How to fight dry skin in winter

The bitter cold of winter has a direct impact on our skin since low temperatures and cold air dehydrate it. Our skin gets drier, more fragile and thinner. Dryness often causes a weird "pulling" feel on our skin, and some areas, such as the lips, hands and the skin around the nose begin to chap and peel off. We should also remember, at this point, that viruses and colds of winter also afflict the skin and often make it look dull and tired.

Although seasonal, dry skin can prove extremely annoying and even painful in some cases. As the skin thirsts for its lost moisture, it feels like it’s “pulling” and creates small sores. This is why it is essential to know how to prevent or at least treat this condition and cope with its annoying symptoms. 

1. Avoid hot water

As soothing as hot water may feel on the body on cold days, using it in the shower for too long dehydrates the skin and promotes skin laxity. Hence, the use of lukewarm water is preferable.

2. Use a mild facial cleanser

We must always choose a special cleanser for our face, with neutral pH and dermatologically tested ingredients.  We avoid hand or body soaps because often enough, instead of moisturising agents, they contain alcohol and cause dryness to the skin. We select cleansers based on the needs of our skin, which does not intensify skin dryness.

3. Proper body hydration

The sun may not be so bright anymore, but cold weather has an equally aggravating role in maintaining the desired moisture levels in our skin. That’s why it is essential to use a moisturiser on our body and hands, especially after showering and before going to bed. We choose creams rich in vitamin E, almond oil, panthenol and shea butter. We should apply the cream to our hands several times a day.

4. Proper diet

In winter, shield your body against seasonal viruses by strengthening its defences with a balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet is the best nutritional model, combining various foods with valuable vitamins, minerals and important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make our skin glow with health and beauty. Try to include in your daily routine green vegetables, rich in vitamin A and vitamin C: pomegranates, for example, enhance collagen production (the best thing this season), eggs, with valuable vitamins A, E, B5 and D, as well as Walnuts that contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are valuable for skin health. 

So, this winter, we do not leave our skin exposed to the elements and take care of its health and beauty.  At Parapharmacie, the most effective moisturising products for hair, hands and lips await you – making sure our skin has nothing to worry about!