It is common to associate skin care with summer, mainly with sun protection to avoid the harmful effects of the sun. But in winter There are also factors that can harm it, especially in inland regions with a warmer climate. … extreme. Low temperatures, wind or indoor heating threaten the balance of the skin barrier, which can lead to dryness, redness or even peeling. Without forgetting that in high mountains, the combination of UV rays and snow causes burns.
The doctor Carlos Morales Rayadermatologist and medical director of the eponymous clinic, assures that “winter is a real environmental stress for the skin. The cold reduces skin blood flow and decreases the natural production of lipids, weakening the barrier function and increasing dryness, tightness and feelings of discomfort. Added to this is the dry environment caused by heating, which accelerates transepidermal water loss. The combination of cold outside and dry heat inside is the main trigger of dehydration, sensitivity and irritation.”
Skin with a damaged skin barrier not only loses its luminosity, it is also more tense, may show flaking, reddened areas, itching and presents a greater risk of skin infections and pathologies such as dermatitis, rosacea or acne. Without forgetting that dehydration, as dermatologist Morales Raya explains, “even if it does not cause deep wrinkles in itself, it promotes the appearance of deep wrinkles.” fine lines, loss of radiance and chronic inflammation. This deteriorates the quality of collagen in the long term.
Most sensitive areas
The face and hands are the parts of the body most exposed in winter, and therefore the most prone to dehydration. Inside the face, the pharmacist Marta Masi explains that “the lips “They are a particularly sensitive area because they do not have oil glands, so they are easily damaged and cracked.” Dr. Morales Raya also adds “the upper part of the cheeks and the eye area: these are fine and sensitive areas, very exposed to wind and cold. They tend to show redness, peeling and tightness.
On the other hand, in winter, the handsif gloves are not worn outdoors in low temperatures. Additionally, continuous washing with soap and water can further promote dehydration. And although they are covered, there are other parts of the body that experts say also need to be protected in special ways. “In winter they suffer a lot heels and elbowsbecause this skin tends to thicken and become drier and even cracked,” explains Masi. Morales Raya adds the legs“especially in women, they have lower lipid production. “Friction of clothing and heat intensifies the dryness and itching.”
More important care: dry skin or dermatitis
All skin types can suffer in winter, but some are more vulnerable. On the one hand, there is dry skin with a tendency to dehydration, which can suffer more from flaking and tightness. On the other hand, there are skins that present a certain pathology, as explained by the dermatologist. “People with atopic dermatitis They suffer more because their skin barrier is structurally impaired, leading to increased water loss and more frequent breakouts. Those who have rosaceaare also more vulnerable, due to sudden changes in temperature – from cold outside to warm inside – which trigger vasodilation, increasing redness. Finally, in acne-prone skin“Cold can sensitize the barrier and increase inflammation, causing flare-ups of irritation,” he emphasizes.
The best beauty routine against the cold
When it comes to taking care of your skin in winter, there are steps that do not change, such as cleansing, which is essential, both in the morning and in the evening, always with mild soaps or cleansers that do not damage the barrier function. You must also apply the sun protectionwhen you are outside, because UV rays, although weaker, are still harmful to the skin. The main change, compared to other times of the year, is skin hydrationbecause these months should be more exhaustive, choosing creams and serums with moisturizing active ingredients and even more nutritious textures, mainly for dry skin prone to dehydration.
Morales Raya recommends opting for facial creams that contain “moisturizing active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerinwhich attract water; emollients, such as squalane, vegetable oils and shea butterwhich soften and repair; occlusives such as petroleum jelly or dimethicone, which prevent water loss; barrier repairers, such as ceramidescholesterol, fatty acids and niacinamide; and active ingredients that improve the renewal and hydration of the epidermis, such as urea and lactic acid.
Another important daily care is lip hydration using a ceramide lip balm, shea butter, vegetable oil, petroleum jelly, etc. It is also recommended to use a repairing hand creamand use it after each wash. To take care of the skin of the body, Marta Masi recommends “carrying out short showers“, with oily or creamy cleansers, make sure the water is not too hot and always moisturize immediately afterward.”
About The Author
