The most common winter skin problems (and how to fix them!)

You probably don’t need us to tell you about some of the issues that winter can cause. The change in seasons and the rather rapid drop in temperature in the move from autumn to winter can lead to break-outs and changes in the appearance of your skin. And besides wanting to look your best in general, let’s be honest, with the party season right around the corner, it’s always nice to feel like you’re camera-ready! Happily, we’re here to help. While we’ve each got our own skincare issues to deal with, there are a couple that crop up in wintertime it’s always good to be ready for!

Avoiding UV Damage

We have previously provided tips on how to protect yourself against UV damage in the summer months, but what you might not know is that protecting your skin against UV damage is just as important in winter! We won’t give you an in-depth biology lesson, but basically this is because the sun emits two different forms of UV radiation – UVA and UVB. The wavelengths of UVB are shorter, and so only manage to reach the Earth and cause skin damage in the summer months when the Earth is tilted towards the Sun. However, UVA rays have longer wavelengths which can reach the Earth no matter the season, and they’re even able to penetrate glass and clothing. This is the type of radiation you need to be aware of when considering your winter skincare regime.

winter sun

Wearing a layer of make-up which offers some degree of UV protection will help. However, the majority of foundations which are labelled with SPF factors only really refer to protection against UVB radiation, and won’t do that well at protecting you against the longer wavelength of UVA. UVA is the main wavelength that damages collagen and causes skin ageing. Most worryingly, prolonged and repeated exposure to UVA can also increase the risk of skin cancer.

For protection which acts against both forms of UV radiation, a quality sun cream which offers good UVA and UVB protection is the best choice. Some sun creams on the market even include antioxidant ingredients, which will also help to protect your skin against radiation that is more visible on the light spectrum.

Dealing with dryness

Dryness is a common issue for skin in winter months. The cold winter air can provide a harsh environment for the skin, and the decrease in humidity levels leaves less moisture in the air, resulting in there being less moisture for your skin to absorb. This usually leaves skin dry and tight, appearing flaky and in poor condition.

A daily moisturiser will be your best friend in the colder months. It’s a good idea to swap your light summer moisturiser for one that is slightly heavier in winter. Night creams are also a great investment for replenishing the moisture in your skin after being exposed to harsh, cold weather during the day. Moisturising your body from the inside should have a knock-on effect for the moisture levels in your skin, so it’s important to stay hydrated as much as possible.

moisturiser

Protecting against flaky skin

With moisture levels being low, flaking skin is likely to appear not only on the face but also on hands, arms and legs. Suffering with flaky facial skin can complicate your everyday make-up routine, as most make-up products have a tendency to cling to and highlight the damaged areas. The best way to combat patches of flaky skin is with a regular routine of skin exfoliation. A gentle exfoliating face wash will remove the damaged surface layer of your skin, exposing the fresh layer beneath and leaving your skin looking healthy and replenished.

When exfoliating your skin you should try to stick as much as possible to products made with natural ingredients and avoid using harsh soaps, as their high pH levels can cause inflammation, dryness and damage to the fresh layer of skin. If, after exfoliating, you still notice some flaking skin, try using a clean mascara brush to gently left the flakes away. This will ensure your make-up can be applied smoothly without causing any further damage to your skin by going overboard with facial scrubs.

If you’re looking for picture-perfect, radiant skin for the party season, the experts at AP Skincare can help. We offer a fantastic range of core skin treatments, from anti-ageing facials to chemical peels, so don’t hesitate to stop by our treatment centre in Blackburn – our aim is to leave you feeling confident, ready to strike a pose for those holiday snaps