Winter skin care

Winter is here and except from enjoying the holiday season we need to fix our skincare routine and get ready for the sharp wind and frost. Low temperatures decrease blood flow to the skin and therefore slow its metabolism. As a result, the skin produces less oil and its protective layer of lipids also weakens. The skin dries out and starts to crack which can also be painful. Temperature fluctuations can also be uncomfortable during the transition to winter. Additionally, the winter weather can exacerbate many chronic skin illnesses. 

Skincare triathlon 

The base assumption for good skin care during any season is that you properly remove your makeup and clean your skin 2x a day, a suitable hydration product and daily UV protection. 

It’s not super important to make big changes in how you cleanse your skin. You should, however, focus on selecting a suitable and high-quality hydration product. During these cold months, we must especially think about hydrating, nurturing and protecting our skin. In winter it’s better to exchange light and fluid creams for thicker and richer creams that contain lipids (fats) and thus help protect our skin from the adverse effects of the weather. When staying in s frosty region, I also recommend applying protective barrier creams that help protect the skin from freezing water and drying out. Don’t forget to apply protective creams to the kids as well; they are more prone to frostbit. Also make sure to apply cream on the ears, lips and hands! 

Time for ‘resurface’ 

Wintertime is when the sun shines the weakest, which means that it’s the ideal time to exfoliate and battle against accrued pigmentation. You can do this with cosmetic products that contain the correct active ingredients or by visiting a professional aesthetic or dermatological clinic. 

Protection is everything 

The combination of antioxidants and SPF as part of your morning routine is just as useful during the winter months as it is during the rest of the year. It is important to mention that although UVB rays are the weakest in wintertime, UVA rays, responsible for the destruction of collagen in the skin and therefore for the ageing of the skin are just as active as during the rest of the year. So do not forget to apply UV protection in the winter. I recommend at least SPF 30 but 50 is preferable. 

Full-scale approach 

Skincare is not just about cosmetic products. The correct approach to skincare is always all-encompassing; do not forget to drink water, eat a varied and balanced diet full of proteins and antioxidants. We can also boost the hydration and protection of the skin by supplementing with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, prebiotics, probiotics and antioxidants in the form of dietary supplements. Caring for a healthy intestinal and skin microbiome is one of the foundations of healthy and beautiful skin that can protect us from outside stressors.