During winter, the skin is faced with the damaging effects of the cold, wind, temperature changes, central heating and air currents. It needs protecting with a cosmetic shield so it stays in good health. Follow our advice for looking after your skin throughout the wintry weather.
Skin layers
The skin consists of several layers: the stratum corneum on the surface; the superficial epidermis, composed of several layers of cells; and the thicker, deeper dermis which is vascularised with nerve endings.
What does it do?
When faced with the damaging effects of the environment, our skin reacts either via the tissues or blood vessels. To prevent ageing, you need to take care of it on a daily basis.
The golden rule: a good beauty routine. It's vital to cleanse your face twice a day! Whether it’s raining, windy or sunny, your skin should be cleansed and toned before you moisturise.
The importance of moisturising
Beautifully smooth, supple, radiant skin means well hydrated skin. Babies’ skin, an excellent reference point for gauging softness, contains 80% water.
In winter our skin does tend to dry out, become tight and blotchy, feel uncomfortable and coarse, even. These are all signs of dehydration.
You need to slow down the loss of water by creating a barrier or film to prevent water molecules from escaping.
- Choose creams with rich textures for winter to nourish and replenish the skin.
- Consider using a moisturising, regenerating face mask twice a week.
The active ingredients repair the skin and prepare it to face up to the damaging effects of the environment.
Fighting the cold
- Your lips are fragile in cold weather, so don’t forget to protect them with replenishing balms or sticks. If you have chapped lips, apply a thick layer like a mask several times a day.
- Protect your hands as well: simply wearing gloves isn’t always enough. Apply cream, liquid or balm and massage in from the wrist to the fingertips.
Hand care products often contain petroleum jelly, shea butter, vegetable oils and silicone, and they leave a protective film on your hands. If yours are chapped, apply a thick layer and leave it to absorb overnight.
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