How I Support my Skin in the Winter

If you live in Canada you know that Winter is here! It seems like all the moisture in the air has immediately been sucked up and my skin is noticing.

The change in weather might have you running out to Sephora in search of a thick cream or oil to lather your skin with. Here’s why that will not work.

Moisture is constantly being evaporated from the skin, this is known as Transepidermal water loss or TEWL for short. And because of this, it does no good to just simply lather on an oil or thick cream.

Here’s what I am doing to support my skin in the transition from Fall to Winter.

SLEEP

It’s very well known that the body has an internal 24-hour clock that dictates specific rhythmic changes in our physiology and behaviour. What’s really interesting is that skin cells have their own internal clock that affects skin functions during different times of the day or night. Things like water loss, sebum production, hydration, cell division, and skin barrier function are more effective at different times. Understanding these processes and when they peak, helps us to use targeted practices to optimize results.

What does this mean for this time of the year? With the colder, dryer air the skin barrier is working overtime to remain strong. Sleep is when the skin goes into a state of repair and regeneration. Some studies have demonstrated that cell proliferation is thirty times higher at night that during the day. One of the best things we can do to keep the skin barrier strong is get a quality sleep. For the rest of this month try disconnecting from your cell phone and tv 30 minutes before bed time. You will sleep much better and your skin will thank you.

SPF

I will say it again. Even though it’s Winter your skin needs SPF every day. Especially true for those who are noticing dry of flaky skin. Whether it’s physical or chemical, wear it! Everyday! My current favourite is the SuperGoop daily Correct CC Mineral. It has a very creamy texture and leaves my skin dewy and hydrated.

HYALURONIC ACID  

As you may already know (if you follow me on insta) HA is my all-time favourite product. And this time of year, it’s a skin life-saver. Speaking as someone who has struggled with both acne and dry sensitized skin for most of my life, I used to think I needed THICK moisturizers to hydrate my skin. But, all you need is water. That’s right PURIFIED WATER! However, like I said before water evaporates from our skin very quickly. This is where HA comes in.

HA is a water molecule and is something that we are all born with. As we age and are exposed to the environment we stop producing collagen and loose HA. When we apply it through a product our skin recognizes it as our own and absorbs it.l. So, the best news is that it’s common to see results very quickly with this product!

HA forms a protective layer on your skin that locks in moisture, boosts elasticity, and helps your skin retain collagen. It keeps water at the surface of your skin which we all need this time of year. My current favourites are by Cosmedica and the Ordinary.

Hydrated skin is happy skin, which promotes healing and gives you that summertime glow!

If your skin is feeling dry and flaky, try one of these tips above!

With happiness and clear skin,

Caralyn

Resources:

The Skincare Bible by Dr Anjali Mahto

Skin Structure and Function by Golara Honari, Howard Maibach in Applied Dermatotoxicology