It’s fair to say that the bitterly cold winter months can be especially challenging – as the temperature changes, so does your skin’s needs. Plunging temperatures can equal dry, itchy, flaky skin and even worse – eczema and psoriasis flare-ups for so many people.

According to the NHS, 1.3m people suffer from eczema and psoriasis, with anxiety and stress two key factors, along with a weakened skin barrier; eczema sufferers are more susceptible to irritants, bacteria and allergens.

To prepare your skin and help it adapt in good time, it’s recommended that you change your skincare routine just before the season transitions. Allergic skincare range Salcura has some tips on how to keep dryness at bay this winter:

Up your moisturisation game

It’s a given fact that if you have dry skin, it’s important to moisturise regularly. But during the winter, a once daily application can seem insufficient to keep skin soft and comfortable. Try moisturising in the morning and in the evening, particularly before bed, to allow the skin to drink up the moisture while you sleep. If your skin is particularly dry, carry a travel size of your favourite moisturiser with you. 

Keep your shower short

It’s recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology that you must “limit your time in the shower or bath to 5 or 10 minutes.” This is due to the fact that water can remove oil from your skin, drying it out and leaving it with less protection. Showers can also expose skin to dozens of synthetic chemicals. Many shower gels and shampoos can contain unnatural and, in some cases, harmful ingredients to those with sensitive skin, unlike our products. If you’re a gym goer or just generally an active person, you may choose to shower twice a day or more. However, if you suffer from dry skin, try to limit this to once a day, as washing excessively can strip the skin of its natural – and moisturising – oils.

Finish your shower correctly

Many of us don’t realise that straight after a shower our skin is actually very dry, even if it’s dripping with water. This is due to the natural oils being washed away. It’s recommended that you gently blot yourself with a towel rather than scratching it across the skin to avoid further harm to the skin. Once you’ve dried yourself, slather on the moisturiser – this will help your skin recover from the loss of its natural oils.

With National Eczema Week upon us, escentual.com has rounded up some of the best emollients, moisturisers, shower and bath oils that offer relief from atopic and hypersensitive skin.

The hydrating lotion
Eucerin UreaRepair Plus 10% Urea Lotion
This ultra-hydrating body lotion is suitable for those with mature skin, psoriasis and keratosis pilaris, and offers instant relief and long-lasting moisture. It contains a combination of ingredients – urea, ceramides and other Natural Moisturising Factors (NMFs) – to care for the needs of very dry skin. Together, these efficacious ingredients bind moisture to the skin and repair its natural protective barrier.

The soothing cream
Mustela Stelatopia Emollient Cream
Designed to soothe itching and restore the skin’s natural barrier, this emollient cream is clinically proven to offer long-lasting hydration to atopic skin. Mustela’s patented Avocado Perseose® strengthens the epidermal barrier, while giving skin a well-needed boost of moisturise – the formula also uses sunflower oil distillate to layer a protective film over skin. This naturally soothing active ingredient encourages a process that mimics the body’s natural production of lipids to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier and lock in moisture.

Intensive care
QV Intensive Ointment For Very Dry Skin Conditions
Is your skin sore, bleeding and cracked? The QV Intensive Ointment water-free formula could be the answer. This soothing ointment has been specially designed to relieve irritated, chronically dry skin from conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, xerosis, psoriasis and ichthyosis. Each time you apply the balm it helps to heal the inflamed area for skin that feels healthier, soothed, and comfortable for 24 hours.

The shower oil
 Bioderma Atoderm Ultra-Nourishing Anti-Irritation Shower Oil
Formulated to protect your skin’s natural barrier, this nourishing shower oil protects your skin from external aggressors while gently cleansing an over-sensitised, dry, chapped skin. Made with a formula of vegetal biolipids that form a defensive barrier while soothing any tightness, it contains added vitamin PP that creates lipid synthesis to reconstruct the skin’s barrier and reveal calmer, softer skin.

The bath emulsion
 Pharmaceris Emotopic Everyday Bath Emulsion
This product is your shower gel and bath oil in one if you have sensitive, dry, rough skin or are prone to itchiness and irritation. Use it in the shower as a soap alternative, or add a few caps to your bath to cleanse and hydrate atopic skin. Unlike some other soaps, the formula is free from SLS, SLES and soap which commonly cause skin irritation. The clear gel turns into a milky texture when in contact with water, and leaves a protective yet undetectable film on the skin to lock in moisture and keep it calm and comfortable.

On-the-spot relief
 La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Anti-Irritations Stick
Created for the needs of skin that’s prone to eczema, sensitivity and dryness, the anti-itch stick will instantly soothe and calm the need to scratch. To be used when you feel the urge to itch, this anti-inflammatory and antibacterial stick is safe for all ages, and even babies. The high concentration of La Roche-Posay Thermal Water instantly repairs and replenishes the skin’s barrier for improved comfort and hydration once applied.

All products are available from escentual.com