8 THINGS A DERMATOLOGIST WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR SKIN DURING WINTER

Winter can be a challenging time for your skin. To give it the support it needs, you may need to change things up a bit. Not sure how? Don’t worry – Cape Town dermatologist Dr Dilshaad Asmal shares her top tips for healthy, happy winter skin.

---

DON’T SKIMP ON SPF
Thanks to heavier clothing, less of our skin is exposed to sunlight in winter, but the bits that are will still need protecting – even when it’s cloudy. Why? Although UVB levels do drop in winter, “UVA rays are potent all year long,” says Cape Town dermatologist Dr Dilshaad Asmal. “Eighty percent of the sun’s rays can still penetrate cloud cover in winter. UVA is always present and harms deeper skin layers, damaging collagen in your skin, causing fine lines and wrinkles that lead to premature ageing.”

On the scarier end of the scale, repeated exposure to UVA causes damage to skin cells that may lead to skin cancer and premature ageing, says Dr Asmal.

So, while other changes in your skincare routine may be appropriate for winter, maintain your daily SPF protection.

Related article: Facts about sunscreen and sun protection

MAKE YOUR MOISTURISER COUNT
It’s generally a good idea to switch to a richer, thicker moisturizer when the days start to cool, particularly for older skins, which may need a little more help retaining moisture in winter. “Look at creams that contain humectants - moisturising agents that attract water from the air or from deeper in the skin – such as glycerine, urea, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, jojoba oil or shea butter, as well as dimethicone, petroleum jelly, ceramides or stearic acid,” says Dr Asmal.

MILK YOUR CLEANSER
Rather than continuing to use a gel or bar cleanser, which can sometimes strip your skin of protective oils and moisture, switching to a good quality milk- or oil-based cleanser in winter will help your skin stay hydrated. “On that note, avoid harsh soaps anywhere on your body that can strip your skin of moisture,” says Dr Asmal.



KEEP SHOWERS SHORT ‘N MILD
Much like harsh soaps, very hot showers can strip your skin of essential oils and nutrients, causing early wrinkling and ageing, says Dr Asmal.

Related article: Tips to keep skin youthful in your forties

DON’T NEGLECT YOUR PAWS
It is often said that our hands are where we first show signs of ageing – and after all the handwashing and sanitizing we’ve been doing thanks to Covid 19, they surely need some extra TLC in winter: remember to keep a rich hand cream in your handbag or next to your basin to keep your mitts moisturized.

HAVE YOUR INTENSIVE TREATMENTS NOW
While you should still be wearing SPF, the sun is less strong in winter, which means it’s a good time to book an appointment for that intensive treatment you’ve been wanting to try. Dr Asmal recommends an intensive hydration treatment, but it’s also a good time for laser treatments, and “cosmetic procedures that support the structural framework of the skin, such as ultrasound or radio frequency procedures, to help prevent facial sagging”.

DON’T BE RASH
“Winter rash occurs when the skin loses too much moisture because of being exposed to cold, dry air,” says Dr Asmal. A winter rash will usually show up as itchy, inflamed skin with scaley patches, texture change, and cracks. If you usually suffer from this winter affliction, try to resist cranking up the thermostat, avoid exfoliating your skin, drink plenty of water, eat foods high in antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids, and wear loose, comfortable, natural fabrics. A humidifier may help, too.

BUST A MOVE
In other words – exercise! Whether it’s dancing in your lounge, hitting the gym or pounding the pavement, your skin will thank you. Getting your blood moving will carry more oxygen and nutrients to your skin, plus leave you with a healthy glow. What’s not to love?

Related article: How to take care of your skin