Winter is a challenging time of year for people with dry, sensitive skin. Try these expert tips from Irish company, Elave Skincare.
In partnership with Gardiner Family Apothecary
Winter is a challenging time of year for people with dry, sensitive skin, says Irish skincare expert Joanna Gardiner of Gardiner Family Apothecary, makers of the unique Elave Skincare formulations.
“Around 80% of the island’s population have delicate Type I and Type II skin and our new winter skin survey confirms that 7 out of 10 people here have dry, sensitive and eczema/psoriasis prone skin that is easily damaged when temperatures dip,” Joanna says.
“Freezing cold, biting winds and changes in temperature draw moisture out of the skin and compromise the dermal barrier, particularly in exposed areas like the face, so if you want your skin to look and feel beautiful, you have to protect it.
“Since 1934, the Gardiner Family have been infusing traditional apothecary formulations with modern dermatological advances to manufacture clean skincare solutions that deliver real results.”
Skincare solution
Winter-stressed skin becomes red and sore, prompting itching, cracking and flare-ups of conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Elave’s multi-award winning solutions, proudly made in Ireland, help avoid dermal damage by repairing, moisturising and protecting your skin.
Their formulations are extremely gentle and clean as they are made without potentially harmful and irritating ingredients like alcohol, scent, dyes, sulfates, parabens or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLs). They are PETA Approved 92% vegan and 100% cruelty-free, as well as being produced ethically and sustainably.
Steps to caring for skin in winter
Joanna adds: “In addition to using effective skincare solutions in a daily top-to-toe regime, there are a number of simple measures you can take to avoid further irritating dry skin or inviting flare-ups or rosacea and eczema.
“One of the hazards of more time spent indoors due to inclement weather is a greater risk of exposure to dust, pets, fumes, chemicals and fragrances – the very things which can set off sensitive skin – so you need to be vigilant!”
Avoid too much heat
Joanna advises that as sensitive skin does not like long hot baths or showers, you should bathe for no longer than 10 minutes in lukewarm water. Use Elave Sensitive Body Wash followed up with Elave Sensitive Body Lotion for gentle, sulfate-free solutions rich in camomile, natural glycerin and vitamin E.
Don’t overheat your home – set the thermostat at 20C and turn off radiators in the bedroom or reduce to18C to prevent drying out and overnight itching. Cleanse with Elave Skin Balancing Cleansing Gel with amino acids and manuka honey, then stimulate facial cellular growth and collagen synthesis with Elave Rejuvenating Night Treatment with glycolic acid arginine complex.
Check humidity levels
A humidity level of 50-60% in the home is ideal, so use electric dehumidifiers to suck moisture from the air. If the air is too dry, place containers of water under radiators. Elave Sensitive Intensive Cream calms and hydrates the skin barrier with an emollient rich formula containing white soft paraffin and fractionated coconut oil.
Wrap up
“Going from a warm house into the cold outdoors can set your skin tingling, so wrap up in layers of soft, breathable fabrics rather than scratchy wool or irritating nylon,” said Joanna. “Hands are especially vulnerable, so before putting on your gloves drench them in Elave Hand Treatment Balm with shea butter and fractionated coconut oil.
Keep moving
“It is important to keep active in winter as short, brisk walks can stimulate your circulation, perk up skin cells and boost vitamin D production. Protect your skin at the same time with Elave Intense Moisture Surge with natural glycerin and vitamin E, Elave Eye Rescue Serum with natural bio extracts and vitamins B5, C & E, and Elave Daily Lip Defence with SPF20.”
Six convenient new Elave Skincare Essentials kits contain full-size formulations designed to be used together to provide a 360-degree solution with maximum efficacy. Starting at €19.95, these great value kits are available from Tesco, Dunnes Beauty, Boots, community pharmacies, or online at gardinerfamilyapothecary.com.
- Elave Skin Hydrating Essentials – €25.95 (a saving of over €10)
- Elave Skin Balancing Essentials – €39.95 (a saving of over €18)
- Elave Derma Skincare Essentials – €19.95 (a saving of €3)
- Elave Sensitive Shave Essentials – €19.95 (free vegan shave brush worth €5)
- Elave Baby Skincare Essentials – €19.95 (a saving of €9)
- Elave Junior Skincare Essentials – €19.95 (a saving of over €3)
Shop the full range here.
