The best doctor-approved ingredients to take care of your skin this winter

Posted on by Dr Somji

Is your skin not looking as dewy as usual or perhaps it’s feeling tight? You can blame the season for that. Winter can be tough on the skin. Switching between cold weather outside and the warmth of central heating can leave our skin feeling dry, dehydrated and irritated.

If you’re using the same skincare year-round, it’s not doing your skin any favours. Picking products containing the right ingredients to take care of the skin during the colder months can make all the difference in restoring hydration and strengthening its barrier.

Here’s a closer look at some common winter skin issues and the science-backed ingredients that can keep your complexion looking hydrated and radiant.

Why does skin need special care during the winter?

As temperatures drop, the air gets drier, and so does our skin. Cold winds strip moisture from the skin’s surface, while central heating only exacerbates the problem. Together, these factors can weaken the skin barrier, leading to dryness and dehydration. On top of that, temperature fluctuations from shifting between cold outdoor air and warm indoor heating causes the capillaries to dilate and this can lead to redness and soreness.

To combat these winter effects, look for ingredients that not only hydrate, but also help protect and repair the skin’s barrier. Here are some of my go-to ingredients for keeping skin healthy throughout the colder months.

Ceramides to support the skin barrier 

Ceramides are one of the building blocks of the skin. These naturally-occurring lipids help keep the skin’s barrier plump and strong. During the winter, emollients like ceramides are especially helpful for trapping in moisture and keeping bad pollutants out. By replenishing ceramides, we can keep skin hydrated, plump and resilient to environmental damage. We’ve loaded our  Signature Serum with ceramides to fortify the skin’s epidermal barrier and help it heal.

Centella asiatica exosomes for soothing and repairing

Plant derived centella asiatica exosomes are known for their wonderful wound healing properties. If your skin is prone to redness or sensitivity during the winter, this ingredient works quickly to calm inflammation and repair the skin barrier. This ingredient can soothe irritation and strengthen the skin, making it more tolerant to environmental changes.

Our Anti-Redness Concentrate is formulated with centella asiatica exosomes to rapidly soothe and calm irritated skin, while also promoting rejuvenation at a cellular level.

Probiotics to balance the skin microbiome

Our skin is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses. These tiny, invisible life-forms make up the skin’s microbiome, and it protects the skin against environmental aggressors. Winter can disrupt the skin’s microbiome leading to a weakened barrier. Probiotics are great for maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria on the skin, which is especially important at this time of year when the skin barrier can be compromised. Probiotics can help to reduce irritation, sensitivity and even breakouts. Our Detoxifying Charcoal Cleansercontains prebiotics to balance the skin’s microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, to improve skin health.

Squalane a lightweight but mighty moisturiser

Severe dryness can lead to microscopic cracks on the skin’s surface. Squalane is a super emollient that mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it particularly effective for dry, cracked, or compromised skin barriers. It provides deep hydration and strengthens the skin barrier without feeling heavy – so it is well tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

We’ve included the ingredient in our Night Recovery Cream. It is also filled with hyaluronic acid – which attracts water to the skin and Indian gentian extract a complexion saviour that soothes redness. Be sure to apply the cream onto damp skin for enhanced moisture absorption.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) for skin resilience and repair

MSM is especially beneficial if your skin feels rough or irritated from the elements. This sulfur compound is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties, so it’s great for people who suffer from acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also helps boost collagen production, making skin more resilient and less prone to dryness and flakiness. Try our Anti-Redness Concentratewhich contains MSM to promote skin healing and elasticity.

Ectoin – the ultimate skin protector

Ectoin is a multitasking ingredient that’s popping up in several skincare formulas. When applied to the face, the natural molecule acts like a bodyguard for the skin, by forming a protective layer that shields it from environmental stressors like cold air and indoor heating.

It also helps stabilise the skin barrier, reducing irritation, making it an excellent choice for sensitive and reactive skin during the winter months. Additionally, ectoin helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss and boosts hydration, making the skin more resilient and less prone to dryness. We’ve infused our Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30 with ectoin to help shield skin from environmental stressors.

Here’s how to incorporate these ingredients into your winter skincare routine…

  1. Cleanse with a hydrating cleanser to avoid stripping the skin.
  2. Hydrate with a serum that contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
  3. Moisturise with a cream rich in squalane and ceramides to lock in hydration.
  4. Protect and repair with skincare that includes centella asiatica, MSM and ectoin.
  5. Balance the microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic products to support a healthy skin environment.

With the right ingredients on your side, your skin doesn’t have to suffer this winter. My carefully selected ingredients list will keep your skin feeling healthy, comfortable and beautifully hydrated all season long. Your skin will thank you!