Triple Lipid Restore –
‘Plump up the volume’
derived from the Latin term for armour, and
the mortar filling in the gaps between these
bricks are lipids. This so-called wall has two
jobs; to prevent moisture and vital nutrients
escaping from the skin and to keep potential
irritants and bacteria out.
However, as you age the concentration of lipids
within the top layers of the skin begin to
decline, creating tiny openings in the skin barrier
which let irritants and free radicals into the
body. These openings also make moisture loss
happen faster, so the skin becomes incredibly
dry and tight within minutes of being outside.
Look for moisturisers that have
a high lipid content to rebuild
the skin barrier
explains Dr Carl. Instead, you need to look for
moisturisers that have a high lipid content and
contain barrier-supporting ingredients such as
essential fatty acids, particularly Omega-6 (also
known as Linoleic Acid), ceramides and cholesterol. In combination, these lipids will gradually rebuild the skin barrier, closing any gaps
and strengthening any weak areas, to restore a
comfortable suppleness and smoothness to the
surface. The SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
2:4:2 contains each of these lipids in one of
the highest concentrations currently available,
along with hydrating Glycerin to protect the
skin during a cold snap.
Another great product for irritated winter skin
comes from Dr Carl himself, in the form of the
Epionce Medical Barrier Cream. A well-trusted
saviour for eczema sufferers during the colder
months, this cream contains Petrolatum to
temporarily seal the surface of the skin alongside
natural extracts which manage to successfully
close 90% of the epidermal barrier just two
hours after the initial application.
As prevention is always better than cure, the
sooner you can start using products with a
barrier-strengthening focus, the less susceptible
your skin will be to the changing seasons. No
dreaded ‘winter face’ for you this year.
Epionce Medical Barrier Cream –
‘The experts’ eczema treatment’
In winter, this moisture loss is increased even
more due to the dryness of the atmosphere;
basically the drier the air, the more moisture it
leeches from the skin. Harsh winds also blow
away any surface oils your skin may have secreted to try and protect itself from the elements, further contributing to that tingling
tightness you feel when you go from the outside
chill to a cosy interior.
Combatting a diminished skin barrier isn’t easy,
but there are ways to do it. Firstly, forget any
ideas you have about thick creams being the
solution to your complexion woes. “There is
no direct correlation between the thickness of
a cream and it being better at barrier repair,”
ISSUE #02 | WINTER 2016 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 7