By Dr Judey Pretorius, founder of Biomedical Emporium
Skin ageing is one of the most significant skincare concerns, affecting men and women of all skin types and tones. Sagging skin, loss of volume, dryness and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles are just a few of the signs you may begin to notice as you get older.
To look its best, our skin requires different protocols at different times of the year. When we think of winter skincare, dryness and dehydration are usually the first concerns that come to mind. But did you know that dehydration is intrinsically linked to faster skin ageing?
During winter, the humidity (the moisture content in the air) drops drastically, resulting in less moisture in the air for the skin to absorb. This, alongside freezing temperatures and dry indoor heating, can compromise the skin’s barrier, leading to trans-epidermal water loss.
Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) occurs when moisture from inside the body evaporates through the skin’s surface. This is a normal bodily function, with the average human losing around 300–400ml of water per day. The outermost layer of our skin, known as the stratum corneum, regulates this water loss.
When the skin barrier is compromised, excessive water can evaporate through the skin, resulting in the typically dry and tight feeling that many of us experience during the colder months.
With excessive TEWL, the skin becomes dehydrated and more susceptible to secondary conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. Sensitivity may also be heightened, and skin may become extra sensitive to irritants, stimulants and allergies.
But what does this mean for ageing? Dehydrated skin that has lost too much water through TEWL is less plump and elastic than hydrated skin. When we lose plumpness and elasticity, our complexion may sag and look tired. Over an extended period, dehydration can damage the skin’s structure, leading to a decrease in collagen and elastin production, two processes crucial for maintaining a youthful-looking complexion.
But sadly, that’s not all. Dehydrated skin also develops fine lines and wrinkles faster than hydrated skin. When your skin is dry, existing lines will also look deeper and more noticeable.
Simply put, a healthy skin barrier regulates TEWL. When the skin barrier does not function optimally and dehydration occurs, age-related changes in the skin are exacerbated.
What can be done during winter to protect the skin barrier and avoid excessive TEWL?
We can’t change the weather, but there are a few things we can do to mitigate its effects and ensure our skin remains hydrated throughout the colder months.
Do:
- Apply SPF to exposed areas of your body daily, no matter how cold or grey it is outside. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can weaken the skin barrier.
- Drink enough water, and limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as these are very dehydrating for the body and skin.
- Eat plenty of fresh foods, including healthy fats, lean protein, vegetables, fruit and fibre.
- Soothe sensitivity and irritability with a calming skincare product like Biomedical Emporium Skin Repair Serum. Offering immediate inflammation relief, this calming serum has a soothing effect on dry and sensitive skin and contains an expertly selected combination of ingredients to support skin barrier function.
- Consider getting a humidifier for the rooms you spend a lot of time in. This is an easy and cost-effective way to increase indoor humidity.
- Moisturise with a quality moisturiser twice a day. Biomedical Emporium Périphérique is suitable for dry to extremely dry skin. Highly occlusive, it restores a compromised skin barrier, stabilises skin lipids and helps skin retain moisture. It is filled with hydrating hyaluronic acid, moisturising ceramides, peptides and vitamin E.
Don’t:
- Don’t cleanse your skin with harsh soaps or exfoliators that strip it of its natural moisture. Opt for a soap-free, pH-balanced, gentle cleanser like Biomedical Emporium Facial Cleanser, which gently removes impurities without disrupting the skin’s barrier integrity.
- Hot water can damage the skin barrier, so, as tempting as it may be, avoid hot showers and baths and opt for lukewarm to warm water instead.
- Avoid potentially irritating skincare products that contain ingredients like essential oils, alcohol, fragrances and artificial colourants.
- If you can help it, avoid indoor heating like electrical heaters as much as possible. They are extremely dehydrating.
- Don’t rub your skin when you dry yourself after a bath or shower, as mechanical pulling or tugging at the skin will increase sensitivity. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead.
Winter poses unique skincare challenges, but with the right products and healthy lifestyle habits, it is possible to avoid excessive trans-epidermal water loss, maintain hydration, and enjoy younger-looking skin for longer.
For more information, visit https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/
