Australian dermatologist Dr Leona Yip says ceramides, glycerin and panthenol (vitamin B5) are the top three skincare ingredients to help prevent dry skin this winter.
Why we experience dry and itchy skin in winter
Dry and itchy skin are the most common skin issues during winter due to dry and cold outdoor air, indoor heaters and long hot showers in colder months.
‘If not looked after, this can lead to or aggravate eczema. An increase of eczema in winter is also partially attributed to shorter days with less sunlight. Rosacea (facial redness) is also common in colder months. A common denominator for these conditions is an underlying disruption of skin barrier function leading to increased water loss through the skin,’ explains Dr Yip.
An optimum skincare regime during winter
Your winter moisturiser may need to change from the one you use in summer. Dr Yip says using a thicker or richer moisturiser (eg one with glycerin) in the colder and drier months helps to lock in moisture more effectively to maintain skin hydration and lustre. Using soap-free and fragrance-free washes in short lukewarm showers instead of long hot showers can also help reduce dryness – and moisturise twice a day to replenish skin oils, especially after a shower when skin pores absorb moisturiser products more readily.
‘Moisturisers enriched with ceramides and panthenol (vitamin B5) are excellent to help repair skin barrier function and dryness with their soothing and hydrating properties. Serums with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are also great for skin hydration and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin and rosacea,’ she says.
The benefits of La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast range for winter dry skin
Recommended by 90,000 dermatologists worldwide, LA ROCHE-POSAY is leading the way when it comes to designing highly efficacious formulas with ingredients loved and approved by healthcare professionals.
Panthenol (vitamin B5) is one of these ingredients and it can be found in the Cicaplast range and Hyalu B5 serum, which when used in a daily regime, helps soothe, hydrate and repair dry skin – the perfect combination for winter.
Panthenol is an excellent humectant that draws water into and maintains moisture within the skin to improve skin smoothness and suppleness. Panthenol is known to help repair the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce skin irritation, redness and itching caused by dry skin.
For intense hydration, we love:
LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST B5 MASK
25g | RRP $12.95 | Individual Sheet Mask
LA ROCHE-POSAY’s Cicaplast B5 Mask is a hydrating and soothing sheet mask suitable for sensitive, dry, dehydrated and post-aesthetic treatment skin. The facial sheet mask is made from 100% natural and biodegradable pure cotton fibre to ensure optimal absorption and gentle delivery of panthenol (vitamin B5), madecassoside, shea butter, glycerin and LA ROCHE-POSAY’s antioxidant-rich thermal spring water, to hydrate, soothe and help strengthen dry and sensitive skin.
LA ROCHE-POSAY HYALU B5 HYALURONIC ACID SERUM
30ml | RRP $71.95
An anti-wrinkle serum formulated to increase skin hydration and plumpness. It features two pure hyaluronic acids (to hydrate and replump skin), and 5% panthenol (vitamin B5) to help support the skin’s barrier, and protect it from external aggressors). This best-selling serum showcases a fresh water-gel texture to promote a dewy, healthy glow suited to all skin types, including sensitive.
LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST BAUME B5 BALM
40ml Tube | RRP $17.95
A rich, soothing, multi-purpose balm, Cicaplast Baume B5 Balm is suitable for dry patches, rough areas and redness. Formulated with madecassoside, 5% panthenol (vitamin B5), and anti-bacterial agents, it provides optimal skin recovery and skin protection, and visibly soothes dry areas.
Available now via laroche-posay.com.au
