend moisturising twice a day in the winter months.
Importance of sunscreen in winter
After your moisturiser, the final stage in your routine is sunscreen with a factor of 30 or above. I recommend using sunscreen all year round – swapping to a factor 50 in the summer months.
The winter is a good time to check in with your skin and see if the products you used in the summer still serve you. For most people, reviewing your moisturiser is key, as well as switching to something that keeps you moisturised throughout the day.
My patients notice that when they pair down their routine focusing on hydration through the winter months, their skin feels more hydrated and predictable.
