The cold, the wind, the sudden changes in temperature and the environmental dryness of the heating cause the skin to lose more water, favoring its dehydration.
The cold, the wind, the sudden changes in temperature and the environmental dryness of the heating cause the skin to lose more water, favoring its dehydration. Sebaceous secretion is also reduced, worsening this barrier function of the skin. In addition, the cold causes the blood vessels to contract, reducing the skin’s irritation and slowing down cellular activity.
”This causes dull, dull, sallow skin, rough to the touch, dry, and prone to peeling and dermatitis. Logically, the cold affects more dry and sensitive skin or skin with atopy or psoriasis problems,” says Dr. María Agustina Segurado, Nivea’s consulting dermatologist. In this sense, the areas that suffer the most are those most exposed to environmental changes: the face and hands.
FUNDAMENTAL STEPS OF A WINTER SKINCARE ROUTINE
“You have to choose products, both for cleaning and care, that is more nutritious or emollient to replenish the water and lipid losses that the skin loses as a result of the winter weather,” explains the expert. Also, carry out hygiene with warm water using extra fatty cleaners (with oils) or cleaners without detergents and avoid very aggressive soaps.
”After the bath or shower and taking advantage of damp skin, it is a good time to apply the moisturizing cream, which, as we have pointed out, is better to use more enriched textures. In addition, it is advisable to use them more frequently, about 2-3 times a day. The daily use of sunscreen is important because, even if there is no heating, UVA radiation continues to reach the skin in the same amount,” adds María Agustina Segurado.
The cold, the wind, the sudden changes in temperature and the environmental dryness of the heating cause the skin to lose more water, favoring its dehydration
Among the ingredients that cannot be missing from creams, one of the most frequent is dexpanthenol, which has a calming, anti-inflammatory, and restorative action on the skin barrier to compensate for the effects of peeling skin, itching, and dermatitis that can be produced by cold. Oils or ceramides are incorporated into the most enriched cream formulas to create a protective film on the skin barrier.
“Other very interesting ingredients for winter are urea, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid, which have a moisturizing action by fixing the water in the skin to increase its hydration,” details the doctor.
In addition to the ingredients, the form and frequency of application are very important. The so-called ”occlusive cure”, which involves applying the moisturizing cream and covering it with a plastic film for a few minutes, is a good measure for the most problematic skin, as it manages to increase its penetration and, therefore, its effectiveness.
WHAT PRODUCT CAN’T BE MISSING IN OUR WINTER CARE ROUTINE?
“If you have to choose one, I think it’s the hand cream since with low temperatures they are the ones that present the most problems: dryness, peeling, cracks, chilblains…”, specifies the dermatologist.
As for the most suitable Nivea products to care for and protect the skin in winter, we highlight the Nivea Cellular Luminous 630 Anti-Dark Spot range. The most complete care for bright, blemish-free, and hydrated skin. The serum has hyaluronic acid (to moisturize in-depth) and the day cream has FP50 since it is important to protect the skin from the sun even in winter.
