Winter is Coming!

Cold air holds less moisture so dry skin conditions often get worse in winter. Exposed skin on the face and hands tend to fare worse but the body can suffer too.

Conditions that we see more of in winter are psoriasis, eczema and all types of dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, topical steroid withdrawal syndrome, keratosis pilaris and ichthyosis.

Acne and oily skin conditions tend to get better in Winter unless you stay inside for extended periods with the heating on. Heating and air conditioning dry the skin, prompting the body to produce more oil on the face.

The body is constantly trying to achieve homeostasis. If you frequently apply a high saturated fat, like coconut oil, to your whole scalp or body, your skin will stop producing its own natural oils in time. Then your skin may actually end up more dehydrated. This is evident when you consider the high incidence of ‘chap-stick dependence’. The more you apply it to your lips, the more you need to apply it. 

However, the skin often does need some moisturising to help it adjust to seasonal changes, long-haul flights, or to help restore skin barrier function. If the skin gets too dry it will produce more oil, which can feed bacterial overgrowth leading to disease. Step it back when the skin is healed and use less active products that support your skin type.

Going without any cleanser or moisturiser at all is not advisable for most people, because of the world we live in. We’re up against environmental pollutants which affect our air, water and food. Many people work with chemicals or potential allergens in their daily jobs and most New Zealand homes contain some mould due to the climate. The economic climate is also putting most New Zealanders under some financial stress.

All of these factors make us more vulnerable to skin disease as they impact on hormone balance, allergies, digestive disorders, low immunity, and mental health problems.

Once skin disease is present, we need the correct topical treatment to restore the skin, and then some gentle, non-irritating products to help maintain it. Adapting the skin regime to seasonal changes can help prevent relapses.

There are some simple measures you can take to combat dry skin in winter and help prevent an exacerbation of symptoms:

• If you have dry skin on the face opt for a richer moisturiser or oil in winter, and a lighter one in summer.
• Don’t apply pure coconut oil to your skin. Any rich oil applied to the skin needs an emulsifier. If using lighter oils like almond oil or cold-pressed sesame oil, don’t do this every day. Maybe once or twice a week. Dr Michael’s Skin Conditioner is a well-balanced, active oil that is great for dry skin, mild eczema or psoriasis. It is available to purchase over-the-counter at Auckland Skin Clinic.
• Once the skin is soft and supple, stop moisturising those areas. Allow the body’s sebaceous glands to take over. You may need to gradually wean off any heavy moisturisers or oils you’ve been using.
• Only cleanse the skin once a day and don’t use foam cleansers, gels or anything with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). They are detergents that strip the skin’s natural oils.
• Natural cream or exfoliating cleansers like Dr Michael’s Acnatinex or Janesce Rose Petal Cream Cleanser, used once daily, help to keep the pores clean and prevent breakouts.
• Dr Michael’s Moisturising Bar is a soap-free (SLS-free) bar that is natural, great for dry skin, and suitable for the whole family.
• In the morning just wash your face with warm water before applying your toner and/or moisturiser. For oily, acne-prone skin add two sprays of Dr Michael's Healinex Lotion to a warm wet flannel to wash the face. Then apply a light moisturiser.
• If the pores on your face are visibly enlarged the sebaceous glands are producing excess sebum, either because the skin is dehydrated or there’s an underlying hormone imbalance that need to be addressed. See your Auckland Skin Clinic practitioner if you’re unsure.
• Drink more water! When your body gets dehydrated your skin gets more dehydrated. Your body will conserve water for your organs and brain to keep you functioning. It draws water from the tissues, drying out the skin. The minimum requirement for an adult is 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily, and more if you exercise.
• Reduce intake of diuretics like coffee, tea, caffeinated energy drinks, chilli and all spices, sugar and alcohol. They dehydrate your body by drawing water to the bowel and bladder for elimination. If indulging in those you need to drink even more water!
• Eat more essential fatty acid rich foods like fresh fish, seaweed, ground flaxseeds, olive oil, avocados, nuts and nut oils, seeds and seed oils. These are nourishing and anti-inflammatory for your skin, joints and brain.

The take-away message is that we need to adjust our skincare regimes with the change of season. It is always best if customised to your case and skin type. Book an appointment with one of our Holistic Skin Specialists if you need support.