Battling with winter skin?
Winter skin can appear red and this is one of the most common conditions we get to see at Temple Skincare during this season. There is a very good reason for this:
In winter your skin becomes more dehydrated due to the cold air, exposure to heating systems and taking those comforting, but not so kind to the skin hot showers and baths.
With varying temperatures, the skin cells work harder, and the immune response system of your skin is on high alert. Long term dehydration results in the redness, which is a sign of inflammation. Most people think they have sensitive skin due to this pink appearance, when the skin is really more sensitised and needs a little TLC to recover. A sensitised skin is red because it has been exposed to certain aggravators and usually temporary once the aggravator is addressed, but a sensitive skin is genetically programmed and a condition that needs to be maintained on an ongoing basis.
Is it Rosacea? Learn more here.
Once the skin shows signs of redness, the surface layer has already been damaged, so think of the term “sun burn” and “wind-burn”, which also results in the red appearance on the skin due to inflammation after overexposure to these elements, so the Winter presents the risk of “freezer burn” in varying degrees on the skin. The cold causes constriction of blood-flow just under the skin, which means there is a slower distribution of blood supply and oxygen, this results in the surface layer forming a very rough damaged layer in an attempt to ward of the effects of the cold. This layer is in effect cells that have died due to a lack of protection, blood supply and oxygen.
The only way to reverse the damage caused by the cold and to restore the skin to its former bouncy texture and glow is by starting over with gentle exfoliation and by oxygenating the skin. The challenge is that sensitised skin needs to be treated with the utmost care and using harsh peels or abrasive treatment is no way to treat this condition.
If sensitised, dehydrated skin is ignored long term, it may lead to premature ageing, with the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and the appearance of broken capillaries (small red veins) as well as an overall dull complexion. These conditions will also reduce the ability of the skin to regenerate and heal as quickly as it should.
Our clients love the Organic Refreshing Peel & O2 Youth Elixir Facial because it provides that fabulous glow, we all love and gets rid of dull winter skin without any peeling or flaking. The treatment is suitable for all skin types and effectively removes damaged surface cells with a gentle Exfoliating Enzyme. Next we boost the cellular function of the skin by introducing multiple skin tonics and infusing these active ingredients with pure medical grade oxygen. As you can imagine this is not only great for sensitive, dehydrated skin types, but all skin types that need to shed tired winter skin and restore a healthy vibrance to the skin.
Another reason the winter can be an absolute savage on the skin is that we tend to use very hot water when we bath or shower. Here are a few tips to keep your skin protected, bouncy and glowing all through winter.
Winter Skin Rescue Tips:
- Use tepid water
- Wear SPF
- Use enzyme exfoliators
- Maintain the delicate pH balance of the skin
- Apply a serum and cream for dehydration
- If you are unsure if you have dehydrated, sensitive or sensitised skin book a no obligation skin consult with one of our Skincare Specialists
Click here to learn more about the tips above with our Winter Skin rescue Infographic.
We’d be happy to see you at Temple and help you with healing and nourishing your winter skin. Click here to Book Now.