Winter has arrived, and it's often the first thing you notice on your skin. Does it feel like your facial skin is suddenly a couple of sizes too small? Are dry patches appearing on your cheekbones and your foundation caked on in those annoyingly flaky spots?
You're not alone. Winter is the most challenging time of year for our skin.
When the temperature drops below zero, the humidity in the outdoor air plummets. At the same time, we turn the radiators indoors to full blast, making the air in our rooms extremely dry. This "double dryness" combined with the constant temperature fluctuations between indoors and outdoors is toxic to the skin's natural barrier.
When the barrier weakens, water evaporates from the skin at an accelerated rate (a phenomenon known as transepidermal water evaporation). The end result is tight, sensitive, red and dull skin.
But don't worry – help is closer than you think. The hero of this post is winter skin's best friend: moisturizer .
Moisturizer isn't just a "nice to have" – it's a necessity
In the summer, you could get by with a light gel cream or just sunscreen, but in the winter, your skin care routine needs an update.
The role of a moisturizer in winter is not only to add moisture to the skin, but above all to lock in the existing moisture and act as a physical shield against wind and cold. A good winter moisturizer is like a warm sweater for your skin; it keeps the good in and the bad out.
What is a good moisturizer for winter?
If your current cream seems to disappear from your skin in an instant and doesn't remove the feeling of tightness, it's time to switch to a richer one. In winter, it's worth choosing creams (cremes) instead of light emulsions (lotions).
Look for these active ingredients in the list of ingredients (INCI):
1. Humectants: These ingredients draw moisture from the environment and lower layers of the skin to the surface of the skin.
• Examples: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol.
2. Barrier Strengtheners and Sealers (Emollients and Occlusives): These are the key players in winter. They soften the skin's surface, repair gaps in the barrier, and form a film that prevents water evaporation.
• Examples: Ceramides, Shea Butter, various vegetable oils (e.g. Jojoba, Almond), Squalane.
Pro tip: If your skin is really dry, you can layer products. Apply a hydrating toner or serum underneath (humectants) and lock in moisture with a rich cream (occlusives). Just a few drops of facial oil mixed in with your cream is also a great extra boost in the coldest of winters!
The most important rule: ALWAYS apply moisturizer to damp skin.
This is the simplest and most effective way to improve the effectiveness of your moisturizer, and it's completely free.
Many people pat their face dry with a towel after washing and wait a while before applying cream. This is a mistake. When the skin is dry, some of the cream's effectiveness is wasted, as the skin has no water for the cream to bind to.
Do this:
After washing your face (use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser, right?), pat your skin dry with a towel just lightly so that it still feels damp. Apply moisturizer immediately. This will help the moisturizer "capture" any remaining water on your skin and absorb better. The difference in skin softness is noticeable!
Also remember these winter tips:
• Avoid scalding hot showers: While a long, steamy shower may be tempting after a cold day, hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils and worsen dryness. Opt for lukewarm water instead.
• Consider a humidifier: Especially in the bedroom, a humidifier can do wonders for your skin (and mucous membranes) during the night.
• Don't forget your body: The skin on your legs and arms tends to dry out into "crocodile skin" in winter. Apply body lotion to damp skin immediately after showering.
Winter skin requires a little more pampering and care, but with the right products and routines, you can keep your skin soft and glowing through even the darkest season. Listen to your skin – if it’s tight, it’s thirsty for moisture!
Winter greetings Katri