Winter can be a wonderful season, considering the holidays, fun in the snow, or sitting under a blanket with a cup of hot tea. And although it is well known that it looks different in every region of Poland and not everyone can enjoy the white landscape, temperatures are much lower everywhere, which can be detrimental to our skin.
![winter - skin care]()
- What is important in winter skincare?
- Moisturise your skin
- Use rich moisturisers
- Avoid harsh cleansers
- Eat moisturising foods
- Use nourishing face masks
- Protect your skin from the elements
- Avoid excessively hot showers and baths
- Don't forget your lips
- Summary
What is important in winter skincare?
First and foremost, more intensive moisturising and protection of the delicate skin barrier. Cold wind, frost and dry air are unfortunately not the best friends of our daily skincare routine, as they dry out the skin and deprive it of nutrients. Read on and put the following tips into practice to help your skin survive the cold days better.
Moisturise your skin
Hydration is crucial for the skin, especially during the winter months. This is because healthy skin needs water to provide structure, support, elasticity and radiance. Good hydration improves blood flow to the skin, as well as delivering nutrients and removing toxins.
Cold weather and excessive heat indoors can cause water to evaporate quickly from the skin, which is why it is so important to find good moisturisers that not only retain moisture but also hydrate and nourish the skin's protective barrier, protecting it from further damage caused by the cold.
This may include:
- applying thick, rich moisturisers to damp skin to lock in moisture
- using hydrating serums, such as hyaluronic acid, which increase skin moisture
- drinking plenty of water to hydrate the skin from within, including beverages such as herbal teas
Use rich moisturisers
![woman - well-groomed skin, winter]()
A rich moisturising cream can help retain moisture lost during winter. This is especially important for people with dry skin, as seasonal changes can exacerbate this condition. Switching to light moisturisers, especially those containing moisturising ingredients such as glycerine and ceramides, which attract moisture as humectants and lipids that act as a protective barrier, can be helpful. Hyaluronic acid, as mentioned earlier, is a key ingredient that provides structural support to the skin and stimulates collagen production. Occlusive substances form a protective barrier on the skin, trapping water.
Examples include:
- olive oil
- jojoba oil
- soybean oil
- beeswax
Look for different moisturisers that contain these ingredients to provide extra protection.
Avoid harsh cleansers
The ‘squeaky clean’ feeling that some cleansers provide may be pleasant in warmer seasons, but it can actually contribute to tight, dry skin in winter.
Tight skin is an indication that the cleanser may have overly compromised the skin's natural protective barrier. Be sure to look for a cleansing product that not only removes make-up and impurities, but also actively moisturises. Then, apply a night cream to aid the skin's overnight regeneration process.
"Cold air and wind can negatively affect the condition of your skin. Before exercising, apply a protective cream to your face, preferably one with lipids, which will create a barrier to protect against dryness and irritation. Protect your lips with a protective lip balm to prevent them from chapping." Łukasz Domeracki - Dietician
Eat moisturising foods
![chamomile]()
Good skin care starts from within; it is important to take care of proper skin nutrition, but the key to achieving radiant, moisturised and nourished skin is a healthy and nutritious diet. "Drinking" water is a good way to hydrate your body from within.
It is also worth:
- eating water-rich foods such as cucumbers, watermelon, celery, tomatoes and lettuce
- replacing coffee and tea with herbal infusions such as chamomile
- Avoid excess caffeine, sugar and processed foods.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during holiday parties, which can dehydrate the skin.
You can also eat a diet rich in healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Use nourishing face masks
A nourishing face mask can provide an extra boost of moisture, vitamins and ingredients that rebuild the protective barrier.
These can include:
- regenerating night masks
- washable masks
- soothing sheet masks
Not only do they perfectly care for your skin, but they also provide a moment of relaxation and unwinding. Combine them with cucumber eye pads, hot tea for sleep and slippers to ensure maximum comfort.
Protect your skin from the elements
Layering your clothing in winter not only protects you from the cold, but also protects your skin from the adverse effects of frosty weather. Scarves, hats, gloves and thick winter coats can help protect your skin from everything, including the winter sun or cold, biting wind. Many people forget that hand skin care is just as important as facial care; apply rich hand creams and gloves to avoid dryness and premature ageing of the skin on your hands.
Avoid excessively hot showers and baths
Excessively hot water in the bath or shower can strip your skin of essential moisture and natural oils, damaging your skin's protective barrier. Opt for slightly cooler showers and don't forget to apply moisturising creams and body butters to damp skin to lock in extra moisture. Adding bath products can also help moisturise your skin, and using bath oils will provide an extra layer of luxury.
"Supplements work from the inside, reaching the deeper layers of the skin where cosmetics cannot reach. They support cell regeneration, improve skin elasticity and strengthen its structure at the collagen and elastin level. Their effect is long-lasting, supporting the overall condition of the skin, hair and nails." Łukasz Domeracki - Dietician
Don't forget your lips
What harsh winter weather does to your skin also happens to your lips. Not only do they not produce sebum because they lack sebaceous glands, but they are also constantly exposed to the elements. Extra lip care can help prevent problems such as chapping, flaking, cracking and cheilitis, which is swelling and inflammation of the lips.
This may include:
- using a lip scrub to remove excess dead skin and stimulate new skin growth
- using lip balms with moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and aloe vera
- using thick ointments such as petroleum jelly
Summary
Skin care is always important, but during harsh winter weather, taking extra steps to protect your skin can help maintain its overall health and appearance. Using rich moisturisers that hydrate from the inside out, protecting your skin from external factors, and creating the perfect winter skincare routine are the keys to healthy and beautiful skin.
Sources:
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.17790?af=R
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0952327824000358
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0952327824000358
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.70041
The content provided is for educational and informational purposes only. We carefully ensure its substantive correctness. However, it is not intended to replace individual advice from a specialist, tailored to the reader's specific situation.