Cold winter days and over-heated rooms can be a big problem for the skin. As the largest organ in the human body, the skin protects us from harmful ultra-violet rays and other environmental factors. Skincare is especially important during the coldest part of the year.
As temperatures drop, the sebaceous glands reduce their production and at minus 8 degrees Celsius, they stop functioning completely. As a result, the skin lacks essential lipids and becomes dehydrated. These simple tips will help keep your skin supple.
Care from the outside in
- Choose gentle products: Cleansing milk is gentler on the skin than a gel. If you have dry skin you should avoid scrubs, as they can cause irritation
- Avoid facial toners that contain alcohol as they strip the skin of moisture and can damage the protective lipid layer.
- Stay supple: To combat chapped lips, use a lip balm containing honey extract, jojoba oil or panthenol, as these ingredients help the skin to regenerate.
- Don't make your shower too hot: In fact it's a good idea to finish off with a quick blast of cold water to boost your circulation and defences.
Use moisturising creams that are free from preservatives, fragrance and colouring. Apply cream regularly to ensure that your skin is properly moisturised. It's advisable to moisturise your face in the morning and evening, and your body after every shower.
Creams containing olive, jojoba, almond or pomegranate oil are particularly good on rough areas such as elbows, knees and shins, providing extra moisture and keeping the skin supple.
Find out now how you can protect your skin with the right skincare, even on cold winter days and in rooms where the heating is turned up high.
Care from the inside out
- Drink plenty: Water or unsweetened tea are especially good when it comes to ensuring your skin gets enough hydration from within.
A balanced diet: A healthy diet provides the skin with the necessary vitamins A, C, E and B, as well as the important omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Vitamin A, for example, boosts the metabolism and cell division, prevents wrinkles and delays the ageing process. Vitamin C slows down the calcification of blood vessels, supports the immune system and strengthens the skin, connective tissue and gums. And the essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids prevent the skin from drying out.
