Seasonal skincare

SKIN SAVIOURS

Rather than concede defeat to the elements as Australia moves into the cooler months, dermatologist Greg Goodman suggests a more targeted approach, which starts with using the right skincare

WORDS CHARLOTTE BRUNDRETT

Seasonal impact

Regardless of your skin type, lack of sunshine and moisture in the air can often perpetuate existing skin conditions and trigger seasonal flare-ups.

“In dermatology terms, all the skin conditions that rely on sunshine for help, such as psoriasis, eczema and acne tend to get worse during the colder months,” dermatologist Greg Goodman says.

“Vitamin D plays a big role in psoriasis, and one of the most common treatments used in psoriasis patients is a vitamin D cream, which is a much safer option than getting it through UVB while laying out in the sun.”

Sun exposure and its correlation with alleviating skin concerns is nothing new, and an old wives’ tale even suggests it as a natural remedy for acne sufferers.

“With acne, it’s often thought to be caused by a lack of UV exposure, but it’s not, it’s actually a lack of blue light and visible light, so you can use sunscreens if you’re an acne patient and still get the skin benefits from being in the sun,” Dr Goodman says.

Preventative measures

Dry conditions in autumn and winter are amplified by indoor heating, which can further dry out the skin.

“Heating in general tends to exacerbate dryness,” he says.

“Long, hot, soapy showers and baths have a similar drying effect on the skin, so ensure you’re shortening your showers and that your (water) temperature is more controlled.”

Not only for sinus relief, humidifiers can also help put moisture back into the air and ensure your skin stays hydrated. Just be aware these devices need to be cleaned weekly to avoid bacteria build-up.

Switch it up

Another step worth considering is switching your skincare seasonally, gravitating to more hydrating skincare products during the colder, drier months.

“If you live anywhere with defined seasons, then I do think you need to change your skincare season to season from the ground up,” Dr Goodman says.

“If you’re used to using a light lotion, try transitioning to a heavier cream product for the colder seasons or if you’re used to using certain toners or astringents, you might have to skip that step as it can strip away moisture. Opt for a gentler cleanser and avoiding harsh soaps.”

The growing popularity of chemical exfoliants such as retinols and AHAs further complicates matters.

“If you’re suffering from dry skin and sensitive skin in particular, you might have to take a step back when using active ingredients like retinols, which can dry out the skin, adopting a lower strength percentage during the cooler seasons,” Dr Goodman says.

Adding moisture to the skin is the last thing many oily skin sufferers want but, according to the dermatologist, it’s actually a separate entity to dry skin all together.

“Oily skin comes from the dermis, the oil glands, whereas dry skin is a top layer epidermal phenomenon, which means you can have oily skin and dry skin at the same time and, in that case, a moisturiser should be used,” he says. A new natural The return of natural, glowy make-up lets features shine. It’s also a timesaver, with only a handful of products required to achieve the look.

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