Even though this winter has been very mild so far, it's still a challenge for our skin. The temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, the dry air from heating, and especially the dry air are taking their toll on it. Today, Dr. Kerstin Schallaböck, general practitioner, mother of four, and founder of KAMI skincare, tells us what we can do to keep it healthy through the winter.
"When we are exposed to extreme cold, the body reduces blood flow to the skin to conserve body heat for our organs. Reduced blood flow also reduces oxygen and nutrient supply, and the skin's metabolism slows down. This also reduces our skin's sebum production, and our skin is less protected from drying out. Dry skin becomes brittle, which causes further moisture loss. Heating air aggravates the situation. The skin feels tight, itchy, red, and flaky.
Children's skin already produces less sebum, and their skin is thinner and therefore even more vulnerable. Protection is important, even if children don't like applying sunscreen.
What should you consider when caring for your skin in winter?
It's about two things: first, we need to provide our skin with sufficient moisture and second, we need to ensure that this moisture is not lost and that it doesn't dry out.
Add moisture: Even in winter, your skin needs moisturizers or serums. Of course, you can also prevent the evaporation of absorbed water by applying body or facial oils immediately after bathing or washing. You should also make sure you drink enough water, even in winter.
Maintain moisture: To reduce so-called transepidermal water loss, the skin should be protected with moisturizing products. Occlusion—covering—creates a barrier that prevents moisture from evaporating.
In this context, numerous media outlets are currently discussing the so-called "slugging" This involves applying a thick layer of greasy cream to the face; Vaseline is often recommended. Vaseline is a mineral oil product, and although it is, of course, completely pure and harmless to health, our skin cannot function with it, so it doesn't benefit from it. Any natural oil is more valuable to the skin, as it supplies fatty acids and nutrients. This thick layer of fat retains a lot of water in the skin, preventing it from evaporating. This can be beneficial in cases of extreme stress and very dry skin, but normally a lot ends up on clothing and bedding.
KAMI SOS Skin Care Oil contains linoleic and linolenic acids, which are very similar to the composition of our skin, as well as a variety of nutrients and trace elements that further soothe and balance the skin. If you're planning on exercising or playing outdoors, KAMI SOS Balm is even better. It also contains shea butter, beeswax, and plant-based linolenic acid, making it an ideal product for slugging.
In addition, in winter it is important to bathe or shower properly: The water shouldn't be too hot—around 35 degrees Celsius is good—and you should avoid drying soaps and anything that further stresses the skin's pH. pH-neutral cleansing products, such as KAMI Wash Fluid, are ideal.
Problem skin in winter:
People with atopic dermatitis/atopic dermatitis suffer more from flare-ups in winter because their skin dries out even more easily. Preventative measures should be taken with skin barrier-strengthening products that improve skin's resilience. If dehydration can be prevented, the tendency to inflammation also decreases. Water-in-oil emulsions or oils are very suitable, and KAMI SOS Skin Care Oil and KAMI SOS Balm also provide ideal support and soothing.
With this in mind, I wish you happy holidays
Yours, Kerstin Schallaböck
