Winter Skincare Routine
The skin’s moisture levels are in balance when it receives sufficient hydration from the deeper layers and is able to protect itself from water loss, resulting in soft, smooth and supple skin. Sub-zero temperatures, cold winds, extreme temperature fluctuations, dry air and air-conditioned indoor spaces add their challenge in the winter months, causing the surface of the skin to dry out due to water evaporation. Skin feels dry and is prone to flakiness, redness and sensitivity.
Skin Barrier Function
The task of the skin barrier is to protect the skin from water evaporation and shield it against harmful substances. The barrier is made up of the cells of the stratum corneum, the lipid substances between them and the acidic hydrolipidic film (also called acid mantle) on the surface of the skin, which contains water-soluble substances from the skin's Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF) and perspiration, as well as fat-soluble components from the sebum and residues of lipid substances produced during the keratinization process. NMF regulates the skin's hydration levels, playing an important role in the condition and elasticity of the skin. Also the hydrolipidic film protects the skin against moisture loss.
The fatty substances and NMF between the cells of the stratum corneum become formed during the keratinization process. Skincare needs to support this process, as it affects the protective barrier and its function. Damage to the protective barrier makes skin prone to imbalances, including dryness, redness, sensitivity, atopy, rashes and inflammatory reactions.
An acidic pH of the hydrolipidic film plays a key role for the protective barrier. The pH level of healthy skin is between 3.8 and 5.8. Acidity is a key factor for the balance of the protective barrier, a healthy stratum corneum and the skin microbiome. An acidic pH is a prerequisite for the enzymatic activity of the stratum corneum, and if it gets too high, the production of protective lipids and the skin's own moisturising factors become impaired. In addition, an acidic pH plays a key role in the elasticity of the stratum corneum and normal desquamation of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. A high pH level breeds harmful bacteria, which can cause skin conditions such as atopy, acne or rosacea.
Skincare Tips for the Winter
In order for the skin's protective barrier to function optimally also in the winter months and skin to stay healthy and supple, skincare needs to support an acidic pH and the keratinization process, making sure products don’t damage the protective barrier. With the following tips, you’ll be sure to succeed:
1. Use a Gentle Cleanser
Supporting the skin's protective barrier begins with the right cleanser. Instead of soap or an excessively foaming cleansing gel or foam, choose a cleansing oil or gentle cleansing milk or cream. Cleansing oil will effectively remove waterproof makeup, sunscreen and dirt accumulated during the day. A high-quality cleansing oil will contain a suitable amount of emulsifier to ensure the product is easy to rinse off with water. After cleansing, skin should feel soft, not tight. While applying cleansing oil, devote a couple of minutes morning and night to massaging the face, as the skin’s top layer mainly receives moisture and nutrients from the deeper layers. Massage stimulates microcirculation and releases tension in the connective tissues, improving the metabolism and renewal of the skin. Djusie Liquid Silk Cleansing Oil gently and effectively cleanses the skin, is easy to rinse away with water and keeps the skin's protective barrier in check.
2. Maintain an Acidic pH
Although a cleansing oil won’t hamper the skin's pH level, it’s good to support the keratinization process and a balanced microbiome with a daily dose of essence that has an acidic pH and contains a mild concentration of fruit acids or polyhydroxy acids. This will boost the production of skin-protecting lipids, especially ceramides, as well as the skin's natural moisturising factor. Mild acidity will keep the stratum corneum healthy and support the removal of dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. When you apply a low concentration of acids on a daily basis, you probably won’t need to use a stronger exfoliant at all. Compared to strong exfoliation, this is a much gentler skincare method that’s friendly for the skin barrier. Djusie Acid Bloom Balancing Essence has a pH of approximately 3.5 and a total of 4.2% acids from fermented apple cider vinegar and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid. Low content of acids also acts as a moisturising humectant for the skin.
3. Add Layers of Essence
Winter conditions increase water loss from the skin, causing it to feel tight. Instead of immediately grabbing a thicker cream or oil, you first need to add hydrating layers of a high-quality essence. Facial mists alone may not be a sufficient remedy; the essence needs to contain moisture-binding humectants and a mild concentration of acids to support the keratinization process. If the skin feels tight, go ahead and add several layers of essence – it may take a total of three to five layers until skin begins to soften. Apply essence directly with your hands instead of a cotton pad to make sure no product goes to waste and it’s effectively absorbed into the skin rather than wiped away. Djusie Acid Bloom Balancing Essence provides intense moisturisation thanks to humectants, betaine and xylitol as well as its mild acidity. It’s a lifesaver for tight, dull skin no matter what the season.
4. Choose a Facial Oil with Squalane
Last but not least, facial oil adds the vital finishing touches to winter skin. After the skin has received sufficient hydration, it's important to ensure that hydration is also retained. It’s where oils enter the scene, and quality is key. Oils prevent moisture loss from the skin. When you choose a high-quality product made from cold-pressed plant oils, the omega fatty acids they contain help strengthen the intercellular lipids. Oil will also keep skin soft, smooth and supple. Facial oils containing squalane are particularly effective, as it absorbs into the skin efficiently while strengthening the protective barrier. It also prevents sebum oxidation and is suitable for skin prone to blocked pores and blemishes. Squalane, related to squalene naturally found in the sebum, is obtained for instance as a by-product during olive oil production. Djusie Fruit Glaze Vitalizing & Brightening Facial Oil is squalane-based and contains high-quality cold-pressed grape seed oil, rosehip seed oil and lingonberry seed oil. It nourishes, renews and protects the skin, giving it a radiant glow.
