\u201cThe Niwa app will explain whether sun protection (such as clothing, shade and sunscreen) is required on any particular day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Love your lipids<\/p>\n
Lipids are part of your skin barrier. They occur naturally, but they can become depleted by conditions such as eczema or colder, drier weather. <\/p>\n
And for Scardamaglia, they\u2019re an absolute essential. \u201cMoisturisers with lipids such as ceramides help restore barrier function, reduce transepidermal water loss and improve hydration,\u201d she points out. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey are among the most evidence-supported ingredients for dry and sensitive winter skin.\u201d<\/p>\n
Bring on the barrier<\/p>\n
Your skin\u2019s barrier (the skin\u2019s outermost layer, also known as the epidermis) is essential for locking in moisture, which is harder for your skin to do in winter. <\/p>\n
\u201cDuring winter, many regions of New Zealand are exposed to cold winds and periods of low humidity, which can impair the skin barrier and contribute to dryness and irritation, and this is why New Zealanders benefit from a greater focus on barrier repair,\u201d Scardamaglia said. <\/p>\n
We\u2019ve flagged ceramides, but other ingredients that can help max out your moisture levels include glycerine, which is a humectant. In other words, it attracts and retains water within the skin\u2019s outer layers. <\/p>\n
Products containing glycerine can also boost skin elasticity and improve hydration levels while strengthening your skin barrier.<\/p>\n
Moisturisers containing petrolatum and paraffin might sound scary but for many, they\u2019re winter essentials that create a protective layer to reduce moisture loss. <\/p>\n
Moisturisers containing these ingredients are generally thicker than the products you\u2019ll use in summer, but when it comes to maintaining and improving moisture levels, they\u2019re hard to beat. <\/p>\n
Finally, there\u2019s hyaluronic acid, a skincare hero and a humectant \u2013 in other words, it improves moisture levels by locking in and holding onto moisture.<\/p>\n
Pout perfection<\/p>\n
Our lips lack the same protective features (such as oil glands as the rest of our skin, which is why lip balm is another winter essential. <\/p>\n
And for winter, bland is better \u2013 focus on scent-free balms packed full of barrier-boosting ingredients such as shea butter for hydration, camellia oil to seal in the moisture and squalene to repair dry skin. <\/p>\n
Avoid salicylic acid, which is too harsh for the delicate skin on our lips. Don\u2019t take our word for it though; in America, the highly respected American Academy of Dermatology advises steering clear of lip balms containing this ingredient.<\/p>\n
Hero products<\/p>\n
Vaseline Lip Balm Original Stick<\/p>\n
A handbag essential, this wallet-friendly balm contains moisture-boosting glycerine, while vitamin E offers an extra dose of protection.<\/p>\n
$3.32, chemistwarehouse.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n CeraVe Moisturising Cream<\/p>\n The killer combo of ceramides and hyaluronic acid in this paraben-free moisturiser strengthens and repairs your skin\u2019s barrier.<\/p>\n Vaseline Lip Balm Original Stick.<\/p>\n