What causes dry skin in winter. How can you treat winter-related skin dryness. Which prevention methods are most effective for maintaining skin health during cold months. What role does humidity play in winter skin care. How do indoor heating systems affect skin moisture levels.

Understanding the Impact of Winter on Skin Health

Winter brings a host of challenges for skin health, primarily due to the significant changes in temperature and humidity levels. These environmental shifts can lead to a condition known as xerosis, or dry skin, which affects many individuals during the colder months. The severity of symptoms can vary widely, but understanding the underlying causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

The Science Behind Winter Skin Dryness

The outermost layer of our skin, called the epidermis, plays a vital role in protecting our body from external elements. Within the epidermis, the stratum corneum, also known as the skin barrier, is composed of lipids and dying or dead skin cells. This barrier is essential for preventing harmful toxins from entering the body and maintaining skin health.

During winter, several factors contribute to the breakdown of this protective barrier:

• Reduced humidity in the air
• Harsh cold winds
• Increased use of indoor heating
• Hot showers and baths
• Use of harsh soaps and vigorous towel drying

Research has shown that skin moisture levels are significantly lower in winter compared to summer, with fewer lipids present in the skin barrier. This combination of factors leads to the common symptoms of dry winter skin.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Winter-Induced Dry Skin

Identifying the signs of dry skin is the first step towards effective treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Flaking and rough patches
• Visible cracks in the skin
• Redness (especially noticeable in lighter skin tones)
• Itching and stinging sensations
• Increased sensitivity to touch

These symptoms often occur simultaneously and can vary in intensity. Prompt recognition allows for timely intervention and relief.

How does age affect skin dryness in winter?

Age plays a significant role in skin’s susceptibility to dryness, particularly during winter months. As we age, our skin naturally produces less oil, making it more prone to dehydration. Additionally, the skin’s ability to retain moisture decreases over time. This means that older individuals may experience more severe symptoms of dry skin during winter and may require more intensive moisturizing routines to maintain skin health.

Effective Treatments for Winter Dry Skin

Addressing winter dry skin requires a targeted approach focused on replenishing and retaining moisture. The key to successful treatment lies in simplifying your skincare routine and choosing products that provide maximum hydration.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer

Moisturizers are the cornerstone of dry skin treatment. When selecting a moisturizer for winter use, consider the following factors:

• Thickness: Opt for thicker, cream-based moisturizers over lighter lotions
• Ingredients: Look for products containing emollients, humectants, and occlusive agents
• Fragrance-free: Avoid perfumed products that may further irritate sensitive skin

Emollients such as linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids help smooth the skin’s surface by filling in gaps between skin cells. Humectants like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and sorbitol attract moisture to the skin. Occlusive ingredients like lanolin, silicone, and mineral oil create a protective barrier, sealing in moisture and shielding skin from environmental stressors.

When is the best time to apply moisturizer?

The timing of moisturizer application is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering, while the skin is still damp. This technique helps lock in moisture, creating a more effective barrier against dryness. For best results, gently pat your skin dry with a towel, leaving it slightly moist, then promptly apply your chosen moisturizer.

Preventive Measures to Combat Winter Skin Dryness

Prevention is often more effective than treatment when it comes to winter skin care. By implementing a few key strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing dry, irritated skin during colder months.

Adjusting Your Skincare Routine for Winter

As seasons change, so should your skincare regimen. Consider the following adjustments:

• Switch to a more emollient, protective moisturizer
• Reduce the frequency of exfoliating scrubs and harsh face masks
• Limit the use of steam treatments, which can strip skin of natural oils
• Incorporate hydrating serums or facial oils into your routine

How can diet impact skin hydration during winter?

Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, especially during winter. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is essential, but certain nutrients can also support skin hydration from within. Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, can help strengthen the skin’s barrier function. Additionally, consuming fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants can protect skin cells from damage caused by harsh winter conditions.

The Role of Environmental Factors in Winter Skin Care

Understanding and managing environmental factors is key to maintaining healthy skin throughout the winter months. Two primary considerations are humidity levels and exposure to heat sources.

Humidity: A Key Factor in Skin Health

Low humidity is a major contributor to winter skin dryness. To combat this, consider using a humidifier in your home or office. These devices add moisture to the air, which can help rehydrate the outer layer of skin. For a budget-friendly alternative, placing a bowl of water on top of a radiator can create a similar effect, as the heat causes water vapor to rise and increase ambient humidity.

How do indoor heating systems affect skin moisture?

While indoor heating provides comfort during cold weather, it can significantly impact skin health. Heating systems, particularly forced-air heating, can drastically reduce indoor humidity levels. This dry air draws moisture from the skin, exacerbating dryness and irritation. To mitigate this effect, maintain a moderate indoor temperature and use a humidifier to balance the air’s moisture content. Additionally, consider using a hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity levels, aiming for a range between 30-50%.

Protecting Skin from External Aggressors

External factors can have a significant impact on skin health during winter. Protecting your skin from these elements is crucial for preventing dryness and irritation.

Limiting Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Both hot and cold extremes can damage the skin barrier. Consider the following precautions:

• Opt for lukewarm water when bathing or showering
• Avoid sitting directly in front of heaters or fireplaces
• Limit time spent outdoors in harsh, cold conditions
• Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser to avoid stripping natural oils

How can clothing choices affect skin health in winter?

Clothing plays a vital role in protecting skin from harsh winter conditions. Opt for soft, breathable fabrics that don’t irritate the skin. Layer clothing to trap warm air close to the body without overheating. Pay special attention to exposed areas like hands and face. Wearing gloves not only protects against cold but also shields skin from drying effects of frequent hand washing and sanitizing. For facial protection, consider using a scarf or face covering when outdoors to block wind and retain moisture.

Special Considerations for Hand and Body Care

While facial skin often receives the most attention, it’s crucial not to neglect the rest of your body during winter months. Hands and body require specific care to maintain health and comfort in cold weather.

Hand Care in Winter

Hands are particularly vulnerable to dryness and cracking in winter due to frequent washing and exposure to harsh elements. To protect your hands:

• Use lukewarm water and a gentle soap when washing
• Apply hand cream immediately after washing
• Wear gloves when outdoors and while doing dishes or housework
• Consider using a thick, occlusive moisturizer at night, paired with cotton gloves for intensive treatment

How can you care for your body skin during winter?

Body skin requires attention to prevent dryness and itching during colder months. Start by adjusting your bathing routine: use warm (not hot) water, limit shower time to 5-10 minutes, and opt for a moisturizing body wash. After bathing, pat skin dry gently and apply a rich body lotion or cream while skin is still damp. Pay extra attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and feet. For severe dryness, consider using body oils or balms for added protection. Don’t forget to exfoliate gently once a week to remove dead skin cells and improve moisturizer absorption.

Advanced Treatments for Persistent Winter Skin Issues

For some individuals, standard moisturizing routines may not be sufficient to combat severe winter-induced skin dryness. In these cases, more advanced treatments might be necessary.

Topical Treatments

When over-the-counter moisturizers aren’t enough, consider the following options:

• Hydrocortisone creams for short-term relief of itching and inflammation
• Prescription emollients containing urea or lactic acid for intense moisturization
• Barrier repair creams that help restore the skin’s natural protective layer

When should you consult a dermatologist for winter skin issues?

While many cases of winter dry skin can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical advice is necessary. Consult a dermatologist if you experience:

• Severe itching that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Skin that cracks and bleeds
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus
• No improvement after consistently using over-the-counter treatments for several weeks
• Symptoms that worsen or spread despite home care

A dermatologist can provide a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription-strength moisturizers, topical medications, or other advanced therapies tailored to your specific skin needs.

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.

11 Tips to Help Prevent Dry Skin

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of dry skin include:

• flakiness or scaliness
• redness
• rough texture
• itchiness
• raw, irritated skin
• cracks in your skin
• stinging or burning

The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. Symptoms can range in severity and look different depending on the area of your body that’s affected.

Dry winter skin isn’t inevitable. By making some changes to your skin care regimen and habits, and using the right products, you may be able to keep your skin looking soft, smooth, and vibrant all winter long.

Let’s take a closer look at 11 tips that may help you boost the health of your skin during the colder months of the year.

1. Moisturize right after washing

Any time you wash your face, hands, or body, you strip your skin of its natural oils. Since these oils help to lock in moisture, it’s vital to replace them. That’s why it’s important to use a moisturizer any time you wash your skin, especially in winter.

As a helpful reminder, try stocking a bottle of moisturizer next to your sink and keep a travel-size moisturizer with you when you’re on the go.

Moisturizers that work particularly well for dry winter skin include:

• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion. Developed by dermatologists, this moisturizer includes three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin and protect your skin’s moisture barrier.
• Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. Formulated with glacial glycoprotein and olive-derived squalane, this lightweight facial moisturizer is specifically formulated to help your skin withstand cold, dry conditions.
• Nivea Soft Moisturizing Creme. This nourishing hand and body cream contains both vitamin E and jojoba oil. Its lightweight formula allows it to absorb quickly into your skin.

2. Apply sunscreen daily

Given the shorter winter days and less sunlight, it can be tempting to cut sunscreen out of your morning routine — but think again. Even in winter, harmful UV light can still stress your skin’s moisture barrier, which is vital for maintaining skin health and hydration.

Try adding a layer of sunscreen each morning after you’ve applied a moisturizer.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

3. Use overnight treatments

Overnight treatments are an excellent way to revitalize or prevent dry skin. Emollients are great for moisturizing. However, because they’re a heavier type of cream, it can take longer for them to be absorbed into your skin.

By applying an emollient to your skin overnight, your skin will have the time it needs to absorb the treatment and for the emollient to replenish your skin with the moisture and oils it needs.

If you’re applying an ointment to your hands or feet, consider wrapping them in a plastic bag or gloves to prevent spreading the emollient on your sheets or bed covers.

Some emollients that you may want to consider, include:

• Mary Kay Extra Emollient Night Cream. This thick overnight moisturizer can be used on your face, hands, feet, or any area that feels rough and dry. A little goes a long way.
• Aveeno Skin Relief Intense Moisture Repair Cream. This moisturizer contains oat flour, oat oil, ceramides, and rich emollients that can provide deep hydration to the skin on any part of your body.
• Cutemol Emollient Skin Cream. Containing beeswax and rich emollients, this moisturizing cream is especially helpful for healing skin that’s been damaged by frequent handwashing.

4. Adjust your skin care routine

If the skin on your face seems to be especially sensitive or irritated due to the dry winter air, you may want to consider simplifying your skin care routine for the time being.

Keep in mind that your skin’s moisture barrier needs to be healthy in order to respond well to serums, toners, and other types of beauty treatments.

Also, if your skin is irritated, it might be more sensitive to ingredients like fragrance and alcohol. This means that products that would normally feel great on your face could turn into irritants.

Try keeping your skin care routine simple. Consider using just a moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning, and a gentle cleanser with a moisturizer at night.

Once you feel confident that your skin’s moisture barrier is healthy, you can slowly incorporate other treatments and ingredients back into your routine.

5. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers help to add moisture back into the air, which can be especially helpful when indoor heating is cranked up in the winter months. Having more moisture in the air can help act as a natural moisturizing agent which, in turn, may prevent and relieve skin dryness.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, a humidifier setting of 60 percent in winter can replenish moisture in the top layer of your skin.

6. Dial down the temperature

A hot shower or bath at the end of a cold winter’s day can feel especially soothing. But, to keep your skin nourished, you may want to keep the water temperature closer to lukewarm.

According to the Baylor College of Medicine, hot water can strip away your skin’s natural oils faster than lukewarm water (which is typically around 98.6°F/37°C), and possibly even cause damage.

Also, take care when you dry your skin after bathing or showering. Instead of vigorously rubbing, gently pat your skin with a soft towel, which may allow some of the moisture to hydrate the top layer of your skin.

7. Go easy on exfoliants and scrubs

Exfoliation, which helps remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, can help keep your skin looking smooth and vibrant. But, it’s possible to overexfoliate your skin if you do it too often or use the wrong products.

If your skin looks dry or flaky, you may want to opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant rather than a physical scrub. Harsher scrubs with large particles may be more likely to break down your skin’s moisture barrier and cause damage.

If your skin is cracked, raw, or irritated, it may be best to avoid exfoliation until your skin has healed.

8. Try adding occlusives to your routine

Earlier, we mentioned using emollients to help smooth and repair your skin barrier. But, if you find that emollient ingredients aren’t doing enough to heal your dry skin, you may want to consider incorporating occlusive ingredients into your skin care routine.

Occlusive ingredients provide a physical barrier to lock moisture into your skin. Examples of occlusive ingredients include:

• shea butter
• cocoa butter
• rosehip oil
• jojoba oil
• petroleum jelly-based products like Vaseline and Aquaphor

The best way to work these products into your routine is to apply them once or twice per day after moisturizing.

9. Hydrate from the inside

Another key step to keeping your skin healthy and glowing is to make sure you’re staying well hydrated throughout the day. Not taking in enough fluid can affect the appearance of your skin and also make it more susceptible to drying out.

In addition to staying well hydrated, you may also want to focus on eating foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

Both of these nutrients can protect your cells from environmental damage and help your body make healthy cells, including skin cells.

10. Opt for nonirritating fabrics

A good rule when dealing with any skin problem is to avoid wearing harsh materials. And dry skin is no exception. If the skin on your body is extra dry, try wearing loose, comfortable, natural fabrics to reduce the risk of extra physical irritation.

Also, avoid washing your clothes in regular detergents. Look for detergents formulated for sensitive skin, which will likely be free of harsh chemicals and fragrances.

11. Wear gloves

Gloves are the ultimate physical barrier against environmental agents that can dry out the skin on your hands.

To protect your hands, wear warm gloves when stepping out into the cold and use a pair of silicone gloves when washing dishes.

Limiting the dry air and hot water that touches your skin can help keep your hands smooth and well hydrated.

While many at-home remedies can help combat dry skin, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider or dermatologist if your dry skin symptoms become worse or don’t improve.

They will have recommendations for over-the-counter and prescription treatments meant just for your symptoms.

It’s not uncommon to experience dry, flaky skin in winter that not only affects your face, but also your hands, feet, and other areas that are exposed to the elements.

The key to keeping your skin healthy is to moisturize your skin frequently with the right products. It’s also important to go easy on exfoliating scrubs, hot water, and other skin care treatments.

Using a humidifier, wearing nonirritating fabrics and gloves, and staying well hydrated can protect your skin, too.

If you find that your dry skin isn’t improving with at-home remedies, consider following up with your healthcare provider for the right treatment.

top 7 rules of care – symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
In winter, the skin is under severe stress. Lack of heat, oxygen and sunlight, sudden changes in temperature and humidity, icy wind worsen her condition.

The causes of dry skin in the cold season are:

• decrease in sebum secretion – the natural lipid film that protects against external influences and inhibits the evaporation of moisture from the skin surface becomes thinner and cannot fully perform the barrier function;
• reduced fluid intake – skin cells are not sufficiently moisturized from the inside;
• deterioration of blood supply – the skin receives less nutrients;
• insufficient production of elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid – the ability of the skin to recover is deteriorating.

Under the influence of low temperatures, the scales of the epidermis quickly die off, form a dense stratum corneum, which interferes with skin respiration and serves as a favorable environment for the vital activity of bacteria. As a result, inflammation, irritation, itching, microcracks occur. To avoid this, in winter the skin needs special protection and care.

7 rules for skin care in winter

In winter, the skin needs four things:

• cleansing – cosmetics, dirt, dead skin cells must be removed in a timely manner
• moisturizing – both the skin and the air in the room should be moisturized
• nutrition – not only superficial nutrition (masks) is important, but also a balanced wholesome diet
• protection – products are needed to help the skin withstand frost and icy winds

The cold season dictates its own rules for skin care. In winter, cleansing should be gentle, moisturizing and nourishing – intensive, protection – enhanced. Follow the seven basic rules to maintain healthy skin.

1. Gentle cleansing

The main goal of cleansing the skin in winter is not to overdry it, try to preserve the natural lipid film. To remove cosmetics, you need to use alcohol-free lotion, tonic, special milk, cream-gel, balm, micellar water. Washing water should be at room temperature, instead of tap water, it is better to use mineral water. Detergents should be selected with a low alkali content and with vegetable oils or glycerin in the composition.

2. Gentle exfoliation

The upper layer of the dermis dies off constantly: exfoliating procedures must be carried out all year round. In winter, the process of cell death intensifies, the skin becomes less elastic and more sensitive to irritants. Aggressive peels and scrubs used in the warm season are not suitable for winter care. Instead, it is recommended to use gommages and exfoliating creams that dissolve impurities and dead cells.

3. Proper nutrition

A special role in maintaining skin health is played by vitamins A, B, C, E and trace elements – zinc, selenium. They must be present in the diet. A positive effect on the skin in winter is provided by various masks using fruits, eggs, honey, fermented milk products, oily vitamin solutions, or ready-made products manufactured by cosmetic companies.

4. Enhanced Humidification

Creams used in spring and summer are usually water-based and have a light, fine texture. Winter moisturizer should be thicker, enriched with moisture-retaining ingredients: silicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, natural oils. Salon procedures have a more stable and visible effect: professional moisturizing masks and injections.

5. Problematic skin – special attention

Problematic skin in winter becomes even more vulnerable and sensitive to the usual procedures. Drying and matting masks against seborrhea and acne should be reduced to 2 times a week, exfoliation is recommended no more than once a week. For all skin types, products containing alcohol are contraindicated; when caring for oily skin in winter, creams containing paraffin and mineral oils should be avoided.

6. Daily protection

The choice of a daytime protective cream in winter depends on the type of skin. Dry – a fat cream enriched with vitamins is most suitable, oily and combined – a light oil-based cream. For sensitive skin, hypoallergenic products are preferred. Make-up using foundation, powder and other dense substances also provides good protection from the cold.

7. Beware of UV!

In winter, the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation no less than in summer. Even in light cloudiness, the sun’s rays are reflected from the snow and, depending on the intensity, can cause sunburn and burns. If you plan to stay outdoors for a long time, you should definitely apply a cream with SPF in the composition to exposed skin.

What if you don’t take care of your skin

During the day, we expose our skin to temperature changes many times. There is an icy wind with snow outside, and warm air dried by radiators indoors. The contrast can be more than 20 degrees. The consequences of such changes are:

• dry and tight skin
• rosacea – enlargement of small vessels on the face
• cold allergy – when low temperatures become an allergen causing swelling, irritation, blisters on the skin
• exacerbations of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes
• if the frost is severe, frostbite may occur

Lack of proper care leads to loss of skin elasticity, premature aging, and the appearance of age spots. Once acquired, rosacea will forever remain a cosmetic defect, which is quite difficult to deal with.

Winter Care Features

In the cold season, not only the skin of the face needs care: no less attention should be paid to the body, hands, lips, feet.

Body

Body care in winter consists of regular hygiene procedures using mild detergents with glycerin and vegetable oils in the composition. The water should not be very hot. After swimming or a refreshing shower, it is useful to apply a moisturizer to the skin of the body.

Hands

The skin of the hands has a weaker natural protection than the face or body, and is largely exposed to external factors. Hand skin care in winter consists, first of all, in its mechanical protection from the cold. Wearing mittens and gloves helps not only to keep warm, but also to protect the skin from hypothermia and frostbite. The skin of the hands also needs to be moisturized and protected by choosing the appropriate creams for this.

Lips

The skin of the lips is very vulnerable to exposure to low temperatures. In the cold, the lips quickly dry out and crack. Taking care of your lips in winter is to constantly moisturise them. For this purpose, hygienic lipstick or balm is suitable. These funds should be applied not only before going out, but also indoors.

Face

Facial skin is defenseless in winter without special care. It cannot be completely protected from frost and wind, and damage caused by exposure to cold air is very difficult to mask. Facial skin care in winter should be especially thorough, competent, consistent and regular. All care products should be selected taking into account the needs of this type of skin and the individual characteristics of the organism.

Winter care mistakes and how to avoid them

In winter, the skin requires special attention and delicate treatment. The most common care mistakes are associated with the use of rough products or cleansing methods. Skin in winter are contraindicated:

• scrubs with abrasive particles
• hot water
• “summer” cosmetics
• no UV protection
• towel drying “to warm up”
• dry make-up

In winter, you should follow a simple skin care rule: all cleansing, exfoliating procedures, as well as moisturizing, are best done in the evening, shortly before bedtime. Protective cream should be applied to exposed areas shortly (half an hour) before going outside.

When is the best time to see a dermatologist

Healthy skin has a healthy appearance and does not cause any discomfort. The reason to be wary should be symptoms that do not go away within a few hours or days:

• increased dryness
• itch
• peeling
• redness
• rashes
• edema
• pustules
• soreness
• weeping and blistering neoplasms

All these manifestations require the attention of a professional. Only a beautician in cooperation with a dermatologist can:

1. establish the true cause of the disease
2. prescribe adequate treatment
3. find the right skin repair products
4. give detailed advice on how to further care for your skin

In the NCC No. 2 (Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences), a dermatologist will help solve the problem much faster and more efficiently. In addition, in some cases, independent attempts to choose care for the skin can lead to a deterioration in its condition.

Winter skin care, dermatovenerologist consultation

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February 1, 2018

In winter, our skin is exposed to aggressive environmental factors especially strongly. Wind, temperature fluctuations from frost outside to heat indoors, dry air – all this is familiar to our winter. As a result, the skin becomes dry, looks pale, begins to peel off, and irritation appears. How to make skin beautiful in the cold season, and what you need to know for this?

Water treatments

No matter how much you want to soak in a hot bath after a cold, you should not be too zealous in this, especially when you have dry skin. The fact is that the blood vessels expand, which leads to an increased rate of evaporation of moisture. In winter, when the air in the rooms is already too dry, this will have an additional negative effect on your skin. Taking a cold shower is also not entirely correct, as it inhibits the work of the sebaceous glands, which we really need in winter, this also leads to increased dryness of the skin. Water should be warm: in winter, neither excessive cold nor high temperatures will do any good. Alternatively, you can take a contrast shower: the alternation of low and high temperatures makes the skin more elastic and elastic.

Before work in the morning it is better to refrain from water procedures. After them, it is better to go outside no earlier than after 2 hours. After a bath or shower, it is advisable to apply moisturizing milk or body balm to the skin.

Diet should be varied and include more fluids

Our diet and drinking regimen is especially important for the skin in winter, when the body lacks vitamins and moisture reserves quickly decrease. As a result of this, the skin becomes dry, lifeless, but this can be corrected. To do this, you need to eat fruits, vegetables, juices, lactic acid products, greens, cereals and cereals, fish in the diet. You should drink enough liquid, it can be raw water, green tea, cranberry or lingonberry juice, rosehip broth. All this will not only reduce skin problems, but also help the immune system fight viral infections and colds.

Hand skin requires special attention

In winter, hands also require careful care, as the skin begins to crack, turn red in the cold, its protective properties are weakened, and its nutrition worsens. This not only worsens the appearance of the skin of the hands, but also helps to accelerate the aging process.

In winter it is advisable to wear gloves or mittens to avoid contact with frosty air. You should not wash your hands before leaving the house, but applying a little oily cream will not hurt. If you notice excessive dryness of the skin of the hands due to the heating system running at full capacity and are not going to leave the room in the next few hours, you can use creams with a high moisturizing effect. On the contrary, such creams should not be used in the cold – the moisture included in their composition will freeze and cause skin irritation. You can also recommend oil baths for hands, which simultaneously warm them and nourish the skin.

You should also pay attention to clothes

Our skin needs to “breathe”, this is very important. In winter, she most often loses this opportunity – too warm clothes, sometimes in several layers this does not allow. If you want to maintain natural ventilation, cotton underwear should be worn, if possible, overly tight clothing should be avoided. But even in this case, from constant contact of the skin with clothes, it can dry and peel off, then you should use body milk or moisturizing gels more often.

Skin care

Avoid harsh scrubs and peels in winter, as they can damage the hydro-lipid mantle that protects our skin. It is desirable that the cream contains antioxidants, nourishing oils, peptides, phospholipids, minerals and vitamins for the skin: A, E, D, K. This combination will protect your skin from external adverse effects, tone its blood vessels and supply its cells all the necessary substances.

Choose the right cream for cold weather.

Highly moisturizing creams should only be used when you do not plan to go outside for several hours. A little moisturizing is acceptable, but it is recommended to apply such a cream at least 30-40 minutes before going out, during which time the moisture will be absorbed.