The rapid and typically unpredictable seasonal shifts experienced here in the UK often leave our poor old skin confused and out of balance and us, in turn, frustrated and unsure how to tackle the dry, sore and unruly skin that ensues. The thing that many of us find perhaps surprising is that dry skin is actually dehydrated skin, lacking that all important moisture rather than oil (which is why we can sometimes find ourselves with uncontrollable shine and flaky patches all at the same time).

Managing hydration effectively requires a multi-directional approach beginning on the inside and working out. Diet as we all know plays an important part in supporting healthy bodies, in turn creating healthy glowing skin but in order to retain moisture effectively, our skin needs a properly balanced and well functioning lipid barrier which works to trap in, and protect against excessive moisture loss. A diet rich in water heavy fruits and vegetables combined with a balanced intake of those all important good fats helps keep skin cells hydrated, and our moisture barrier, in productive health.

External factors such as low temperature and poor humidity levels can wreak havoc with the skins ability to maintain a healthy moisture balance. This time of year is particularly harsh with freezing temperatures and centrally heated spaces causing excessive moisture loss, drying out the skin and in turn creating a reduction in the production and effectiveness of the all important protective oils.

Once the signs of dehydration develop we often find it hard to treat effectively, particularly if we ignore it for a while or are unsure how to tackle it when those first signs appear.  Inevitably, we usually reach for a heavy duty moisturiser rich in lipids but not necessarily packed with those all important ingredients helpful in improving moisture levels and aiding retention.

If left, or tackled ineffectively, dry skin often transforms into the dreaded sensitised version leading to hot, sore and tingling sensations at even the slightest whiff of water or air. We then find ourselves in a precarious yo-you cycle attempting to solve the vast array of problems occurring – sore, dry, oily, patchy, itchy, flaky, red etc. The list seems endless!

Understanding the mechanics of dry skin helps us to make little but effective lifestyle changes and ensure we choose products packed with skin loving ingredients, helping to boost moisture levels as well supporting healthy lipid barrier function.  Dermalogica have developed their skin care products to meet the ever changing needs of our skin, focussing on wellbeing rather than beauty means that their ingredients pack a healthy punch.

If you are struggling with winter weary skin this year, here are Dermalogica’s top tips for getting things ship shape again:

For your face:

Switch out your foaming cleanser for a soothing gel cream instead to replenish lipids and soothe sensitivity. Try dermalogica’s UltraCalming Cleanser.

Sweep away flakey, dull skin cells with Daily Resurfacer that gentle smoothes and brightens while hydrating the skin at the same time.

Layer on hydration and reduce tightness by spritzing after cleansing and throughout the day over makeup choose from MultiActive Toner, Antioxidant HydraMist or UltraCalming Mist.

For sore, red, irritated skin, comfort with a generous application of UltraCalming Serum Concentrate and use UltraCalming Relief Masque a few times a week to soothe and calm.

Change to a heavier weight moisturizer for more nourishment and protection like Super Rich Repair for day and night.

If it’s super cold, try a healing balm like Climate Control on exposed areas like lips, nose and cheekbones for extra protection and healing.

Repair and diminish dry skin and lines by gently patting Intensive Eye Repair around your eyes.

For the body and hands:

Avoid hot water by using tepid water instead, pat skin dry, don’t rub and while the skin is still damp apply your body lotion immediately, avoiding those with artificial color and fragrance. Try dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream for supreme nourishment and protection from the elements.

With shower and bath products, avoid soap, artificial fragrance and high foam products as they dehydrate the skin. Alternatively add a few pumps of an aromatherapy oil to your bath. Try dermalogica’s Stress Relief Treatment oil and Conditioning Body Wash.

Slough off dead cells effortlessly by adding HydroActive Mineral Salts to the bath for a relaxing and exfoliating soak. If your prefer to shower try dermalogica’s Exfoliating Body Scrub and use in gentle circular movements paying special attention to knees, elbows and hands. For super all over smoothness use with the Ultimate Buffing Cloth.

Opt for the paraffin dip the next time you get a manicure, it’s good for locking in moisture.

Wear 100% cotton gloves to bed over a healing cream like Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment, this speeds up absorption and you’ll wake up with super soft hands.

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About the author

Naomi
Hello. I am the letter tamer, word shaper and idea knitter for the wonderful folk at The Jersey Company. As well as writing generally kinda helpful stuff here on the blog every week or so, I can also be found regularly wrestling with all those wordy bits which let you know what JC and JC folk are really all about. If it’s in written form and has the Jersey name on it, then it was most probably, almost certainly written by me. I can be found more often than not writing at home from an old school desk where I can think and scribble in equal measure. I love to write with a proper pencil, always drink tea from a mug and make hot buttery toast the size of doorsteps. More than occasionally, I can be found enjoying all these things at the same time. I sometimes tame words for other lovely and interesting clients too via Creative Avoidance, a small but perfectly formed scribbling service.