Chapping, cracks, intense dryness, or even burning sensations: the harmful effects of cold weather on our skin are both numerous and uncomfortable. Fortunately, by adapting your skincare routine and choosing the right products, you can preserve your skin's health and beauty throughout the cold season. Discover our expert advice to face winter with comfortable, moisturized and protected skin.

Why is my skin dry in winter?

Several environmental and physiological factors combine to weaken your skin barrier during the cold season.

When the temperature drops, the humidity in the air decreases dramatically. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, dry skin (xerosis) is a very common condition that is particularly prevalent in colder climates, such as Canada. This drop in humidity leads to increased evaporation of water from your skin.

What causes dry skin in winter?

There are several factors that can dry out your skin and therefore lower your moisture levels.

The phenomenon of vasoconstriction, for example, is your body's defence reaction to cold. This reaction reduces blood flow to the skin's surface, which in turn reduces oxygenation and nutrition to skin cells. Result: your skin produces less sebum, the natural oil that forms a protective barrier against dehydration.

Indoor heating can also be a cause of dry skin. The temperature variations between the outdoors and the overheated indoors also worsen the condition of your skin. This weakens your hydrolipidic film and the natural protective layer of your epidermis.

How can you protect your skin from the cold and keep it moisturized in winter?

Adapting your skincare routine to the harsh winter conditions is essential for maintaining healthy, comfortable, and well-protected skin. Here are the key steps to achieving optimal moisturizing for your entire body.

Choose the right body moisturizer

When the temperature drops, so does the humidity in the air. Our skin becomes dehydrated more quickly, and the layer of water and oil that protects it from aggression eventually becomes less effective. As a result, redness, irritation, and discomfort are more likely to develop.

To remedy the situation, choose day and night skincare products that will help your skin retain moisture and prevent dryness. Look for thick, creamy formulas enriched with nourishing and thirst-quenching ingredients such as plant oils, shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. For optimum absorption, apply to a freshly cleansed, damp face.

If your skin is very sensitive or damaged, you can use a super-hydrating product (such as cold cream), which will deeply repair the affected areas and act as a shield against the cold. This treatment will also help rough areas such as elbows, knees, heels and hands.

Protect your hands from the cold

Your hands are particularly vulnerable in winter. Constantly exposed to the elements and frequently washed, they quickly become chapped, cracked or irritated. To protect them effectively, apply an ultra-moisturizing cream before putting on your mittens every time you go out.

Also carry a tube of hand cream with you at all times. Apply generously every time you wash your hands, as tap water, especially hot water, tends to dry out the skin considerably.

The best moisturizing routine for dry facial skin

Facial skin requires special attention during the cold season, as it is thinner and constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions.

1 - For the face, choose a rich protective cream against the cold

Your summer beauty routine is no longer enough when winter arrives. It is time to step up your skincare routine to give your face the protection it needs.

Start by choosing a day cream and a night cream specifically formulated for winter. These products should be richer than your usual products and contain high concentrations of moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients. A thicker texture is not a drawback in winter— it is exactly what your skin needs to withstand the cold.

Nutritic Intense Riche cream from La Roche-Posay is ideal for dry and extremely dry skin. Also, are you familiar with moisturizing masks? They can be a very effective solution for restoring freshness and hydration to your face. Find the ultimate hydrating mask to pamper your skin!

2 - Use serums to boost the effectiveness of your treatments

Would you like to indulge in an intensive nourishing treatment? Apply a bit of serum to your face before applying your moisturizer. This concentrate of active ingredients will enhance the effect of the treatment—and the skin's resistance.

To maintain a healthy complexion despite harsh weather conditions and lack of sunlight, you can also add a booster enriched with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to your morning routine. Four or five drops after cleansing, and you've got a radiant glow for the day!

3 - Protect your cheeks from redness

Often, a strong gust of wind is enough to dilate the blood vessels around the eyes and mouth, causing a slight feeling of irritation. To prevent these skin reactions, use a skin care product that treats and soothes the delicate skin around the eyes and lips. A good choice? A “cica” balm (made from centella asiatica, a key ingredient in Korean beauty products): rich in minerals and emollients, this type of product can soothe inflammation, repair damage caused by extreme dryness, and form a protective barrier against external aggressions. Always carry it with you!

4 - Never neglect sun protection

We sometimes forget when the mercury drops well below zero, but the sun still affects our skin! Our skin faces two major risks:

• Double exposure. UV rays may be less intense in winter, but they still reach us (even through the clouds...). Our skin is therefore exposed to their effects from all directions, at a time when it is less resistant— summer's tan (and protective pigments) having disappeared.
• Premature aging. When UV rays reach unprotected skin, they damage skin cells and impair their regeneration. As a result, the skin dries out and sags, wrinkles deepen, and pigmentation spots may appear in the most damaged areas.

Pssst! The lips are also part of the face . Remember to coat them with a protective balm! We have selected the 10 best lip balms just for you.

Every skin is unique and reacts differently to harsh winter weather. Your pharmacist has the expertise to help you find the best solutions for you. Whether you suffer from mild dryness or more serious skin problems, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional at your pharmacy.