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Skin in the winter. Winter Skin Survival Guide: Essential Tips for Healthy, Radiant Skin in Cold Weather

How can you protect your skin during winter. What are the best moisturizing ingredients for dry skin. Which skincare routine changes should you make for cold weather. How do you prevent chapped lips and cracked hands in winter. What are effective treatments for winter-related skin conditions. How does indoor heating affect skin hydration. Why is sunscreen still important in winter.

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Understanding Winter’s Impact on Skin Health

Winter brings a host of challenges for our skin. The combination of cold outdoor temperatures, low humidity, and indoor heating can lead to dryness, irritation, and exacerbation of existing skin conditions. Understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining healthy skin throughout the colder months.

Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, which can lead to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from our skin. This process occurs when water passes from the dermis through the epidermis and evaporates from the skin’s surface. In winter, this natural process accelerates, leaving skin feeling dry, tight, and potentially irritated.

Indoor heating, while necessary for comfort, further compounds the problem by reducing indoor humidity levels. This creates an environment that can rapidly deplete skin moisture, leading to issues such as flaking, itching, and increased sensitivity.

The Science Behind Winter Skin Dryness

To comprehend why winter affects our skin so profoundly, it’s essential to delve into the skin’s structure and function. The outermost layer of our skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier to protect against environmental stressors and maintain hydration. This layer consists of corneocytes (dead skin cells) held together by lipids, forming a “brick and mortar” structure.

In winter, the cold air and low humidity can disrupt this protective barrier, leading to increased water loss and reduced ability to retain moisture. Additionally, the sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils to lubricate and protect the skin, may become less active in colder temperatures, further contributing to dryness and potential irritation.

Essential Winter Skincare Ingredients

Choosing the right skincare products with effective ingredients is crucial for combating winter skin woes. Here are some key ingredients to look for in your winter skincare routine:

  • Hyaluronic Acid: This powerful humectant can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
  • Ceramides: These lipids are naturally present in the skin and help maintain its barrier function. Supplementing with ceramide-rich products can help reinforce the skin’s protective layer.
  • Glycerin: Another effective humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
  • Niacinamide: This form of vitamin B3 helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and increase ceramide production.
  • Occlusives like petrolatum or shea butter: These ingredients create a protective layer on the skin’s surface, helping to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.

Is layering skincare products beneficial in winter? Yes, layering products can be highly effective in winter. Start with lighter, water-based products and gradually move to heavier, oil-based formulations. This approach allows for better absorption of active ingredients while providing a protective barrier against harsh winter conditions.

Adapting Your Skincare Routine for Cold Weather

As the seasons change, so should your skincare routine. Winter calls for a more protective and nourishing approach to keep your skin healthy and radiant. Here are some key adjustments to consider:

  1. Switch to a gentler cleanser: Opt for a cream or oil-based cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils.
  2. Incorporate a hydrating toner or essence: These products can help prep your skin to better absorb subsequent moisturizing products.
  3. Use a richer moisturizer: Look for formulations with a higher oil content to provide extra nourishment and protection.
  4. Don’t skip sunscreen: UV rays can still damage your skin in winter, especially when reflected off snow.
  5. Add a facial oil: Applying a few drops of facial oil before your moisturizer can provide an extra layer of protection and nourishment.

Should you exfoliate less in winter? While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, it’s best to reduce the frequency in winter. Over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier, leading to increased sensitivity and dryness. Stick to gentle exfoliation once a week, using products with mild chemical exfoliants like lactic acid or enzymes rather than harsh physical scrubs.

Protecting Hands, Lips, and Other Vulnerable Areas

Certain areas of our body are particularly susceptible to winter dryness and damage. Hands, lips, and feet often bear the brunt of cold weather, requiring extra care and attention.

Hand Care in Winter

Our hands are constantly exposed to the elements and frequent washing, making them prone to dryness and cracking in winter. To keep your hands soft and protected:

  • Use a gentle, moisturizing hand soap
  • Apply hand cream immediately after washing while skin is still damp
  • Wear gloves when going outside to protect against cold and wind
  • Use an overnight hand treatment with occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or lanolin

Can wearing gloves indoors help prevent dry hands? Yes, wearing cotton gloves after applying hand cream can help lock in moisture, especially overnight. This technique, known as “slugging,” can be particularly beneficial for extremely dry or cracked hands.

Lip Care Essentials

The delicate skin on our lips lacks oil glands, making them particularly vulnerable to dryness and chapping in winter. To keep your lips soft and smooth:

  • Use a lip balm with SPF to protect against sun damage
  • Look for ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E in your lip products
  • Avoid licking your lips, as this can lead to further dryness
  • Gently exfoliate lips once a week to remove dead skin cells

Is petroleum jelly effective for chapped lips? Petroleum jelly can be an excellent occlusive for severely chapped lips, creating a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes healing. However, it’s best used in combination with hydrating ingredients for optimal results.

Combating Winter-Related Skin Conditions

Winter can exacerbate existing skin conditions and trigger new ones. Understanding these conditions and how to manage them is crucial for maintaining skin health during the colder months.

Eczema and Dry Skin

Eczema, characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often worsens in winter due to decreased humidity and increased exposure to irritants. To manage eczema during winter:

  • Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic skincare products
  • Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration
  • Consider using a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air
  • Avoid hot showers, which can further dry out the skin
  • Wear soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate the skin

Can dietary changes help manage eczema in winter? While research is ongoing, some studies suggest that increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics may help reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function in individuals with eczema. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

Psoriasis Management in Cold Weather

Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation, can be particularly challenging in winter. The dry air and reduced sunlight exposure can lead to more frequent flare-ups. To manage psoriasis during winter:

  • Keep skin well-moisturized with thick, emollient creams
  • Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air
  • Consider light therapy under medical supervision to compensate for reduced sun exposure
  • Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress can trigger flare-ups
  • Avoid scratching or picking at plaques, which can worsen inflammation

Is coal tar effective for managing psoriasis in winter? Coal tar has been used for decades to manage psoriasis symptoms. It can help slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation. However, it’s important to use coal tar products under the guidance of a dermatologist, as they can increase sun sensitivity and may not be suitable for everyone.

The Role of Indoor Environment in Winter Skin Health

While we often focus on protecting our skin from outdoor winter conditions, the indoor environment plays a crucial role in skin health during colder months. Central heating systems, while necessary for comfort, can significantly reduce indoor humidity levels, leading to increased skin dryness and irritation.

Optimizing Indoor Humidity

Maintaining optimal indoor humidity is essential for skin health in winter. The ideal relative humidity for skin comfort is between 40-60%. To achieve this:

  • Use a humidifier in your home, especially in bedrooms and living areas
  • Place bowls of water near heat sources to increase ambient moisture
  • Avoid overheating your home, as higher temperatures can further dry out the air
  • Consider using a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels

Can houseplants help improve indoor humidity? Yes, certain houseplants can contribute to increased indoor humidity through transpiration. Plants like spider plants, peace lilies, and boston ferns are particularly effective at increasing ambient moisture. However, while beneficial, plants alone may not be sufficient to significantly impact overall indoor humidity levels in larger spaces.

The Impact of Hot Showers on Skin

While a hot shower might feel comforting in cold weather, it can be detrimental to skin health. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and potential irritation. To protect your skin:

  • Use lukewarm water instead of hot water for bathing
  • Limit shower time to 5-10 minutes
  • Pat skin dry gently instead of rubbing
  • Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing while skin is still damp

Does the type of towel used affect skin dryness? Yes, the texture and material of your towel can impact skin hydration. Opt for soft, absorbent towels made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. Avoid rough, scratchy textures that can irritate the skin. Additionally, consider changing your towels frequently to prevent the buildup of bacteria that could potentially irritate sensitive winter skin.

Sun Protection: A Year-Round Necessity

Many people mistakenly believe that sun protection is only necessary during summer months. However, UV radiation can damage skin year-round, even on cloudy winter days. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing your exposure.

Choosing the Right Winter Sunscreen

When selecting a sunscreen for winter use, consider the following factors:

  • Broad-spectrum protection: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
  • SPF 30 or higher: This level of protection is recommended for daily use
  • Moisturizing formulas: Look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients to combat winter dryness
  • Physical vs. chemical sunscreens: Physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less irritating for sensitive winter skin

Should you reapply sunscreen as often in winter? While you may not need to reapply sunscreen as frequently as in summer, it’s still important to reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re spending extended time outdoors, especially during activities like skiing or snowboarding where UV exposure can be intense.

Additional Sun Protection Measures

Beyond sunscreen, consider these additional measures for comprehensive sun protection in winter:

  • Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants
  • Use a hat with a wide brim to protect your face and neck
  • Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them
  • Seek shade during peak sun hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm

Can certain medications increase sun sensitivity in winter? Yes, some medications can increase photosensitivity, making your skin more susceptible to sun damage even in winter. These can include certain antibiotics, acne medications, and some blood pressure drugs. If you’re taking any medications, consult with your healthcare provider about potential sun sensitivity and take extra precautions with sun protection.

Nutrition and Hydration for Winter Skin Health

While topical skincare is crucial, what we put into our bodies also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin during winter months. A balanced diet rich in certain nutrients can help support skin barrier function, hydration, and overall skin health.

Key Nutrients for Winter Skin

Include these nutrients in your diet to support skin health from the inside out:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, these can help reduce inflammation and support skin barrier function
  • Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens
  • Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage, found in nuts, seeds, and avocados
  • Zinc: Supports skin healing and can be found in lean meats, seafood, and legumes
  • Beta-carotene: Converted to vitamin A in the body, it supports skin cell turnover and can be found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables

Can certain foods exacerbate winter skin issues? While individual responses can vary, some people find that certain foods can trigger or worsen skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, and nightshade vegetables. If you suspect food sensitivities are affecting your skin, consider keeping a food diary and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for guidance.

Hydration Strategies for Winter

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining skin health, especially during dry winter months. However, many people find it challenging to drink enough water when it’s cold outside. Try these strategies to stay hydrated:

  • Drink warm herbal teas throughout the day
  • Eat water-rich foods like soups, stews, and fruits
  • Use a water tracking app to monitor your intake
  • Keep a water bottle with you at all times
  • Consider adding electrolytes to your water for better hydration

Does drinking hot water provide any additional benefits for skin hydration? While the temperature of water doesn’t significantly affect its hydrating properties, some people find it easier to drink more water when it’s warm or hot. Additionally, warm water can help improve circulation, which can contribute to a healthy glow. However, be cautious with very hot beverages, as they can potentially damage the delicate tissues in your mouth and throat.

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Winter dry skin: Causes, treatment, and more

Dry skin is more common in the winter than in the warmer months. The changes in humidity and temperature at this time of the year can irritate the skin.

Dry skin can affect many people during the winter, and the severity of the symptoms can vary significantly. Various treatments can replenish the moisture of the skin and relieve the symptoms. People can also take certain steps to prevent the skin from becoming dry.

This article looks at dry winter skin in more detail, including its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment.

Winter brings changes in humidity and temperature that create perfect conditions for causing dry skin, also known as xerosis.

The outermost layer of the skin is called the epidermis. The thin outer surface of the epidermis is the stratum corneum, also known as the skin barrier.

A combination of lipids and dying or dead skin cells makes up the skin barrier. The skin barrier forms a layer of protection that prevents harmful toxins from entering the body. When the skin barrier sustains damage, the skin appears dry or irritated.

Moisture is essential for the skin barrier to perform well. Research has shown that there is less moisture in the skin during winter than in the summer, as well as fewer lipids in the skin barrier. These differences contribute to dryness and irritation.

During the winter months, people often turn their indoor heating up high, which reduces humidity and affects how much moisture is available to the skin.

At the same time, the cold outdoor weather, harsh winds, and rain can strip the skin of its natural, moisturizing oils.

Taking hot baths or showers can also damage the surface of the skin, leading to dryness, according to the Baylor College of Medicine. Using harsh soaps and rubbing the skin vigorously when drying it can contribute to skin damage.

The level of moisture in the skin also varies with age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental factors. Other medical conditions can also contribute to dry skin.

Dryness that results from damage to the skin barrier during winter can lead to:

  • flaking
  • rough patches
  • cracks
  • redness, in lighter skin tones
  • itching
  • stinging
  • a raw, sensitive-to-the-touch feeling

People may experience several of these symptoms at the same time. The right treatment should reduce their severity.

Dry and damaged skin needs moisture replenishment. It is best to keep a skin care regimen as simple as possible when treating dry skin. A simple regimen avoids overloading the skin with unnecessary products, such as toners, serums, and heavy makeup.

Using a moisturizer is the best way to rehydrate the epidermis and prevent water loss from the skin. Thick, greasy moisturizers without perfumes are generally the best option. Thinner gels, lotions, and creams can cause stinging when a person uses them on irritated skin.

Moisturizers containing emollients, which include linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids, can help smooth the surface of the skin. They fill the spaces between skin cells where there has been a loss of moisture.

Humectants in moisturizers help attract moisture to the skin. Examples of humectants include:

  • ceramides
  • hyaluronic acid
  • glycerin
  • sorbitol

Other ingredients, such as lanolin, silicone, and mineral oil, help seal moisture into the skin. They also form a protective barrier to reduce damage from environmental factors.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, it is very important to apply moisturizer as soon as possible after patting the skin dry following a shower or bath. This approach will seal in as much moisture as possible.

When the seasons start to change, people can avoid getting dry winter skin by taking the following steps:

  • Adjusting skin care regimens: Skin requires different treatment during colder weather, including the use of a more protective moisturizer. Cutting back on exfoliating scrubs, face masks, and steam treatments will also reduce damage to the skin barrier.
  • Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of water boosts skin hydration, which helps it stay smooth. Eating foods or taking supplements that contain omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids might also help.
  • Using a humidifier: This device can introduce moisture back into the air, helping rehydrate the outer layer of skin. Alternatively, a person can place a bowl of water on top of a radiator so that as the heat rises, it carries water vapor along with it.
  • Limiting exposure to heat: People can do this by taking a lukewarm bath or shower rather than a hot one and avoiding sitting in front of a fire or heater. Excessive heat can draw vital moisture away from the skin.
  • Protecting the skin with clothing: Many people experience dry skin on the hands, particularly now that regular hand washing and sanitizing have become more commonplace. Wearing gloves in cold temperatures and when washing dishes will help prevent the skin from drying out.

The use of home remedies can improve most cases of dry skin. If they have no effect, a person can contact a healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, doctor, or dermatologist. These professionals can prescribe the right products or recommend next steps.

Dry winter skin is not an inevitable consequence of the coldest season. Being conscious of the skin barrier and what it needs to stay healthy can help people take the necessary steps to prevent this uncomfortable condition.

How to keep your skin beautiful and healthy in winter

How to keep your skin beautiful and healthy in winter

In our section on health, we have already talked about the fact that the skin is a kind of “mirror of health” of our body. And in order for it to conscientiously fulfill its many functions, it is necessary to pay special attention to it. Dermatologists of City Clinical Hospital No. 52 Igor Gennadyevich Maimasov and Nikolai Valentinovich Gorbachuk talk about the features of skin care in winter.

What problems await our skin in winter? Firstly, the air in the room dried up from heating devices. Secondly, frost and cold wind outside. Thirdly, a sharp temperature drop when you leave the house on the street. Not only open parts of the body suffer, but also those that are protected by clothing. Therefore, we will focus on all possible areas of the skin that require close attention in the winter season, and start with the skin of the face most exposed to environmental factors.

FACE

If we somehow protect and shelter all other parts of the body from frost and wind, then the face takes on all the blows of winter weather. Under the influence of low temperatures and wind, the skin becomes dry, more sensitive, wrinkles easily form on it. From low temperature, blood vessels constrict, and the skin of the face lacks the nutrients brought by the blood.

Thus, winter facial care should include additional moisturizing and nourishing the skin, as well as protection from frost and wind.

Moisturizing

After washing and cleansing your face, be sure to use a tonic or lotion – it forms a film that retains moisture in the skin.

Do not use moisturizing cream during winter windy weather and outdoor sports. In winter, it is recommended to apply such a cream on the face at night, and in the morning, before going outside, use a nourishing one, it will protect against frost. If you use two types of cream of the same brand – moisturizing and night, just swap them. By the way, in winter, a foundation cream made on a greasy basis protects well from the cold.

If you used to use moisturizers for oily skin, switch to products for normal skin in winter. If the skin is normal, use moisturizers for dry skin. If the skin is dry, use your usual moisturizer, but 1.5-2 times more often than at other times of the year.

Nutrition

A nourishing cream applied in the morning should be thick and oily, and even in our middle lane should have UV protection – with a minimum SPF factor of 15. The cream is applied ten minutes before applying the foundation. If you’re going to ski slopes, your morning cream should be at least SPF 30, preferably SPF 50. The same goes for your lipstick.

Pay attention to the products of Russian manufacturers. Face care products from the Svoboda, Nevskaya Kosmetika, and Black Pearl factories take into account the specifics of the climate of the middle zone, which differs significantly from the European one. Also consider cosmetics produced in the countries of northern Europe (in Finland, Sweden), which takes into account climatic features, including our country, and combines components that provide protection and nutrition. Pay attention to the content of face cream, including eye cream, 100% natural oils, herbal extracts, vitamins A and E, which are the main active substances: nourish and soften the skin, activate metabolic processes in it, increase elasticity and elasticity. Creams containing emollients (squalane, rep and avocado phytosterols, macadamia, argan, jojoba oil), oligoelements (zinc and silicon), essential fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic) will be useful.

LIPS

The same rules apply to protecting lips in winter. Frost and wind, and especially the habit of breathing in the cold through the mouth, cause peeling of the lips. Therefore, at this time of the year, hygienic lipstick or a special moisturizing balm should always be on the lips. Pay attention to the composition of your winter lipstick: it should be based on beeswax and fat and contain an SPF of at least 20.

If your lips are flaky, use a special lip scrub. At home, it is useful to lubricate the lips with honey or cucumber juice. Remarkable nutrition for the lips are vegetable oils – castor, olive, applied for 10 minutes daily. You can add a few drops of lemon to the oil if you like.

BODY

In winter, however strange it may seem, you should not take a hot shower – only a warm one. Hot water increases heat and water transfer, and the skin dries faster. prolonged exposure to hot water will completely strip the skin of its protective fatty layer, leading to increased dryness. Absolutely deny yourself the pleasure of soaking in the bath is not worth it, but you need to remember the duration of pleasure – no more than 15 minutes, and the water temperature should not exceed 40 ° C. In winter, do not use ordinary soap, prefer moisturizing cream-soap, shower gel containing cream. Once a week, you can also use a body scrub instead of shower gel or before it to remove dead cells from the surface layer of the skin. After a shower, use body milk, applying it to the entire surface evenly, massaging movements.

HANDS

The skin of the hands is very delicate, it instantly reacts to lack of care, becoming dry, tight and cracked. The “winter” rule is that you should always wear mittens or gloves on the street. You need to stop using antibacterial hand cleaners – they lead to dry skin. Try to wash dishes and clean the house only with gloves.

Thick creams are suitable for hand care. At night, it is good to make special masks: apply a thick layer of cream on the hands, put on cotton gloves and do nothing for at least 2 hours (you can go to bed).

LEGS

In winter, you need to take care of your feet even more than in summer. Due to constant contact with woolen fabrics and dense synthetics (socks and tights), insufficient air exchange due to wearing closed shoes, the skin of the feet becomes drier than usual. Hyperkeratosis occurs – a thickening of the upper layer of the epidermis and, unfortunately, the usual pedicure does not help in such cases. It is necessary to use daily creams and other cosmetics that contain keratolytics – active substances that soften and remove dead skin (they include salicylic and lactic acid, urea), as well as foot scrubs (they contain coarser exfoliating components than scrubs for body).

Oil wraps help to soften rough skin of the feet: warm oil (olive, peach or coconut) is applied to the feet, woolen socks are put on the feet. After 30 minutes, the oil is washed off with warm water. At night, you need to use a nourishing foot cream, more oily than in summer. Before going to bed, it is also advisable to do a foot massage – it relieves fatigue and stimulates metabolic processes in the body.
In the morning after a shower, before putting on tights and socks, it is useful to use fast-absorbing moisturizers with a deodorizing effect to prevent dryness and eliminate unpleasant odors throughout the day. And take it as an obligatory rule: in order for your legs to “breathe”, change your shoes indoors, change winter shoes for lighter replacement ones.

MOISTURIZING FROM WITHIN

You also need to take care of moisturizing the skin from the inside, for which you should drink more fluids. It can be plain water, juice, compote. Tea and coffee, on the contrary, contribute to a more rapid removal of moisture from the body – they should not be abused. The average amount of fluid taken per day in winter should be at least 2 liters.

INDOOR CLIMATE

Winter skin care is not only masks, tonics and creams. This is also the observance of adequate temperature and humidity conditions in the apartment and at work.

To reduce the degree of dehydration and drying of the skin (caused by central heating radiators and air conditioning), it is necessary to keep the air temperature in the room at a level of 18-20 ° C, if possible, and be sure to use humidifiers (steam humidifiers or ultrasonic water sprayers), especially at night. If it is not possible to use special appliances, you can simply pour water into wide containers and place them on window sills or cabinets – water, evaporating at room temperature, will create an optimal level of humidity.

IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS

In case of alarming symptoms of the skin or exacerbation of chronic skin diseases at any time of the year, dermatologists of City Clinical Hospital No. 52 will come to your aid. You can sign up for a consultation by calling (495) 870-36- 04 from 9:00 to 21:00 daily or through the form Leave a request for a call back.

Winter skin care, or How to protect your skin from winter frosts: 19 secrets from the world’s top experts

“Moisture levels plummet as cold weather sets in,” says Arabella Preston, former makeup artist for Kate Middleton and co-founder of Votary. – Add to this the air that is overdried by central heating and the fact that the sebaceous glands become sluggish in cold weather, and even normal healthy skin can feel dehydrated. Often it becomes sensitive, which can lead to more serious skin conditions.”

So what to do? “During the winter months, it’s important to tweak your skincare a little,” says Jasmine Vico, specialist who consults Jodie Comer. Vogue turned to seven top experts — from Bella Hadid’s adored Dr. Barbara Sturm to Sofia Richie’s trusted Sunday Riley — for advice.

Arabella Preston, co-founder of Votary

1. Layer skin care products

Just as you would layer your favorite winter coat over a cashmere jumper or thermal underwear, apply moisturizing serums, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, to clean skin acid then oil for the face, and on top of a nourishing cream.

2. Protect your skin when in contact with water

Try a cleansing oil before bathing or showering, leave it on while bathing, then rinse off. Apply face or body care product to still damp skin. This will help retain moisture and make the skin supple.

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3. Be extra careful around the eyes and lips

The skin in these areas is thinner and has almost no sebaceous glands that perform barrier functions. For the eye area, use serums and oils that soothe and protect. On the lips, use occlusive balms (moisture-retaining, not moisturizing) to provide protection from negative factors.

Emma Coleman, Registered General Nurse in Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

4. Avoid harsh cleansers with a high alcohol content

Choose from cream textures or balms. If the skin is very dry, clean it in two steps: first with water, and then with the help of cosmetics.

5. Use a high vitamin C serum

It promotes collagen production and cell renewal.

6. Apply honey mask three times a week

Perform this treatment in the evening after removing make-up. Honey is a natural humectant, or rather, it is able to retain moisture. This ritual will instantly give your skin a healthy glow.

7. Apply face oil at night

Choose products that contain ingredients with strong moisturizing properties: rosehip, soy and jojoba.

Jasmine Vico, skin care specialist

8. Buy a humidifier 093

Harsh winter weather often causes skin problems because humidity is low both indoors and outdoors. and on the street. Using a humidifier will prevent overdrying of the air, which, in turn, will help replenish moisture in the upper layer of the epidermis.

9. Wear breathable fabrics

Choose underwear made from lightweight soft fabrics, not synthetic materials that can cause itching.

10. Choose products with natural ingredients

Scented body cream dries the skin even more – try switching to unscented products with natural ingredients.

Dr. Elif Benard, dermatologist

11. Choose the right moisturizer for your skin type

Moisturizers act as a barrier to retain moisture and hydrate the outer layers of the skin. If you have oily skin, opt for non-comedogenic, water-based moisturizers. Dry skin needs a thicker, oil-based moisturizer to rehydrate.

12. Avoid hot showers and baths

Hot water evaporates quickly, robbing the skin of essential moisture and damaging its natural protective barrier. Apply moisturizers immediately after bathing.

Dr. Barbara Sturm, aesthetic medicine specialist

13. Avoid dehydrating ingredients

These include mineral oils and aggressive acid peels that damage skin cells and greatly reduce its barrier function. They lead to transepidermal moisture loss, thereby exposing the skin to negative factors.

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14. Include lipids in your skin care routine

It is important to have a moisturizer that contains lipids and antioxidants. To improve barrier functions and maintain skin balance during the cold season, nourishing products with protective ingredients such as grape seed oil are recommended.

15. Use a gentle exfoliator

It is important to use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead and dry cells from the surface of the skin and allow serums and creams to be more deeply absorbed – this is the most effective way to combat dullness and blackheads.

Dr. Paul Nassif, Plastic Surgeon, Founder of NassifMD Dermaceuticals

16. Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid into Your Care

Using hyaluronic acid is an amazing way to prevent skin dehydration without resorting to heavy creams. Hyaluronic acid molecules can hold up to 1000 times their own weight in water.

17. Use sunscreen

The most important thing you can do for your skin is to use sunscreen every day (minimum SPF 30).