Cold Comfort

Niamh Mceneaney chats to Irish celebrity skincare expert Eavanna Breen about why maintaining a healthy skin barrier is key to keeping your skin looking healthy and glowing this winter...

With the dark nights in full force and the weather taking a frosty turn, the drop in temperature and brutal winter winds can wreak havoc on our skin. Top Irish skin expert Eavanna Breen, who is solely responsible for the famously flawless skin of such

Irish celebrities as Greg O’shea, Holly Carpenter, Samantha Mumba and Thalia Heffernan, is advising us to focus on maintaining a healthy skin barrier, ensuring a glowing complexion all winter long.

According to recent statistics from the Irish Dermatology Foundation, more than 60% of the Irish population report experiencing dry skin issues during the colder months.

Not only do the bitter Irish temperatures and low humidity lead to dryness but Irish skin at this time of year can be prone to irritation and sensitivity.

Eavanna says,“colder, dry air pulls the moisture from our skin, upsetting the natural balance between oil and water.

“When these two are balanced, your skin will function well. However, when these levels are skewed, your skin’s barrier is weakened, wreaking havoc on your skin.

“Getting the correct dose of both moisture and lipids onto your skin and avoiding under or over-treating your skin is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

“Ultimately, having a healthy skin barrier is paramount to how good your skin looks.

“A healthy skin barrier contributes to a smooth, even complexion.

The skin can appear dull, rough, or uneven when the barrier is compromised.

“A well-preserved skin barrier is essential for your skin’s overall health and vitality.

It ensures that your skin functions optimally, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable, resilient and attractive complexion.”

So Eavanna has put together her top seven essential expert tips to promote and maintain a healthy skin barrier this winter...

1.Gentle Cleansing Opt for mild, hydrating cleansers that won’t strip away your skin’s natural oils.

Consider occasional gentle exfoliation using chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAS) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAS) to remove dead skin cells without physical abrasion.

Eavanna’s recommended product is Skinmade Clean and Clear Cleanser (€40). Oil cleansers are best for adding that bit more moisturise, this one combines the concentration of the three main oils — castor, jojoba and olive oil.

2. Intense Hydration Incorporate hydrating facial masks or deep moisturising treatments to provide an extra boost of hydration to your skin.

Choose moisturisers and serums with ceramides and fatty acids, to support the skin barrier and enhance its resilience.

Eavanna’s recommended product is Skinmade Personalised Moisturiser

Skinmade’s personalised moisturiser improves the natural biological processes of the skin cells, stabilises the balance between moisture and sebum and thus ensures an intact skin barrier.

3. Regular Application of Serums Integrate serums rich in Panthenol, antioxidants, and skin-replenishing ingredients such as Hyaluronic

Acid to strengthen the skin barrier, decrease transepidermal water loss, and hydrate the skin. Eavanna’s recommended product is her own Intensive Hyaluronic Acid Serum (€70), which she launched earlier this year. This unique intensive serum gives the skin a sudden moisture boost while improving the skins long term

hydration over time.

4. Sun Protection

Even in winter, UV rays can damage the skin barrier. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, especially on exposed areas like the face and hands.

Eavanna’s recommended product is Skinmade Protect And Care Sun Oil, (€47).

This exceptional sun protection product provides a very high UVA and UVB protection.

The face oil is also packed full of the world’s strongest antioxidant, so it is doing wonders for the skin while you are fully protected from the sun’s harmful rays.” 5. Increase your intake of antioxidants Absorbing antioxidants can hugely help protect your skin from UV damage, all year long. Foods that are rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, such as lycopene, could improve your skin’s protection against UV rays.

The best sources of carotenoids are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, spinach, squash, broccoli, mangos, apricots, kale, peas, tomatoes and melon. Vitamin E contained in vegetable oils, almonds and nuts also helps to protect us from the sun. Which, yes, is just as important during winter!

6. Intense Hydration

Consider professional treatments in a highly-regarded skin clinics.

Expert treatments that focus on skin hydration, such as hyaluronic acid-based dermal boosters, Mesotherapy or Profhilo, will hugely contribute to a healthy skin barrier and glowing skin this winter season.

Eavanna, Founder and Clinical Director of Eavanna Breen Skin and Laser Clinic Dublin 2, says,

“By following these tips and incorporating these recommended products and treatments into your skincare routine, you can keep your skin healthy, beautiful and radiant all winter long. “Protecting your skin barrier is not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too.”

Eavanna Breen and her expert team provide a trustworthy path to skin confidence, using their passion, knowledge, and uniquely individual approach to deliver the best results. Book in for a skin consultation at www. eavannabreen.ie/, to start your own personalised healthy skin journey.■