Right now, in the depths of winter, is when our skin’s barrier is at its most vulnerable. The level of lipids in our skin naturally decreases during cooler weather, reducing the effectiveness of our skin’s barrier function (1). 

Science now tells us that cool, dry conditions can also trigger inflammation in our skin, independently of the state of our skin’s barrier (2). 

This is bad news, particularly for those with an already compromised skin barrier, like the elderly, the very young, and those living with inflammatory skin conditions. Even for those whose skin is trouble-free for the rest of the year may find that the cooler months are marked by the development dry, irritable, flakey skin, sometimes progressing to eczema. 

How to Keep Skin Healthy During Winter

1. Use the right kind of skin care

• Most importantly, we should apply moisturisers that will replenish the important lipids in our skin, without disrupting skin’s barrier function. This means products rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, together with emollients that will slow down water loss from the skin. (1)
• We should avoid moisturisers containing emulsifiers (detergents) and preservatives (anti-microbial agents) that can disrupt the important barrier function of the skin. In some individuals, these ingredients may trigger inflammatory reactions. 

2.  Minimise time spent in hot baths and showers

• Hot water on our skin will further deplete our skin’s lipids, leaving the skin dry and flakey. It is tempting to bathe for longer during winter - who doesn’t love a long hot bath on a cold winter’s day? But hot water can play havoc with our skin’s barrier. Always moisturise after bathing to replenish lost lipids.

3. Minimise the use of detergents on the face and body

• Most face cleansers and body washes are detergents - they deplete lipids in the skin, weakening the skin’s barrier. We always recommend staying away from detergent cleansers for the face - an oil cleanser is far gentler. What’s more, you don’t need soap and body wash all over your body. Just a minimal amount applied to strategic areas will suffice - the water will do the rest.

How Mokosh Moisturisers Save Your Skin During Winter

Our moisturisers are virtually unique in that they are free of emulsifiers and preservatives - ingredients that must be added to water-containing skin care. Both these ingredients can damage the skin’s barrier (read more here and here). If your moisturiser includes them, they could be compromising your skin’s barrier function, increasing the risk of dry, irritable skin.

Because our moisturisers are water-free, they do not need emulsifiers and preservatives. They contain only pure botanical oils, rich in the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can replenish your skin’s lipid barrier. Our Serums and Body Oil are your main source of these important molecules. 

In winter, most people should add a cream to their moisturising routine. Our creams include the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and in addition they contain shea butter which is a highly effective emollient, slowing down evaporation of water from the skin. Think of our creams as an extra shield for your skin, which is what your skin desperately needs during cool weather. Shea butter has multiple other benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-protease activity, which help to calm irritations and protect collagen and elastin in the skin.

We have developed a range of creams for the face and the body. In our view, taking care of body skin is as important as taking care of the face. Recent studies show that skin inflammation could be a major contributor to premature ageing and chronic inflammatory disease - read more here. During winter, when our skin barrier is more likely to be compromised, it is more important than ever to take the best care of it.

REFERENCES 

(1) Seasonal influences on stratum corneum ceramide 1 fatty acids and the influence of topical essential fatty acids.

(2) The impact of skin temperature on the skin barrier and atopic dermatitis.