Care and Feeding of Winter Skin

Even though we live in a relatively temperate part of the earth, during the winter months Western Washingtonians experience many temperature shifts throughout the day.

Here is a Winter Skincare Checklist to help you keep your skin glowing throughout the season:

Water is the essence of life.

First and foremost, drink lots of water!  Most liquids can increase your skin hydration, however, water consumption should be increased when drinking caffeine and alcohol, both of which can dehydrate you. Cold and allergy medications will also contribute to dry skin.  Many people follow the 8/8 rule – eight 8 ounce glasses of water per day.  There is so much information on the internet about the benefits of adequate water intake.  I urge you to check it out.

Protect the natural moisturizers created by your body.

The epidermis is made up of many layers.  The top 14 layers are configured in a bricks and mortar fashion called the “barrier layer.”  Long hot showers, hot tubs and saunas are so comforting, but they strip the natural oils - the “mortar” from your skin which leaves you prone to dry itchy areas and even eczema.  You are literally cooking your skin when you expose it to hot water, so ease up on the temperature while bathing so your skin has a chance to hang on to its natural moisturizers.  The number one cause of dry skin is a compromised lipid barrier. This time of year you need to slather your body with a thick emollient cream as soon as you get out of the shower – before you open the door and let all the steam out!

 Avoid Soap

Soap should always be avoided, all year long, but especially in the winter.  Soap messes with the ph of the skin, it is drying and it leaves a layer of scum on the skin which can attract bacteria.  Choose a facial cleanser proper to your skin type and a body cleanser that rinses clean.  Avoid “sulfate” ingredients.  They are excellent for stripping the oil from our clothing and can even be beneficial to very oily hair but they are just too much for the average person’s skin.

Use the strongest moisturizer your skin can handle.

In the skin world, “dry skin” means that your skin is lacking oil.  “Dehydrated skin” means that your skin is lacking water.  In the winter, most people are experiencing both dry and dehydrated skin conditions. 

Everyone needs to rehydrate morning and night all winter long.  Mountain Sun Skin Therapy has both a hydrating serum (Oil Free Hydrator) and a hydrating mask (Soothing Gel Mask) which will soothe and hydrate the skin for immediate relief. 

You will also find a range of moisturizers; everything from pure hydration with no oils, to lipid rich crèmes with strong barrier repair capabilities.  Our TRC Line- Time Reversal Collection has three great serum potency moisturizers that not only moisturize but support skin architecture and protect from cellular aging that leads to wrinkles, spots and redness.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Yes! Sunscreen every day, 365 days of the year.  Although the UVB rays (the burning rays) are not so strong this time of year, the UVA (the aging rays) are there from sun up to sun down every day of the year.  UVA rays penetrate much deeper into the skin. Aging rays cause deep lines, tissue loss and dark pigmentation spots later in life by cross-linking collagen and elastin, degrading the natural moisturizers in the skin, damaging DNA, over-activating melanin and destroying immune cells.

Schedule at least one facial during the season.

Regular facials are recommended to keep your skin deep cleansed, properly exfoliated, moisturized and hydrated, but even one facial every season will go a long way to maintaining proper skin health.  Experience the benefits of a winter skin care facial!