A Dermal Clinician’s top tips for dry skin conditions

Jodie, Dermal Clinician and owner at Skin Clinic Blyss recommends six essential tips and practical steps we can take to ensure our skin stays as hydrated as possible during the cold winter months and all year round.

It’s that time of year again, the air has become dryer, indoor heating is pulling moisture from the skin and for some, this can lead to more serious skin conditions – or for those that already experience dry skin conditions, this is the time of year that we see an increase in discomfort and ‘skin flares’. While it’s not just winter that can cause dry skin, the winter weather can make dry skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis worse.

Other skin conditions that are affected by colder weather include rosacea, with an increase in flushing and irritation such as stinging. Colder weather can also cause things like winter itch – very dry skin that feels like sandpaper, windburn that leads to dry burning skin and exacerbation of acne.

The skins top layer, our epidermis, is normally thick with naturally occurring fats and oils that act as a barrier to retain moisture as well as prevent pathogens and irritants entering the skin. When the barrier becomes impaired, the skin can become dry, itchy and irritated and susceptible to invading pathogens.

Besides limiting your exposure to dry cold wind and heating, here are a few of our tips to ensure that your skin keeps as well hydrated as possible.

#1 Ensure that your homecare has changed with your needs

• Rule 101 in skincare is to ensure that your first step – cleansing, is not drying your skin out. If it feels tight after cleansing, it’s time for a new one.

#2 Add in a hydrating serum such as hyaluronic acid

• Serums should be applied to clean skin under a moisturiser.
• Try Aspect Dr Hyaluronic Serum

#3 Look for moisturisers that are formulated with ingredients such as ceramides and squalene

• These ingredients occur naturally within the skin and prevent moisture loss.
• Try SkinBetter Science Trio Rebalancing Moisture Treatment

#4 Now is the time to layer products

• And maybe add in an oil.
• Products should be layered from lightest to heaviest, for example – cleanse, serums, moisturiser and lastly oil.

#5 Adjust shower temp and duration

• Reduce shower time or ensure that water temperature is not too hot.

#6 Don’t overlook your clinic treatments

• Continue with in clinic treatments to maintain skin health and hydration. Here are three winter skin treatment recommendations.

Suggested In-Clinic Treatments – Perfect Winter Skin Peels

As we come into winter, it’s essential that we keep our skin hydrated as we start going into environments that are heated. During this time of year, maintenance treatments are sometimes overlooked for the more significant treatments. Keeping consistent appointments with treatments such as peels will help your skin maintain a good condition and stay prepped for more significant treatments.

Cosmedix Benefit Peel

The Benefit Peel from Cosmedix is a gentle, all-purpose treatment that resurfaces, corrects and protects with fruit enzymes and powerful antioxidants to neutralise irritation and Salicylic Acid. The Benefit Peel reduces congestion while improving the appearance and texture of even the most fragile skins. This is the perfect treatment series for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and reactive skins, including rosacea.

COSMEDIX BENEFIT PEEL – LEARN MORE

Lactic Acid Peel – 20%, 30%, 40% & 60%

Lactic Peels by Aspect Dr are superficial peels that loosen thickened surface layers of the skin that present as dry, rough and flaking skin. Lactic Acid is a gentle AHA that effectively exfoliates to help retexturise the skin improving the appearance of the signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles and dark pigmented areas while providing hydrating properties to maintain moisture levels of the skin. The Lactic Acid Peel is an instant brightening and pick-me-up treatment.

LACTIC ACID PEEL – 20%, 30%, 40% & 60% – LEARN MORE

Timeless Peel with Retinol

The Cosmedix Timeless Peel uses Vitamin A – the workhorse of all anti-ageing ingredients and Lactic Acid. The Timeless Peel works in the deeper layers of the skin to improve skin texture and tone and lighten pigmentation, including melasma or “the pregnancy mask”. This is one of our clinic favourites.

TIMELESS PEEL WITH RETINOL – LEARN MORE

Are You Unsure of What Your Skin Needs Right Now?

Our team of expert skin therapists (dermal clinicians, dermal therapists and registered nurse) are here to help you understand what your skin is lacking and how to achieve optimal skin health all year round. With the latest technology available in clinic and a highly knowledgeable team, we will help you along each step of your skin journey.

Book a Skin Consultation today and get ready to learn everything there is to know about your skin type and concerns and be recommended a professional treatment plan! You can always chat with our team on (02) 9664 8011.