The cold is terrible for your skin. Quebec winters are long and harsh, and this takes its toll on our epidermis, causing it to dry out. But with a few simple steps, a suitable routine and the right ingredients, you can protect your cutaneous barrier and regain comfort and suppleness, even when the mercury drops.
Here are a few tips on how to treat your skin's dryness, so you can regain softness and a radiant complexion, even in winter.
Why does your skin become dry in winter??
It's simple: the skin is dehydrated when it lacks water. You can feel it when you touch it, when under your fingers the epidermis is rough and lacks suppleness.
Environmental factors such as the cold, dry weather, electric heating, wind and air pollution dry out the epidermis. Other factors also contribute to skin dryness: taking too many baths and using soap that is too basic in fact accentuate the process.
How does your skin become dry?
When attacked, the thin protective layer of fat on the skin's surface is damaged. This film, essentially made up of sebum, prevents the water in our epidermis from evaporating. Without this protective oil, water evaporates quickly and skin becomes dry. The main role of moisturizing creams and lotions is to preserve and recreate this protective barrier.
How can you hydrate your skin in winter?
To preserve this lipidic film on your skin and keep it moisturized, it is essential to cleanse it thoroughly with a moisturizing soap or cleansing milk. Then rinse, dry and moisturize. But first, how do you know if your skin is dehydrated or dry? and which products to apply as a second step? Here are some answers.
Symptoms of dry skin
Dry skin lacks lipids, i.e., fat. Its hydrolipidic film is insufficient, resulting in a constant sensation of tightness, visible flaking and discomfort that persists, even after applying cream. Choose creams rich in fats such as shea butter, sweet almond oil or avocado oil.
Your lips can also suffer from the cold. Proper hydration and protection are essential for maintaining your most beautiful smile throughout the winter. Here are the 10 best lip balms selected for you.
Symptoms of dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin lacks water. All skin types can become dehydrated, even oily skin. The signs? A dull complexion, fine lines caused by dehydration that appear temporarily, and skin that seems to “drink up” the skincare products you apply to it. To remedy this, choose serums and creams containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or thermal spring water, which will capture moisture and retain it in the epidermis.
Did you know? In winter, it's not unusual for both problems (dry and dehydrated skin) to coexist. This is a sign that your skin is lacking both oil and water. When in doubt, you can always visit our special page to find all the answers to your questions and suitable care for all skin types.
What deficiency can cause very dry, itchy skin?
Dry skin is primarily a matter of skin barrier and environment. However, certain nutritional deficiencies can aggravate the phenomenon and make your skin even more vulnerable.
● Vitamin D
It plays an important role in skin health. In winter, our exposure to sunlight decreases significantly, which reduces the body's natural production of vitamin D. A deficiency can result in drier, less resistant skin.
● Essential fatty acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 are important for maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. They are found in oily fish, nuts, seeds and certain vegetable oils. If your diet lacks them, your skin may become drier and more sensitive.
● Zinc and niacinamide (vitamin B3)
These two essential nutrients contribute to the proper functioning of the epidermis and its ability to repair itself. A deficiency of these nutrients can result in dull, dry skin prone to irritation.
Tip: If your skin remains very dry despite a suitable routine, talk to your pharmacist. Medical advice and, if necessary, a blood test may be considered to identify any deficiencies.
The ideal routine for dry facial skin
The face is often the area most exposed to the harsh conditions of winter. This constant exposure weakens the skin barrier, accentuating the sensation of of tightness, redness and flaking. To take care of your face in winter, follow a gentle and nourishing routine.
- Cleanse your skin morning and night with a cleansing milk or oil, then apply a hyaluronic acid-based moisturizing serum to slightly damp skin.
- Finish with a day cream rich in ceramides and shea butter, and always remember to apply SPF 30 sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
- In the evening, treat yourself to a denser night cream to repair intensely while you sleep.
Facial skin is sensitive and moisturizing is essential. Read our article for the 10 tips for fighting dry facial skin. Hands too can be affected by the cold, here are 10 creams for dry hands.
Four ingredients to fight dry skin
Summer or winter, dry skin never takes a break. Fortunately, here are four super ingredients to relieve it.
1. Hyaluronic acid
A formidable anti-aging ally, hyaluronic acid’s reputation is beyond question! Elastic, humectant and rich in water, this molecule deeply moisturizes the skin, plumping it and restoring its radiance.
Naturally produced by the body, hyaluronic acid acts as a "binder" between skin cells, increasing your skin's protective barrier against external aggressors. However, your body produces significantly less hyaluronic acid as you age, opening the door to dry or fragile skin. In such cases, using hyaluronic acid-based products can help rehydrate your skin.
Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Repairing and Replumping Serum, 30 ml
Aqualia Thermal Rich Hydrating Cream, 50 ml
Hyaluronic Infusion Hydrating Serum, 15 ml
2. Glycerin
Moisturizing, hypoallergenic, emollient, protective and healing, glycerin is used in many balms, creams, oils, soaps, gels, shampoos and conditioners. When you know the extent of its benefits, it's easy to see why!
In particular, this fatty substance provides skin with an extra protective layer to resist winter aggressors. Glycerin also has the ability to retain moisture in the epidermis and combat skin dehydration.
Xémose Soothing Cleansing Oil, 500 ml
Cicaplast Mains Hand Cream, 50 ml
3. Shea butter
Soothing and moisturizing, shea butter has many properties that make it a great ingredient for body, hair and nails. This is hardly surprising, since the vitamin F and fatty acids it contains make it highly nourishing for all skin types.
Shea butter restores elasticity and suppleness to the epidermis, and promotes cell renewal. Make it an essential part of your skincare routine!
Atoderm Lèvres Restorative Lip Balm, 15 ml
Lipikar Baume AP+M Triple-Action Body Lotion, 400 mL
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Need a mask to treat your facial skin? We have selected moisturizing masks that will meet your skin's needs. Try them, and you'll love them! |
4. Ceramides
As part of your skin barrier, ceramides are natural lipids (or fats) that help your skin maintain a good level of hydration.
A good level of ceramides in the body therefore allows your skin to retain water better and maintain its natural protective barrier. However, like hyaluronic acid, ceramide levels often decline with age. Ceramide-based products are therefore very useful in the fight against dry skin.
Moisturizing Cream with Pump, 539 g
Hydractive Skin Rescue Intense Repair Cream, 40 ml
In most cases, dry or dehydrated skin can be corrected with the right routine and products. But sometimes symptoms persist or worsen, and it becomes necessary to consult a health care professional.
Our pharmacy teams are here to assess your routine and recommend targeted treatments. Please feel free to drop by and see us.
