Dry skin can be described as thin and sensitive, and, at the same time, not elastic enough. It contains little water, hence the sudden appearance of wrinkles. For that reason it ages faster than other skin types. In most cases these are blonde women with pale complexion as well as women after 40 whose skin is categorised as dry. Dry skin is very sensitive to the action delivered by cosmetics, hard water and the sun as well as temperature fluctuations. However, it suffers the greatest tortures during winter – then its lipid barrier is getting weaker and the delicate epidermis layer is gradually drying out, exfoliates, becomes reddened and prickles. Moreover, lips become chapped and cheilosis appear. The sudden temperature changes lead to irritations and broken capillaries. Frosty wind has low humidity which encourages water to evaporate from skin. How to help your dry skin in this situation? The most important thing is to hydrate it from the inside and outside as well as protect it against the wind and frost. What is the best to moisturise skin with? Water stored in the body. If skin is dehydrated, epidermis cracks and has the insufficient amount of natural moisturising factors, ceramides and fats. For that reason, only a good cream is able to replenish skin with water, and simultaneously make the epidermis more tight, ‘caulked.’ How does the proper winter skin care look like? What does harm to skin during winter? If you are curious, go on reading my entry!
Dry skin – Creams to apply in winter
There is nothing more negatively influencing dry skin condition like frost that deprives it from the protective lipid layer. Whereas oily and combination skin isn’t affected by frost that much, people having dry skin have to use special creams to rebuild this layer.
In this case the best creams are the ones featuring:
- Moisturising substances, mainly hyrophilous species that keep water in skin.
- Fatty acids that create natural protective barrier on skin. They usually originate from vegetable oils, e.g. olives, avocado or karite butter. I recommend you GLA that oenothera and borage extract contain as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerine, urea, amino acids, paraffin and vegetable oil.
- Waxes or eucerinum that rebuild the protective layer of skin and prevent water loss even when we expose our skin to fast temperature changes – leaving low temperature outside by entering a room that is well-heated and filled with dry air.
When it comes to dry and mature skin, a cream containing cholesterol should do the work.
Remember to use semi-rich creams instead of the rich ones. Semi-rich creams are really hard to distribute on face and they tend to leave a layer on skin because they are unable to get absorbed by skin completely.
Dry skin care during winter
In short, taking care of dry skin, especially during winter, depends on replenishing it with water and preventing irritations.
- Moisturising dry skin in winter
Firstly, at least twice a day apply a special cream that intensively hydrates face. Follow with a foundation but wait until the cream gets absorbed fully.
Secondly, keep your under eye skin area moisturised as well, no matter the age you are. Even young women should apply anti-age under eye creams or a moisturising gels that don’t overburden skin.
Moreover, at least once a week you should apply a moisturising mask to your neck, face and hands. However, don’t go outside right after having the mask applied even if you follow with a cream. Why is that? Softened skin is faster to be affected by frost. - Preventing skin irritations during winter
In order to do it, use lukewarm water – never warm water. Also, if you do the washing up, use lukewarm water as well. Moreover, avoid taking long, hot baths. High temperature washes down lipids that constitute the skin protective barrier.
What’s also important, refrain from using bath salts, foams and bathing lotions because they contribute to skin dehydration. Therefore, in winter replace them with a deeply nourishing bath oils or a few spoons of olive oil.
Also avoid gels and other face skin cleansing preparations because their components irritate dry and sensitive skin. Instead, go for only natural, eco-friendly soaps. When it comes to make-up removal, go for OCM method that depends on using natural oils. Basically, you can use regular oils.
At every face washing, make your skin dry by using a clean towel. Instead of rubbing it against skin, press it to the face. It’s a good idea to replace regular towels with paper towels.
Last but not least, if you want to disinfect post-acne marks, don’t reach for spirit or face toners containing alcohol. It’s way better to make use of natural oils, for example tamanu oil.
What does damage to dry skin during winter?
Dry skin is damaged by strong wind and frost as well as heated rooms. In order to give your skin protection, treat it with the right creams and – if you aren’t allergic to dust mites – get yourself an air humidifier. Moreover, air your rooms regularly and don’t keep the heating on all the time (especially at night or while driving/riding a car).
Under no circumstances do you let your skin be dehydrated. Drink huge amounts of mineral water, at least 2 litres a day. Follow a balanced diet. I’d recommend you salads with oils that moisturise skin, with fish, seafood and vegetable oils.
How do you take care of dry skin in winter? What creams do you use? I’m waiting for your suggestions!
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