WORDS: Dr Annika Smith, Independent Dermatologist consulting for Dove
These expert skin care tips encompass everything from showering techniques to fabric choices and sun protection, emphasizing the importance of simplicity, consistency, and personalised care.
Read on to discover the key steps for nurturing your skin through the seasonal transition.
1. Keep showers short, not too hot and ideally less than a few minutes
Hot water can strip the skin of moisture and exacerbate dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and limit shower or bath time to prevent excessive drying.
2. Incorporate a gentle body wash into the daily shower routine
Hydrating formulations can help support and maintain the skin barrier, the skin’s critical defence mechanism, which is key to good skin health. Look for skin friendly formulations that gently cleanse, replenish moisture and support the skin barrier. Avoid ingredients that have the potential to irritate including fragrance, sulphates and parabens, particularly for sensitive skin types.
3. Gently pat the skin dry after showering or bathing
Gently pat to prevent unnecessary trauma and irritation to the skin and to leave the skin a little moist ahead of moisturisation.
4. Moisturise soon after washing
This is when the skin is most receptive to moisturisation, especially when applied while the skin is still damp. Moisturiser helps trap surface moisture, boosting skin hydration levels.
5. Choose formulations that suit your skin type best
Generally speaking ointments and creams are thicker in formulation than lotions and more moisture rich. Thicker formulations are great for dry skin types, especially in transitional weather months. Look for ingredients that nourish, hydrate and fortify the skin barrier, for example glycerin, ceramides and essential fatty acids to name a few.
6. Keep it simple and keep it consistent
Avoid complicated skin care routines with lots of products and actives. This can irritate the skin, disrupt skin barrier function and provoke inflammation. Choose a few key ingredients targeted at your skin care goals and keep your skin care routine consistent for best results.
7. Choose fabrics wisely
Choose breathable fabrics that are soft and gentle on the skin such as cotton and linen, heading into the warmer months and avoid synthetics that can irritate sensitive skin.
8. Protect skin when outdoors
Your skin is particularly susceptible to environmental elements: wind, cool air, sun etc, depending on the season. Protect exposed skin in transitional weather with moisture rich skin barrier protection. Remember UV radiation is present all-year round.
9. Do not forget to sun protect
Protect your skin from the sun even in Spring months, particularly when the UV index is ≥ 3. UV radiation can damage the skin regardless of the season. Look for moisturising sunscreen formulations, SPF 50+ broadspectrum, to nourish and protect the skin. Don’t forget to reapply and couple this with other sun protective measures (hat, clothing sunglasses and seeking shade) especially heading into summer.
10. Seek professional medical advice
Particularly if you are not winning or have specific skin concerns. There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to skin care. Some skin conditions require specialised advice tailored to one’s individual skin care needs.
The Dove Triple Moisturising Body Wash has a caring formula that provides lasting nourishment, created with ¼ moisturising cream to provide softness and care for your skin. It also contains ingredients such as glycerin, ceramides, essential fatty acids which helps nourish and hydrate the skin barrier.
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