Tips for winter skin care

We must be aware that cold weather affects our body, primarily the respiratory system and bones, but we shouldn't forget its impact on the skin.

During the winter season, the skin is exposed to harsh weather conditions, with the most sensitive areas to the cold being the cheeks, lips, neck, chest, and hands.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Hydrate Your Skin Daily and Multiple Times a Day

This step is especially crucial for individuals with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. Using an appropriate emollient containing ingredients like lanolin or urea can help maintain healthy skin during winter.

2. Avoid Excessive Hand Washing

Excessive hand washing can lead to what's known as "wear and tear dermatitis," affecting the back of the hands. This condition is common during winter, especially for those who frequently wash their hands due to work. To prevent this, it's recommended to use gloves and apply barrier creams generously.

3. Avoid Harsh Products

Especially for hand, face, and body cleansing. Instead, opt for gentle products that are dermatologically tested.

4. Avoid Very Hot or Cold Showers

It's ideal to use lukewarm water and avoid showering more than once a day, as it can contribute to skin dehydration.

5. Hydrate and Protect Your Lips from Ultraviolet Light

Lips are one of the facial areas that suffer the most during the cold. Therefore, it's crucial to keep them hydrated and well-protected, especially if you have underlying conditions like atopic or actinic cheilitis.

6. Use Sunglasses and Sunscreen Daily

Even during winter, especially in snowy areas where 80% of the solar radiation is reflected.

7. Wear Gloves and Warm Clothing

Especially for individuals with cold sensitivity, chilblains, or those who tend to have colder-than-normal fingers, which may turn white, blue, or red.

8. Avoid Sudden Temperature Changes

This can increase the likelihood of developing spider veins on the face, particularly on the cheeks. Regarding this point, consider the following:

• While recommended active ingredients for non-sensitive skin are vitamin C, retinoic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroxy acids, sensitive and intolerant skin types should opt for products rich in soothing, vasoconstrictive, and decongestive substances like dexpanthenol, bisabolol, or ruscus.

• The ideal texture of the cream will depend on your skin type and whether you have any skin conditions. In general, fluid textures work better for combination and oily skin, while cream textures are more suitable for mature and dry skin.

• Winter is the best time for intensive facial depigmentation treatments.

9. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Both negatively impact skin health, generating free radicals, and alcohol worsens facial capillary dilation.

10. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Increase your consumption of vitamin C and antioxidants. Also, ensure you drink enough water daily, approximately 1.5 to 2 liters. Consider incorporating a dietary supplement into your daily routine to support skin health from the inside.

Skin Cure from Matcha & CO is an example of such a supplement. It is designed to significantly improve skin's protective barrier, hydration, firmness, and elasticity. It contains a unique blend of probiotics specifically for skin health, as well as collagen, hyaluronic acid, matcha, and vitamin B2.

Furthermore, the collagen type I, elastin, and hyaluronic acid in Skin Cure are derived from egg membrane, offering a new vegetarian source to enhance the skin's protective barrier, reduce inflammation, prevent skin aging, promote hydration, and elasticity. Additionally, collagen benefits your bones and joints.