Between the freezing wind outside and the heating on full blast inside, the skin no longer knows where to turn. Tightness after a shower, redness on the cheeks, small skin spots around the nose: winter takes its toll on our entire skin, which requires real beauty coaching.
For Dr Nadine Pomarède, dermatologist and founder of the DermoMedicalCenter quoted by Elle, it’s not just an impression: “the cold reduces the secretion of sebum which helps protect the skin and slows down the evaporation of water. The skin vessels are tightened and oxygenate the skin less well“.
Skin and cold: why winter hurts it
When the thermometer drops, sebum production slows down, the vessels contract, and circulation slows down. Result: the skin loses radiance, becomes rougher, sometimes even rough. Dry air from radiators accentuates the phenomenon by damaging the hydrolipidic film, this invisible veil which keeps water inside. Dry skin feels it right away, but combination and oily skin also becomes dehydrated.
Another detail that changes everything in winter: we often wash with hotter water and we stay longer in the shower. However, this habit weakens the skin microbiota, these microorganisms which help the skin to defend itself. It is better to adopt gentle cleansers, limit the water temperature, then quickly apply a treatment to prevent the moisture from evaporating.
Face and body routine for winter
On the face, the rule is clear: “Daily moisturizing care is not an option in autumn-winterindicates Dr. Pomarède. We even add a second step: the serum“. Dr. Serge Dahan recalls that “it is essential to clean the skin thoroughly morning and evening with gentle, non-irritating cleansers” before applying a moisturizing serum adapted to its needs. To boost renewal without irritating it, stick to a gentle treatment once a week, avoiding homemade scrubs with “coffee grounds which damage the skin microbiota and can be a source of discomfort, irritation and dehydration“.
For the body, the same logic of hydration is essential. For the dermatologist, “it is obligatory in winter to avoid peeling and itchy skin“. We therefore choose a pleasant cream to spread, to apply every day after the shower, limiting the water temperature. She also recommends favoring showers rather than long, hot baths. The hands, which are very exposed, benefit from being protected: “We protect them as much as possible from the outside cold with gloves.“, then massage a nourishing cream in the evening, paying particular attention to the edges of the fingers.
Targeted nutrition and care: winter bonuses
Finally, skin care in winter also starts from the inside: meals rich in antioxidants and omega-3, good hydration throughout the day and regular physical activity. Winter, when UV rays are weaker, also offers an ideal window to treat spots, scars or redness in the office.