Battling the Brrr: Expert Tips for Winter Skin Survival Down Under
As the Australian winter bites, many of us find ourselves battling dry, cracked lips, flaky hands, and that unwelcome itch in the most unexpected places – like the delicate skin around our nose. The harsh reality of cold weather and the relentless blast of dry indoor heating conspires to compromise our skin's natural barrier, the vital shield that locks in moisture. This leaves our skin feeling rough, parched, and overly sensitive. In fact, research has indicated that skin hydration can plummet by as much as 25 per cent during the colder months.
Even those blessed with naturally well-behaved skin can experience a noticeable increase in dryness during winter. The combination of biting winds, frigid outdoor air, and the cosy warmth of our central heating systems relentlessly pulls precious moisture from our skin. Consequently, our skin desperately needs that extra bit of help to retain its hydration. Add to this the temptation of long, hot showers, and your skin can quickly find itself in need of some serious pampering and repair.
So, how do the skin experts themselves navigate the chilly season without their complexions resembling a lizard's? We've tapped into the knowledge of two leading dermatologists to reveal the go-to products they swear by to keep their skin in tip-top condition.
Face: Your First Line of Defence
Your face is perpetually exposed to the elements, bearing the brunt of harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Maintaining consistent moisture throughout the day is crucial for protecting your skin and warding off that tell-tale winter dryness.
Dr. Tina Tian, a consultant dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinic Oxford, relies on Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume (£11.62, Boots). She explains its efficacy: "It's packed with ceramides and other lipids that are essential for restoring the skin barrier. Glycerin and mineral oil work together to support barrier repair and deliver deep hydration, effectively reducing dryness and sensitivity."
She further elaborates on the science: "Ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids are naturally occurring components of our skin's protective barrier. Replenishing these vital elements aids in repairing the skin barrier, minimises moisture loss, and leaves the skin feeling noticeably smoother."
Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid and panthenol, are key players in drawing moisture into the skin. As our natural stores of these ingredients diminish with age, our skin can become dehydrated, leading to the unwelcome appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
"Glycerin is a particularly effective humectant," Dr. Tian notes. "Not only does it attract water to the skin, but it also excels at retaining it, providing more enduring hydration even in arid conditions."
For the delicate eye area, Dr. Tian opts for Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Eye (£17, Boots). "This is a true multi-tasker," she says. "It functions as a soothing eye cream, a gentle cleansing and moisturising wash, and even an overnight mask. It's also an excellent choice for those with sensitive eyelids or a predisposition to eczema."
Complementing this, Dr. Sarah Takroni, a dermatologist and the founder of London’s Takroni Clinic, recommends La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 (£11, Boots). "This product contains vitamin B5, which plays a significant role in restoring the skin barrier and alleviating the irritation often caused by cold weather."
Hands: The Winter Battleground
Your hands are often the first to show the tell-tale signs of winter's harshness. Frequent washing and the plummeting temperatures can strip away the skin's natural protective oils, leaving them feeling rough and chapped. Keeping them adequately hydrated is key to minimising the appearance of fine lines and maintaining a youthful, plump look.
A favourite of Dr. Takroni's is Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler + Elasticity Age Spot Correcting Hand Cream SPF30 (£10.87, Boots). "This cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid and Thiamadol, an innovative ingredient designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and the appearance of age spots," she explains. "It delivers abundant hydration while remaining incredibly lightweight and easy to apply."
She also stresses the importance of choosing a hand cream with SPF. "Even on overcast days, harmful UV rays can still contribute to skin damage," she warns.
For an all-in-one solution that can be conveniently stashed in your handbag and used on your face, lips, and hands, Dr. Tian suggests Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm (£14.20, Sephora).
"This is a potent repair balm that harnesses the power of occlusive agents, glycerin, and panthenol," Dr. Tian explains. "It's exceptionally effective for hands that are cracked, irritated, or have been over-washed."
Another excellent option is Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream (£7.60, Waitrose). "This cream features colloidal oatmeal, renowned for its ability to soothe tight and irritated skin. Its occlusive base, primarily petrolatum, works diligently to lock in essential moisture," she adds.
For those with eczema-prone hands, E45 Moisturising Hand Cream (£4.99) provides intensive nourishment and boasts a rapid absorption rate, leaving no greasy residue. "A little tip for ring wearers," Dr. Tian advises, "remove your rings before moisturising to ensure you cover every single inch of your skin."
Feet: The Unseen Heroes
Tucked away in thick socks and cosy slippers, it's easy to overlook your feet during the winter months. However, neglecting them can lead to unsightly cracked heels and rough skin that you'll regret when the warmer weather beckons and sandals become a wardrobe staple.
For severely dry feet, Dr. Tian turns to Flexitol Heel Balm (£5.39, Superdrug). "This product contains a high concentration of urea, a powerful humectant," she explains. "Urea not only draws moisture into the skin but also gently exfoliates thick, dry skin, making it particularly effective for the feet, where the skin is naturally more robust."
Ameliorate Intensive Foot Therapy (£16, Debenhams) is another favourite. "This formulation combines lactic acid for gentle chemical exfoliation with hydrating urea and glycerin, working together to smooth rough soles," she notes.
Lips: The Delicate Finish
Winter is particularly unforgiving on our lips. Lacking the oil glands present on the rest of our body, they are unable to self-moisturise, making them highly susceptible to cracking from cold winds and dry indoor heating. The urge to lick your lips, while natural, paradoxically exacerbates dryness.
Dr. Takroni relies on Eucerin Acute Lip Balm (£6, Sephora). "I've been undergoing treatment with roaccutane for acne, a medication known to cause significantly dry lips. However, this balm was a lifesaver, providing instant relief," she shares. "It's a urea-based lip balm that can be applied as frequently as needed, and it also gently exfoliates dry, dead skin cells."
A staple found in many bathroom cabinets, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (£1.80, Boots) is a simple yet highly effective remedy for dry lips. "Petrolatum remains the most effective occlusive agent available, capable of reducing water loss by up to an impressive 98 per cent," states Dr. Tian. She recommends applying a generous layer of Vaseline before bed to seal in moisture overnight.
"Occlusives create a light, protective seal on the skin's surface, which is especially crucial during winter when the environment is constantly stripping moisture," Dr. Tian elaborates. "Look out for ingredients like petrolatum, shea butter, paraffin, and mineral oil, as these are all excellent examples of occlusives."
Body: Maintaining Comfort Under Layers
While the skin on our legs, arms, and torso might spend much of winter hidden beneath layers of clothing, it's still vulnerable to the moisture-sapping effects of central heating. Furthermore, the constant friction from our winter wardrobe can exacerbate irritation.
Dr. Tian recommends La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ (£17.50). "This fast-absorbing cream is formulated with a potent blend of shea butter, niacinamide, and glycerin, which collectively work to soothe dryness and alleviate winter itch," she explains. "Canola oil is also included to help soften the skin."
Alternatively, consider Aveeno Dermexa Emollient Cream (£11.30, Ocado). "It combines a Triple Oat Complex with ceramides to calm irritation and support the skin barrier," Dr. Tian notes. "This cream is particularly well-suited for dry, eczema-prone skin, which can often worsen during the winter months."
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