Managing dry winter skin is a hot topic at this time of year. Why does our skin dry out in winter? How can we best avoid it and how do products differ when it comes to ingredients and efficacy? We’ve compiled some info to help you better understand what is going on with your skin during the winter months.
Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)
TEWL is a common winter problem. Due to a decrease in humidity we are left with air which is very dry. This dry winter air draws moisture out of the skin through a process called osmosis.
In addition to the dry air, we tend to heat our homes in winter, resulting in a hot, dry indoor environment which further accelerates moisture loss from the skin. Taking hot showers and baths, coupled with the use of strong soaps and washes, strips the natural oil content from the surface of the skin and further aggravates our confused skin.
Avoid stressing your skin! Here are four easy-to-remember pointers:
- Wash using gentle body washes with ultra-mild surfactants that do not strip the skin of natural oils or raise the pH of the skin. Harsh surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) dry out the skin and are proven skin irritants. Most conventional soaps are exceptionally drying and should be avoided if you suffer from dry skin.
- We all love a long relaxing bubble bath, but we suggest you avoid prolonged exposure to extremely hot water (in both the bath and the shower). Rather take a shorter bath in warm water than a long soak in hot. If the chill outside is just too much and you cannot help yourself, add a tablespoon of a natural plant oil or natural baby oil to your bathwater.
- Moisturise continuously. Keep skin hydrated and use creams and lotions that do not contain petrochemicals or mineral oils. Always read the ingredient lists and try to use products with natural plant oil bases.
- In heated rooms where you or your children spend prolonged periods of time, use a humidifier.
What we suggest for babies:
Baby skin is less able to retain moisture than adult skin. We suggest you apply our Soothing Baby Lotion with organic baobab to baby’s whole body after bath. Alternatively, if your baby has extremely sensitive skin or is very young, we recommend our Probiotic Baby Sensitive Body Cream which is fragrance-free. We also suggest placing a few pumps of our Soothing Baby Massage & Bath Oil into the bath water or massaging your baby with the oil after bath. Since it is an oil that does not sit on the surface of the skin and is easily absorbed, it can be used in addition to our Soothing Baby Lotion or Probiotic Body Cream.
What we suggest for kids:
The most common issue that mums of kids (and particularly boys) face, is that they don’t like the stickiness of cream. If this is the case, our Soothing Baby Massage & Bath Oil is the perfect solution. Place a few pumps of the oil into the bath water (you can do so without them even knowing) and make sure to pat the skin dry afterwards, rather than rubbing it dry. The skin will be lightly coated with, and nourished by, the natural plant oils but will not be sticky.
For dry, stubborn patches of skin:
For dry patches and red rosy cheeks, nothing beats our Baby Bum Cream with organic baobab. This “heal all” balm is a must-have product – especially in winter. Not only will it soothe and deeply nourish those dry patches, but it is the perfect fix for dry cracked lips, nails, elbows, heels, and many other skin conditions.
From almond and avocado oil, through to Marula and olive oil, Pure Beginnings uses natural vegetable oils that nourish the skin, making it easy for you to keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter.