1. Stay Hydrated
During the winter months, our skin experiences Transepidermal water loss (water evaporation through skin) due to dry conditions, and can be escalated by environmental damage (sunburn, windburn) or an impaired skin barrier. The best thing you can do to compensate for this moisture loss is to stay hydrated.
Stay hydrated from the inside out by drinking enough water throughout the day. Make sure to drink water before you start to feel thirsty - feeling thirsty is a sign of dehydration. Keep a humidifier in your room year round in our dry Colorado climate.
Switch up your winter skincare routine. In the evening, layer on hydrating products. Start by cleansing with a gentle cream cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum, and finished with a heavier moisturizer or night cream.
2. Protect Your Skin
The outermost layer of your skin contains a natural lipid layer - also known as your skin barrier. The purpose of your skin barrier is to protect your skin from environmental damage, including Transepidermal water loss.
Sun damage, use of harsh products, over exfoliation, and exposure to a harsh environment can compromise skin barrier function. An impaired skin barrier can lead to dryness, redness, sensitivity, inflammation, and acne.
The best thing you can do to prevent a compromised skin barrier is to protect your skin with daily sun protection. SPF should always be applied before driving - whether you're just running errands or commuting to work. If you know that you're going to be outside - like skiing - make sure to bring SPF with you and to reapply every 2 hours.
My favorite product for skin barrier repair and my personal winter night moisturizer is the Sanitas Topical C. Formulated to treat burn patients in a clinical setting, Sanitas Topical C is designed to repair and nourish, delivering vitamins and lipids to distressed skin. For skin barrier repair, simplify your skin routine, only using restorative products, and supplement your diet with essential fatty acids.
3. Avoid Environmental Stress
Avoid steamy, hot showers to prevent Transepidermal water loss. Especially during the winter months, hot showers will dry out your skin. Don't forget to switch up your body care during the winter months to a nourishing, hydrating routine - avoid harsh, artificially scented soaps and body washes.
Prevent windburn by using appropriate protective gear when participating in outdoor activities. If you're going to be outside in extreme conditions while walking, hiking, skiing etc, a buff, hood with a face shield, or ski mask will keep your face warm and protected.
An antioxidant moisturizer will protect your skin from harmful free radicals - compounds found in our atmosphere, caused by pollution, UV exposure, and oxidation reactions. Free radicals are unstable "scavanger" compounds - seeking a missing electron. Oftentimes, when a free radical finds and steals an electron from a healthy cell, it causes cell damage. Antioxidants have an extra electron, which they "donate" to their free radical neighbors, which stablizes the free radical.
Everyone should be using an antioxidant moisturizer for that reason! My favorite antioxidant moisturizers to use during the winter months are Sanitas Antioxidant Moisturizer and Sanitas Topical C.
Members - Don't forget products are 20% off this month
For Curbside Pickup or Pickup at your next Appointment, text 720-696-0339 to order.
Mile High Glamour | Blue Lion Salon Studios | Highlands Ranch | Denver, CO
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