It’s a simple and irrefutable equation: dry air equals dry skin. And when winter comes to Australia, patients come to the skincare experts at Austin Clinic for help with dull, flaky complexions sorely in need of hydration.
Why Skin Needs Hydration in Winter
“A change in your skincare regimen is a must when winter winds blow,” says Dr Austin. “Almost everyone’s skin needs more hydration.” It all has to do with low humidity, indoors and out. Outdoors, humidity in the air drops right along with temperatures during colder weather. Low humidity makes it easier for moisture to evaporate from the skin. Indoors, it feels good to crank up the heat on a cold winter’s day, but increasing the air temperature also lowers the humidity and can cause your skin to dry out at a rapid rate.
6 Ways to Spot Dehydrated Skin
Skin that is thirsty for moisture is obvious to the eye and to the touch. Without proper hydration, skin can become:
- Acne prone
- Crepey
- Flaky
- Less elastic
- Rough to the touch
- Wrinkled and riddled with fine lines
Active Ingredients with Water-Loving Properties
Moisturisers work to give skin the hydration it so desperately needs, either:
Humectants – Humectants are small chemical compounds such as glycerine and hyaluronic acid. They have the ability to attract water. In skincare products, humectants bring moisture from deeper layers of skin to the surface, as well as pull moisture out of the air itself.
Humectants are not always effective on their own. “If a patient has a compromised skin barrier, whatever water that is attracted by humectants simply evaporates,” explains Dr Austin. “Occlusives help solve the problem.”
Occlusives – Occlusives are a different type of chemical compound – larger than humectants. The most common occlusives are lipids and fats such as petrolatum and shea butter. These moisturising agents work by forming a protective layer on the surface skin to act as a barrier to moisture loss. Occlusives also act as emollients, softening and smoothing dry winter skin.
Bathe Your Skin in Hydrating Richness
A hydrating moisturiser is your best defence against winter skin. Hydrate Rich is an ultra-luxe moisturiser from the Austin Skin Black Label Collection. The ingredient list reads like a trip through Mother Nature’s kitchen: fruit extract, rosehip oil, cucumber seed oil, chamomile extract, and macadamia virgin butter.
Hydrate Rich is suitable for a wide range of skin types. Easy to use, it’s applied twice daily, in the morning and evening. The formulation is rich in peptides, vitamins, and antioxidants to help boost hydration and rejuvenate skin.
Soothe and Protect as You Hydrate
A common patient complaint regarding moisturisers is that they clog pores and cause breakouts. They are delighted to learn that Allmedic Super Hydrating Fluid with hyaluronic acid is different. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin and skin that’s prone to rosacea or acne flare-ups.
One ingredient that makes this product special is squalene. It helps seal in moisture and helps boost collagen production. In addition, it’s non-comedogenic. “It doesn’t clog pores,” reports Dr Austin. “It is also notably non-greasy for a natural oil.”
Skin Hydration: Austin Clinic Makes It Easy
Are you are looking for great products to use in a new-and-improved winter skincare regimen? Would an in-clinic treatment be right for you? Is it time for that skin cancer check you’ve been putting off? Whatever you and your skin need, Austin Clinic is here to help. Our online enquiry form makes it easy.