As the weather has become very cold recently, it’s very important to protect our skin barrier to keep the skin as healthy as possible, writes Amber Shaw.

But why does our skin change with the weather?

We have two parts to our natural barrier function – the physical barrier and the chemical barrier.

Our natural moisturising factor acts as a barrier against pollution, chemicals and UV light.

Our physical barrier is our epidermal lipids and amino acids, which prevent water loss from our skin.

Our chemical barrier is our acid mantle and our natural moisturising factor. This provides a natural protective environment made up of lipids, amino acids, water and sugar which fights chemicals and bacteria on the surface of the skin.

Our natural moisturising factor also can pull water from the air to the skin, and helps moisturise our skin.

Factors that lead to our natural moisturising factor being compromised are hot and cold weather, compromised barrier function and stripping products.

Knowing how to adapt your skincare routine as the weather changes will prevent your skin’s barrier from becoming compromised and also protect it from external weather.

When it’s cold outside, our skin has bad enzyme activity and our skin is more prone to becoming flaky and dry, and experiencing skin concerns such as rosacea, inflammation and eczema.

Understanding your skin helps you to understand when to exfoliate, and the correct products to use for your skin type and concerns.

A young adult will have a cellular turnover of around 28 to 30 days. Mature adults have a cellular turnover of around 45 to 60 days.

This means in mature skin it takes longer for new, healthy cells to come to the surface.

Extra moisture, targeted products and skincare are vital for keeping the skin at its optimal condition.

To protect the skin during these cold, winter months, avoid using products that make the skin feel tight, as this indicates the product is too rich or strong and is stripping your skin from its natural moisture.

Avoid products that claim to be fast working. This usually means they’re too strong for the skin, leading to a disrupted skin barrier, so watch out for phrases such as ‘fast acting’ and ‘overnight miracle’.

Never leave the house without putting on moisturiser as this acts as a barrier from the cold air and will protect your skin barrier, preventing it from becoming flaky and dry while also protecting it with an SPF if it’s within your moisturiser.

Hydrate the skin at night – our cellular renewal levels are lower then and if you have dry skin, apply hyaluronic acid to wet skin, followed by a nourishing night cream.

As always, double cleanse and tone daily, exfoliate once to twice a week, mask once to twice a week, and use a serum, moisturiser and SPF daily.

For further information, questions, or queries on your skin, contact me through my website at www.amberrosebeauty.com