Barrier protection during the winter months

Dry skin in winter is a common problem in our area, and it is mainly related to the environmental conditions that prevail at this time of year and the use of inappropriate cosmetic products. Several factors contribute to the development of dry skin in winter, and understanding the role of the skin barrier is crucial.

What is the skin barrier?

The skin barrier is a key component in maintaining skin health. It is composed of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis, which contains corneocytes (cells) and intercellular lipids, and together they serve as a protection against environmental factors.

The stratum corneum is composed of corneocytes (dead skin cells) embedded in a lipid matrix. This lipid matrix is ​​made up of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol, creating a complex structure often referred to as the “lipid barrier.” This lipid barrier is crucial for preventing water loss and maintaining skin moisture. When corneocytes and lipids are tightly bound together, the skin barrier is healthy and serves its purpose.

When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to a variety of skin problems, including dryness, sensitivity, inflammation, and increased susceptibility to infection. Factors such as harsh cleansers, environmental conditions, age, and certain skin conditions can contribute to skin barrier disruption.

Roles of the skin barrier :

Preventing water loss: The skin barrier acts as a barrier against excessive water loss from the body and helps maintain the proper level of moisture in the skin.

Protection against external irritants: It serves as a protective shield against environmental factors such as pollutants, microbes and allergens. This helps prevent irritation and infection.

Temperature regulation: The skin barrier contributes to regulating body temperature by preventing excessive water loss through sweating.

UV radiation blocking: The outer layers of the skin provide some protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which helps prevent damage to the deeper layers of the skin.

Maintaining pH balance: The layer on the skin has a slightly acidic pH and the barrier helps maintain this acidity, creating an environment that prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Providing mechanical support: The stratum corneum, with its layers of dead skin cells, provides the skin with mechanical strength and resistance to physical stress.

Factors that contribute to dry skin in winter:

• Low humidity: Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. In winter, the air is often drier, especially with indoor heating systems. This low humidity leads to increased evaporation of moisture from the skin.
• Wind exposure: Cold and windy weather can strip the skin of its natural oils, making it even more dry. Wind can also increase the rate of moisture loss from the skin's surface.
• Hot showers: While hot showers may be tempting in cold weather, they can actually contribute to dry skin. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, making it dry and more prone to irritation.
• Indoor heating : Central heating systems, fireplaces, and space heaters can create a dry indoor environment, further contributing to moisture loss from the skin.
• Excessive cleaning: Over-cleansing or using harsh cleansers can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt its lipid barrier, causing dryness and irritation.
• Skin conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or atopic dermatitis, can compromise the skin barrier. In these conditions, the skin's ability to retain moisture is impaired.
• Genetics : Some individuals may be genetically predisposed to a weaker skin barrier, making them more susceptible to dryness and sensitivity.

The hands are most exposed to these factors, if we don't wear gloves, and of course the face. The ears are sometimes protected with a hat, but they are also mostly affected.

Skin barrier restoration:

This may include using gentle cleansers, moisturizers with barrier-supporting ingredients, avoiding harsh skin care products, protecting skin from extreme weather conditions, and maintaining overall skin health. In more severe cases, consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations and treatment is recommended.

Products and ingredients to improve dry skin in winter and support the skin barrier:

Moisturizing cleansers: Use a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin and mild surfactants.

Moisturizing and nourishing creams: Choose a rich, emollient moisturizer that helps lock in moisture. Look for ingredients like natural oils (like evening primrose oil, black seed oil, or mango butter) to strengthen the skin barrier. Also look for humectants like panthenol, glycerol, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid.

You can also find the ideal product for strengthening the skin barrier with us: AtopicCream

Lotions: Products containing humectants such as glycerol, panthenol or allantoin, which retain moisture and help hydrate the skin. They also tend to help the skin heal faster and soothe it.

You can also find the ideal product for moisturizing and soothing dry/irritated skin here: Atopic Lotion

Occlusives : Occlusives create a protective barrier on the skin and prevent moisture loss.

You can also find the ideal product that mimics the properties of Vaseline and protects the skin from external factors here: ProtectBalm

Sun protection: Even in winter, UV radiation can contribute to skin damage. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it to exposed areas.

Soothing balms: balms, which are intended primarily for skin that is already cracked, red or has eczema. Such skin needs more than just a moisturizing and nourishing product. Ingredients to look for are calamine, which soothes the skin, oils containing gamma-linolenic acid, which has an anti-inflammatory effect (evening primrose oil), and other ingredients that moisturize and soothe the skin, while also promoting its regeneration.

You can also find the ideal product that soothes your skin here: AtopicBalm

A few more tips:

1. Avoid products with irritating ingredients, such as alcohol or strong fragrances, as they can further irritate dry skin.
2. Gentle exfoliation: If your skin is peeling, using a gentle exfoliant can help remove dead skin cells. Opt for chemical exfoliants with ingredients like polyhydroxy acids, which remove dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
3. Humidifiers: Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air and help counteract the effects of indoor heating.
4. Hydrate from the inside: Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and you can add electrolytes. This helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
5. Protect the areas of your skin that you can to physically block environmental influences.

It is important to remember that individual skin types and conditions may vary, so it is recommended to find a product that suits you, or contact us for advice on choosing the right product. In more severe cases, consult a dermatologist.