The most unpleasant thing for our skin during the onset of cold weather is the frequent change from warm and dry indoor air to cold outdoor air. For this reason, it becomes overdried and dehydrated. The sebaceous glands work differently at low temperatures, and the secretion of sebum slows down, therefore, the lipid barrier of the skin is broken, and special care is needed. A very good procedure for your skin would be PRX-T33 peel, but in this article, we also want to talk about everyday care. So what are the nuances? Consider all the stages of our daily care.
Use mild exfoliators
It is logical to assume that exfoliating the skin in winter can make it even drier. There is indeed such a risk, but this does not mean that you should stop using exfoliants during the cold season. Exfoliating the skin is important to carry out all year round – it helps speed up skin regeneration and improves absorbency. In winter, you just need to use less harsh means. This will avoid irritation.
So, instead of a scrub with abrasive particles, use a gommage with spherical synthetic particles or an exfoliating cream containing low concentrations of AHA and BHA acids.
How often you use exfoliants depends on your skin type:
- with dry skin – once a week;
- for combination and oily skin – twice a week.
What cosmetic active ingredients are useful in winter?
To better protect the skin from the cold, it is important to saturate it with nutrients, that is, lipids.
Provide your skin with stimulating ingredients such as magnesium and vitamins C and E. Essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6 also promote cell restructuring. Look for ingredients with nutritional properties that enhance the effects of these fatty acids, since they are not produced by the body.
Сleansing
This means that dry skin is contraindicated in the cold season. We advise you to switch to hydrophilic oil (the right oil can suit all skin types), soft gel (for combination and oily skin), or milk (if you have dry skin). Scrubs should not be abused. If in the summer they can be used once a week, then in the winter it will be enough once a month. If you have problem skin, scrubs should be avoided altogether.
Toning
Since the skin’s lipid barrier weakens during the cold season, it needs even more “support” in the form of pH restoration, which tonics do an excellent job of. It is very important that the tonic does not dry out the skin and does not contain alcohol.
Hydration and nutrition
During this period, the skin needs comprehensive care more than ever. In late autumn and winter, the lighter fluid and emulsion that you used in the summer will no longer work. Cream for daily care should be oily and thick. Before going outside, it is necessary to apply the cream for at least half an hour so that it has time to be absorbed. Also, the skin will be grateful to you for additional care in the form of a mask 1-2 times a week.
Use creams and serums with vitamin C
Vitamin C helps keep your skin radiant during the colder months. Vitamin C brightens and firms your skin, stimulates collagen production (which helps your skin retain moisture), and helps protect it from external aggressors.
Moreover, it also promotes damage repair. For example, during the summer months, the skin is exposed to harmful UV rays, which lead to photodamage and premature aging. Using vitamin C can help reverse this damage, maintain an even skin tone and texture, and enhance its natural radiance.
When choosing products containing vitamin C, pay attention to the Ascorbic acid component in the first ten positions of the composition. Its presence guarantees a concentration of vitamin C that will not irritate the skin (5-10%).
Textures to restore comfort and protect the skin
For optimal protection of the face from cold and wind, it is necessary to provide intensive nutrition with the help of cosmetics. When choosing a cream, pay attention to its nutritional properties and enveloping texture. The cream penetrates the epidermis, eliminating the feeling of tightness and discomfort. In addition, it is recommended to use the mask 1-2 times a week, depending on the type of skin and its needs. Instead of a mask that saturates with moisture, you should give preference to a mask with a balm texture: it nourishes the skin better, restoring its comfort.
In addition, a properly selected cream will help prevent dryness of the body. It is important to keep in mind that the skin of the face is different from the skin of the body. The face may have an oily type, and the body may have areas prone to dryness. In winter, it is better to use more saturated textures that protect against the aggressive effects of seasonal factors.
For skin that suffers from a lack of nutrients (very dry and uncomfortable), it is recommended to use a facial oil containing Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Add a few drops of oil to the day cream to strengthen the hydrolipidic film, which is a natural protective mechanism.