Scarlett 'my skin is spotless' Johansson. Photo: Getty
In winter my skin becomes so dry and irritated I scratch at myself like a crack addict. Even thinking about that prickly, scaly feeling under my winter woollies makes me edgy. So if you're like me, changing to thicker, more hydrating skincare products in the cold months is a necessity, not a luxury.
Jenna Corey, manager of The Spa at The Darling in Pyrmont, Sydney, says, "In winter, obviously [the weather is] dehydrating because you get wind burn and add layers of clothing on the skin. In summer we protect from the outside in with sunscreen, but in winter we protect from the inside out by hydrating."
Jacinta Keoghan, medical director and co-owner of Zecca Cosmedical in Sydney's Alexandria, says cold temperatures decrease blood flow to the skin surface, meaning oil production slows and hydration levels are diminished. Her advice? "In winter, focus on exfoliation and enriched hydration."
The experts recommend five changes you can make:
1. Switch from a foaming cleanser to a creamy cleanser. "Use a cleanser that cleanses and hydrates ... preferably with an emollient base," says Jacinta Keoghan. (Try DermaQuest Skin Therapy Beta Hydroxy Cleanser, $53; (below) or Rationale ProCeramide Emulsion Preparatory Cleanser, $90.
2. Use a moisturising serum morning and night. "Serums are vital when it comes to winter skin," Keoghan says. "Especially a hyaluronic acid serum as it plumps up the cells to maximise hydration." (Try Giorgio Armani Regenity Concentrate Serum, $150; or Rationale Hyperhydrating Serum, $148 - below.
3. Add an intensive moisturiser. It's time to pull out the big guns – opt for rich formulas (such as Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Re-Creation Day Creme SPF 15, $522.00 - below - and Night Creme, $1320 for both; or Thalgo Intensive Nutrition Cream, $97).
4. Get a professional exfoliation treatment. "The key to hydration is exfoliation, as it breaks down the dead cells," says Jenna Corey. "It acts as a wall. If you don't take off the dead skin cells, the moisturiser can't penetrate." (Try The Darling Essential Facial, $190, at The Spa at The Darling.)
5. Use a thick body cream with antioxidants to care for dry, weakened skin. A good tip to aid moisturisation is to apply the cream immediately after showering or bathing, using big, sweeping movements. (Try Trilogy Ultra Hydrating Body Cream, $26; - see below. Dermalogica Ultrarich Body Cream, $80.50; or Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Body Butter, $11.)
From Sunday Life.
