Essential Tips to Help You Maintain Healthy, Hydrated Skin During Winter
As winter approaches, many individuals face the challenge of keeping their skin moisturised and protected from harsh weather conditions. Cetaphil, a dermatologist tested skincare brand for sensitive skin1, is sharing advice on how to maintain healthy, hydrated skin throughout the colder months.
There are a number of causes of dry skin in Winter, often referred to as “winter itch” or “winter dryness” including the cold, low humidity air, taking longer and hotter showers/baths, more indoor heating and harsher weather conditions2. These can strip the skin of its natural moisture and oils leading to skin water loss, dryness, irritation, and dehydration2. Understanding the need for a simple, yet effective skincare routine, Cetaphil emphasises the importance of adopting “winter skin readiness” practices to ensure skin health during winter.
Winter Skin Readiness Care Tips:
- Gentle Cleansing and Exfoliation:
With a dryer skin in winter, you may want to consider using a hydrating cleanser to help retain your natural moisture and limit stripping your skin’s natural oils for the colder months3. Opt for lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your face or bathing to prevent further dryness2. Choose a cleanser that contains Niacinamide (essential Vitamin B3), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), and hydrating Glycerin to help improve the resilience of sensitive skin. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, specially formulated for dry to normal sensitive skin is a creamy cleanser clinically proven to provide continuous hydration, protecting against dryness. If you have combination to oily sensitive skin, choose the Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. It is specifically formulated to minimise the appearance of pores without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.
Exfoliation helps eliminate dead skin cells that can dull complexion, but you may wish to reduce exfoliation frequency in winter to prevent excessive stripping and irritation of the skin barrier or wait until your skin barrier is hydrated and no longer dry2. Choose a gentle exfoliator, like Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub or soft facecloth to promote cell turnover.
- Regular Moisturisation:
In colder months when your skin is dry, a richer cream to help nourish the skin barrier is worth considering. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or ceramides, are some ingredients worth looking for in your moisturisers to help fortify the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss3. Remember to moisturise directly after showering or bathing; focus on areas prone to dryness, such as hands, elbows, and knees. Consider products like the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion, or the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream, which are enriched with Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin, and/or Hyaluronic Acid to help strengthen the skin barrier and enhance hydration.
- Winter Skin preparation with Hydrating Serums:
Serums deeply penetrate skin layers and offer intense hydration. Including serums into your skincare routine in colder months may help enhance hydration and nourishment for your skin barrier, combatting dryness, flakiness and roughness3. Serums with hyaluronic acid or glycerin help attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated2. For dry, dehydrated skin this winter, consider trying the Cetaphil Optimal Hydration 48Hr Activation Serum featuring the exclusive HydroSensitiv™ Complex with soothing blue daisy to deeply hydrate and boost water content.
- Don’t forget your SPF:
Remember to apply your SPF all year round, even on cloudy days and during cold winter months. Although the sun’s rays may not feel as strong on your skin during the colder weather, its ultraviolet (UV) rays continue to harm your skin and cause damage and premature aging4. Try considering broad spectrum Sunscreens and SPF 30 at least or above. Cetaphil offers a range of sunscreens, such as Cetaphil SUN SPF50+ Lotion, Cetaphil SUN SPF50+ Gel-Cream or the Cetaphil SUN SPF50+ Face Fluid (Tinted or Non-Tinted), to provide effective protection while nourishing your skin.
- Wear Protective Clothing:
Protect your skin from cold winds by wearing scarves, gloves, and hats. This helps to minimise exposure to harsh elements that can cause skin irritation and dryness2.
- Hydrate from Within:
Skin can appear duller in appearance, wrinkles and pores may be more prominent if adequate water is not consumed. Proper hydration levels help the skin to plump and improves elasticity meaning it’s less likely to crack and have irritations5
“Winter can be tough on the skin, but with the right care and routine, it’s possible to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion,” said Britta Wilson, Brand Manager at Cetaphil. “By incorporating simple yet effective practices into their daily skincare regimen, individuals can protect their skin from the harsh effects of cold weather and keep it hydrated and healthy all season long.”
ABOUT CETAPHIL®
Seventy-five years ago, a leading pharmacist created the first Cetaphil product – a gentle, yet powerful formula that would clean without stripping and moisturise without clogging. Today, Cetaphil is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin and is recognised around the world. With the help of leading skincare experts, Cetaphil continues to develop innovative skincare technologies for sensitive skin that help restore, protect and maintain skin’s health every day. For more information, visit https://www.cetaphil.co.za/.
ABOUT GALDERMA
Galderma is the pure-play dermatology category leader, present in approximately 90 countries. We deliver an innovative, science-based portfolio of premium flagship brands and services that span the full spectrum of the fast-growing dermatology market through Injectable Aesthetics, Dermo-Cosmetics and Therapeutic Dermatology. Since our foundation in 1981, we have dedicated our focus and passion to the human body’s largest organ – the skin – meeting individual consumer and patient needs with superior outcomes in partnership with healthcare professionals. Because we understand that the skin we’re in shapes our lives, we are advancing dermatology for every skin story. For more information, visit https://www.galderma.com/south-africa.
References:
- https://www.cetaphil.co.za/
- https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/coping-dry-skin
- https://drnerinawilkinson.co.za/preparing-your-skin-for-winter/
- https://innovative-dermatology.com/blog/why-you-need-sunscreen-in-the-winter/
- https://forefrontdermatology.com/role-water-plays-skin-health/
Full product information on the Cetaphil® range is available from Galderma Laboratories South Africa (Pty) Ltd., Co. Reg. No.: 1996/000311/07, PO Box 71150, Bryanston, 2021. Tel.: (011) 706 2339. www.galderma.com. ZA-CET-2400032. Final approval date: 25/06/2024
