That’s it, winter has set in, bringing its first frosts. To face the cold season, of course, there’s the thick duvet, the wood-burning stove, stuffed coats and marshmallow hot chocolate. Everyone has their own ways of keeping warm. But is that really enough? Because there’s one thing we tend to forget as soon as the mercury drops: it’sto adapt our skincare routine to the extreme cold.
Andyet, more than in any other season, the skin needs special care in winter to stay healthy and continue to fulfil its role as aprotective envelope against the drop in temperature . What’s more, with a few simple steps, we can continue to look radiant and glowing despite the grey and cold .
How do you define healthy skin?
Healthy skin is skin that is well hydrated, soft and supple, without excessive redness or irritation. It has an even, luminous complexion, with no visible imperfections such as acne, blackheads or brown spots. Healthy skin is also skin that is well protected against external aggressors, such as UV rays, pollution and oxidative stress. It is able to regenerate itself effectively and maintain sufficient levels of collagen and elastin to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and signs of premature ageing. To maintain healthy skin, it is important to adopt a skincare routine suited to your skin type, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly and limit bad habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Why adapt your beauty routine to the winter season?
It’s a well-known factthat good humour is not theonly victim of winter weather and its grey skies. As soon as the thermometer dips below 10°, our skin fights so hard to keep the body at the right temperature, but not without leaving visible traces: a dull complexion, feelings of tightness, redness and frostbite… The reason is that the skin regulates body heat by constricting blood vessels. This considerably reduces the production of sebum, which is essential for skin hydration. And to make matters worse, thermal shock, combined with the dryness of the air caused by heating, intensifies the dehydration of the epidermis.
So the aim of a special winter skincare routine is torestore sufficient moisture to the skin.
How do you adapt your beauty routine in winter?
To adapt your beauty routine for winter, it’s important to take into account the specific challenges this season presents for the skin. Here are a few tips for adapting your beauty routine to winter:
- Moisturise your skin deeply: the cold and wind can dry out your skin, so it’s important to use moisturising products rich in nourishing ingredients such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid or argan oil.
- Gentlycleanse your skin: use gentle cleansers to avoid irritating your skin, which can be more sensitive in winter.
- Use sunscreen: even on cloudy days, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Protect your skin from the wind and cold: wear warm clothes and accessories such as scarves, gloves and hats to protect your skin from the elements.
- Use specific lip and hand care products: lips and hands are particularly vulnerable to chapping and cracking in winter, so use specific moisturisers for these sensitive areas.
- Avoid baths that are too hot: hot water can dry out your skin, so it’s best to take lukewarm baths and not stay in the water for too long.
- Eat a healthydiet and drink enough water: a balanced diet and sufficient hydration are important for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Trixera Nutrition by Avene:
This range is specially designed for the whole family, acting simultaneously on surface and deep dryness. Comprising two cleansing products to gently start your moisturising routine, plus a balm for sensitive and very dry skin, this range of products from Avene also includes a milk with an immediate nourishing effect. Soothe the skin and strengthen the cutaneous barrier!
Atoderm by Bioderma:
Thisis also a complete range of face and body care products for dry, even atopic, skin. This special routine includes a hypoallergenic shower gel that gently cleanses sensitive skin while soothing feelings of tightness andirritation. Its ultra-nourishing cream hydrates the skin for 24 hours and its moisturising lip stick nourishes and soothes chapped lips. A skincare range to pamper your skin and limit the discomfort caused by the extreme cold.
Topialyse by SVR:
Finally, this range of emollient and cleansing skin care products works magic on dry, very dry and atopic skin, for young and old alike. Without compromise, it guarantees reinforced anti-scratch action, maximum comfort and tolerance. Topialyse Palpebral cream, for example , is asoothing cream specially formulated for atopic skin . It has an immediate soothing effect on dry, irritated eyelids. “Topialyse makes soothing dry skin a pleasure again!
Additional tips to protect your skin in winter
Special masks and treatments
In winter, your skin needs extra care to combat the cold and wind. Special masks and treatments are essential for revitalising and nourishing the skin. Opt for moisturising masks at least once a week. They’ll act as an intensehydration bath, essential for combating the skin dryness typical of the season. Look for masks containing ingredients such as aloe vera,hyaluronic acid or shea butter. These ingredients are renowned for their deep moisturising power and ability to soothe the skin.
As well as masks, consider specific serums and oils for the night. Serums containing vitamin C or retinol can help renew the skin and combat the signs of ageing. Oils such asargan or jojoba oil are excellent for providing additional hydration without clogging pores.
Evening routine to repair skin
The evening is the ideal time to regenerate your skin. After cleansing, apply a nourishing serum, followed by a rich cream to seal in moisture.Hydration is a crucial part of this routine. Opt for a night cream that contains essential fatty acids,hyaluronic acid or shea butter. These ingredients will help restore the skin barrier while you sleep.
Another important aspect is eye care. The skin around the eyes is particularly delicate and needs special attention in winter. Use a rich eye contour to minimise fine lines and dryness.
Should I use sun cream in winter?
The importance of sun protection even in winter
Although the sun seems to be less present in winter, sun protection remains a crucial part of your skincare routine. UVA and UVB rays don’t take a winter break and can still harm the skin, contributing to premature ageing and skin damage. So it’s essential to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days or when you’re out and about. Look for formulas containing titanium dioxide orzinc oxide, which offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. As well as protecting your skin, these ingredients have the added benefit of not clogging pores, so preserving skin health.
Barrier against the elements: wind and cold
Winter exposes the skin to extreme conditions such as bitter cold and icy winds, which can lead to redness, irritation and increased dryness. To protect your skin effectively, it’s important to adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, incorporate protective creams rich in emollients and occlusive agents into your routine. These products create a physical barrier that protects the skin from aggressive elements.
In addition, don’t forget to cover exposed areas when you go out. Scarves, gloves and hats are not just fashion accessories, but invaluable allies in keeping your skin healthy in winter. Finally, remember to moisturise your home. Using a humidifier can help maintain the right level of humidity in your home, which is good for preventing your skin from drying out too much from the heating.
Are food supplements effective in protecting the skin in winter?
Food supplements can help protect the skin in winter, but their effectiveness depends on a number of factors. Some dietary supplements contain ingredients such as antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins C and E, which are known to help protect the skin from damage caused by external factors such as pollution and UV rays.
However, it is important to choose quality supplements and use them alongsidea balanced diet and a skincare routine suited to your skin type. It is also advisable to consult a health professional before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you are taking medication or have any health problems. In summary, food supplements can be effective in protecting skin in winter, but it’s important to use them with care and combine them with other skincare strategies to get the best results.
FAQs
Q1 : Should I use sunscreen in winter?
Yes, even in winter, it’s important to use sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
Q2 : How can I avoid chapping and cracking in winter?
Use a specific moisturiser for lips and hands to protect and nourish your skin.
Q3: How often should I cleanse my face in winter?
Cleanse your face once a day, preferably in the evening, to remove impurities accumulated during the day.
Q4: What products should I use to cleanse my face in winter?
Use gentle, moisturising oil- or milk-based cleansers to gently cleanse your face in winter.
