THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING YOUR LIPID BARRIER IN WINTER
Does your skin feel tight, dry and uncomfortable in the cold weather? Is it lacking radiance and looking a bit dull? The drop in temperature and lack of humidity combined with central heating can lead to a weakened lipid barrier and various skin issues, including dryness, flakiness, and irritation – all signs that your skin’s lipid barrier is compromised.
WHAT IS THE LIPID BARRIER?
The lipid barrier is a crucial part of the stratum corneum, the skin’s outermost protective layer. It is your skin’s coat of armor, a protective oily layer which keeps irritants out and moisture in. The lipid barrier plays a key role in preventing trans epidermal water loss and maintaining hydration. It is made up of lipids such as ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. The lipid barrier and your microbiome make up the stratum corneum and they work together to keep your skin healthy and functioning properly.
The cold and harsh weather can strip away lipids (oils) from your lipid barrier, removing some of the protection it offers to your skin. Furthermore, our skin’s ability to produce lipids and ceramides reduces during the winter, making a bad situation worse. As a result, your skin becomes drier and more fragile with increased sensitivity to external aggressions.
It is therefore very important to keep your skin’s lipid barrier strong, nourished and replenished throughout winter and these are our top tips on how to do this.
HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR LIPID BARRIER THIS WINTER
CUT DOWN ON ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Active ingredients are ingredients which exert a powerful, yet potentially irritating, effect on the skin. Common examples are Retinol, Vitamin C and AHA’s. The overuse of active ingredients can be a key culprit in the weakening of your lipid barrier. Therefore, if you’re experiencing dryness and sensitivity, be sure to remove acids and retinoids from your routine. By removing these active triggers, you can facilitate the repair of your lipid barrier.
USE A GENTLE CLEANSER
Opt for a gentle, nourishing and soap-free cleanser in a cream or balm format. These types of cleaners will gently remove make-up and dirt without stripping your skin of it’s natural oils. We recommend the Eve Lom balm cleanser. It removes all traces of make-up without drying out your skin. The smell is divine too.
Make sure not to use hot water when washing your face as it can also deplete your skin’s natural oils and exacerbate dehydration and dryness.
RESTORE MOISTURE
Incorporate ceramide-rich serums and moisturisers into your routine. We recommend our LIPID RESTORE DUO for tackling dryness, sensitivity and replenishing moisture. The duo contains lipid-restoring serums which alleviate discomfort, strengthen your skin’s barrier to restore glow and radiance.
PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM HARMFUL UV RAYS
An important aspect of maintaining skin health is to protect your skin from the sun, even in winter. The sun’s UV rays can damage the skin and further weaken its moisture barrier, leading to dryness and premature ageing. So, make sure to wear at least SPF 30 every day, even when it’s cold and cloudy.
COVER UP
Wear adequate clothing such as gloves, scarves and hats to protect your skin from the cold and wind. This will reduce the negative effects of the cold weather on your skin and preserve your lipid barrier.
For more tips on winter skincare and further reading, see here:
