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Winter Skin Conditions & Preventative Cures

Sandton Aesthetics | April 29, 2021

Extreme cold and dry air during winter on the heightened elevation of the Highveld contributes to the development of certain skin conditions. Environmental pollution from wintertime heat sources and lack of rain further exacerbate the issues.

Winter is around the corner and with it the risks of developing winter skin conditions. Get out in front with these pro-active tips and treatments to stop them in their tracks and save your skin.

1. Wintertime Acne & Skin Breakouts

While breakouts can strike all year long, cold and dry weather can be an instigator. Skin hydration becomes difficult to maintain and dry &/ irritated skin is prone to breakout. While in seasons past, scarves and winter high-necked fashion played their part (and they still do) a new culprit is getting attention.

It turns out that regulatory mask wearing creates an ideal micro-climate for acne breakouts, especially when paired with wintertime elements. This is due to the following: friction which increases irritation, the absorption (by the mask) of skin oils leading to even drier skin, and the process of occlusion.

Occlusion occurs when breath trapped by the mask makes the surrounding skin both moist and warm (in contrast to elsewhere). This easily creates an excess of clogged pores and increases bacteria close to skin; both of which result in acne arising from infected hair follicles.

Keep a breakout at bay with the following:

At Home:

Wash face 2x daily with an appropriately suitable wintertime cleanser. The goal is to eliminate dirt and bacteria but not strip the skin of essential dermal sebum.
- Need help choosing the correct product? Our SAI Aestheticians will consult on the best product for your skin type and needs.
- Confident in your power of selection? Link direct to SAI Online Store Selection.
Ensure masks used are cleaned daily with a gentle detergent (if reusable) or disposed of regularly.
Avoid using any harsh cosmetic or skin products likely to further increase irritation of skin near or under mask.
Utilize a seasonally appropriate moisturiser capable of protecting and supporting the sensitive skin barrier.

In Clinic:

Invest in regularly scheduled superficial/mild Chemical Peels. Not only will this ensure healthy cellular turnover levels it will also clear pores while giving the added advantage of restoring and rejuvenating the entire facial surface.

2. Weather aggravated Rosacea

Low humidity and low temperatures commonly exacerbate the body’s inflammatory responses. This often translates into an onset of Rosacea or an enhanced experience of the condition.

At Home:

Select Rosacea-friendly products. Ensure gentle elements are at play with your homecare and skincare regime. Avoid harsh ingredients such as Camphor or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Include useful preventative and treatment orientated active ingredients such as
- Peptides,
- Ceramide,
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA),
- Shea Butter,
- Retinol (serum) – especially appropriate given the low UV index in winter
Track your triggers. Consider jotting down environmental factors such as stress, spicy foods, alcohol, and others; commonly linked with Rosacea. Identifying common denominators allows you to be empowered to avoid them in future.

In Clinic:

Undergoing an Anti-inflammatory Chemical Peel whose main ingredient is Mandelic Acid will assist in combating conditions from tipping the scale into a full expression of unwanted Rosacea symptoms.

3. Seasonally Affected Complexion Blues: dullness & dryness

Shifting between heated inside areas and cold outer areas saps skin of moisture. So does harsh winter wind, sitting too close the heater, or indulging in a very hot shower. Lack of hydration within dermal layers results in a duller complexion and dry skin concerns. Dry skin easily becomes flaky, red, and visibly irritated. Dry or irritated skin can’t keep its sebum balance and just like that loses its lustre. Add in a tendency toward sensitive skin, hours of mask wearing, and the high elevation of Gauteng and there is a recipe for a pushing the skin beyond homeostasis balance. Thankfully, a glowing beautiful complexion is achievable, even in winter.

At Home:

Adjust your product use. Seasonal changes are required and the products you picked last winter might not be suitable to deliver results this winter – as skin needs are ever-fluctuating.
Don’t pick or scratch. Resist the urge and keep fingers away from itchy or irritated patches of skin.
Hydrate properly and keep an eye on your diet with the aim to up fresh fruits and healthy oils.

In Clinic:

IV Skin Brightening is an excellent solution to winter dryness (inside and out). Schedule a session and sit back and relax while deep hydration and skin nourishing nutrients are delivered intravenously. A comfortable, reliable, health-giving whole-body treatment which does well to buffer against the Highveld winter.
Superficial Chemical Peels boost cellular functioning and speed up cellular turnover. Personalized peel formulation rids the outer dermal layer of dull dry dead cells to increase the pace at which fresh new cells rise to the surface. They also allow for active ingredients and products to be better absorbed.

Professionally guided Prevention

For beautiful skin one must keep on top of these common skin complaints and conditions, especially if you have been plagued by them in the past. Prevention is an amazing gift to your skin.

Allow SAI to assist you in formulating a personalized approach for perfect skin all winter long.