With the onset of autumn and winter cold, the skin of the face and body faces a number of problems: dryness, peeling, loss of elasticity and even the appearance of irritation. All this is a consequence of the influence of low temperatures, wind and dry air in rooms due to heating. To keep the skin healthy, radiant and moisturized, it is important to adapt care to seasonal conditions. In this article, we will consider the recommendations of experts that will help the skin to comfortably survive the cold season.
1. Why does the skin suffer in winter?
Before moving on to the tips, it's worth understanding why the skin becomes more vulnerable in winter. The main reasons:
- Low temperatures reduce blood circulation in the upper layers of the skin, which leads to a decrease in its nutrition and regeneration.
- Wind Irritates the skin, causing micro-damage.
- Dry indoor air Heating reduces the moisture level in the skin, which causes it to dry out.
- Sudden temperature changes (transition from a cold street to a warm room) reduces the skin's natural protective barrier.
2. Cleaning: delicacy above all else
In the cold season, the skin becomes more sensitive, so cleansing products should be as gentle as possible:
- Choose creamy cleansers or micellar water that don't dry out your skin.
- Avoid using harsh scrubs and products containing alcohol, which destroy the skin's protective barrier.
- Reduce the frequency of using products with acids (AHA, BHA) or retinol if they cause irritation.
3. Moisturizing: The Basis of Winter Care
In winter, skin loses moisture faster, so the key goal of care is to provide deep and long-lasting hydration.
- Choose creams with a thick texture that create a protective barrier on the skin's surface. Look for ingredients that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and oils.
- For oily and combination skin, lighter creams are suitable, but with a high concentration of moisturizing ingredients.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after cleansing, while your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture.
4. Protection from cold and wind
Facial skin suffers the most from the effects of low temperatures and wind. To minimize damage:
- Apply before going outside protective cream or special balms that create a barrier against environmental influences. This is especially important for those with dry and sensitive skin.
- Use scarves or headscarves to protect your neck and part of your face from the wind.
5. Don't forget SPF
Although the sun is less active in winter, ultraviolet radiation still penetrates through clouds and even glass. UV protection is important to prevent premature skin aging:
- Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30–50.
- Apply it not only to your face, but also to your hands and neck.
6. Intensive care: masks and serums
Additional care will help compensate for seasonal skin stress:
- Moisturizing masks with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera or honey should be used 1-2 times a week.
- Nourishing masks with natural oils (shea, jojoba, argan) help restore the lipid layer.
- Serums with antioxidants (vitamins C, E) will help protect the skin from external factors and improve its tone.
7. Body skin care
In winter, the body also needs special care:
- Replace regular soap with moisturizing shower gels or cream-like products.
- After showering, be sure to apply lotions or oils for the body.
- Pay attention to the skin on your hands and feet, as they are most susceptible to dryness. Use nourishing creams for hands and feet.
8. Nutrition and hydration
Taking care of your skin from the outside will be more effective if you support your body from the inside:
- Drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, flaxseed oil), which help maintain skin elasticity.
- Don't forget about vitamins, especially vitamin E (an antioxidant) and vitamin D, which compensates for the lack of sun.
9. Regular peels
Peeling helps remove dead skin cells, but in the cold season it is important to use delicate products:
- Choose enzyme peels or products with lactic acid.
- Perform the procedure no more than once a week to avoid irritation.
10. Proper indoor climate
Dry indoor air is one of the main causes of winter dry skin. Here's how to minimize its negative effects:
- Use humidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels (40–60%).
- Avoid excessively high indoor temperatures, as this also contributes to skin dehydration.
11. Avoid hot water
Hot water, despite its pleasantness in the cold season, dries out the skin:
- Take a warm, not hot, shower.
- After water procedures, be sure to moisturize your skin.
12. Clothes matter
Skin contact with synthetic fabrics can cause irritation:
- Choose natural fabrics (cotton, wool), especially for clothing that comes into contact with the body.
- Make sure your gloves are warm enough to avoid frostbite on your hands.
Conclusion
Skin care during the cold season requires a comprehensive approach. By following the recommendations for cleansing, moisturizing, protecting and nourishing, you can minimize the impact of negative factors and maintain the health and beauty of your skin even in the coldest season. Regularity and attention to the needs of your skin are the key to its radiance and comfort!