Feelings of tightness all over the body and dry skin. A dull, grayish complexion. There's no doubt about it, winter is here and your skin is suffering. So, how can you avoid all these unpleasant sensations and take care of your skin when the temperatures drop? What skincare routine should you adopt during this very special season? All the answers in this article.
Why is skin drier in winter?
Rather than talking about winter, we should be talking about the cold. Because it's the falling temperatures that make our skin rougher and less radiant, not the lack of sun or heavier rain. data-mce-fragment="1" style="font-weight: 400;">Indeed, when the thermometer displays values close to or below zero, several phenomena combine to influence the appearance of our skin.
Drier air
Winter isthe season when the air is driest. At 0°C, for example, the amount of water vapor in the ambient air can be up to 7 times less than at a temperature of 30°C. Winter is also the season when we spend a lot of time in heated buildings. Whether electric, gas, or wood-fired, all heating systems tend to dissipate a large portion of the air's moisture, making it dry even indoors.
When the need for warmth damages our skin
Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMF) are essential components naturally present in the skin. They contribute to the proper hydration and elasticity of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis), as well as to maintaining the skin's barrier function. NHFs are composed of amino acids, among other things, and result from the breakdown of filaggrin, a protein produced in the epidermis.
In winter, it's common to want to warm up with a hot bath or shower. In the moment, the feeling of well-being is undeniable, but showering or bathing for long periods in hot water can unfortunately alter the skin barrier by eliminating these precious FHN.
Skin that "hibernates"
The activity of the skin's sebaceous glands, those that produce sebum, is partly regulated by ambient temperature. The cold has the effect of reducing the secretion of sebum from these glands, which means that the skin's hydrolipidic film contains less sebum. One of the roles of this film is to prevent too much evaporation of skin water at the epidermis, which it cannot do properly if it lacks sebum. Therefore, in dry air conditions, the skin quickly becomes dehydrated and dries out. In addition, a 2018 study suggests that cold weather can alter or even damage filaggrin, thereby reducing the production of FHN.
Age increases the effect of cold
Age can also play a role in the decrease of skin lipids and FHN. As we age,the skin loses its ability to produce lipids, as the function of the sebaceous glands decreases. The level of FHN in the epidermis also decreases with age. As we age, our skin becomes more sensitive to the cold.
The reasons for a duller complexion in winter
In winter, other factors add to the cold and make skin dull.
The lack of light
From November to March, the days are shorter and the sun's rays are weaker. We also wear longer clothes and generally spend less time outdoors. All of this makes it more difficult to synthesize vitamin D, which is primarily produced when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Vitamin D plays a major role in cell renewal, which is the turnover between the production of new cells and the elimination of dead skin cells.
When this renewal slows down,an imbalance is created in the epidermis, the proportion of dead surface cells increases, and the skin loses its radiance.
The surface layers of the skin receive less blood flow
Since we sweat less when it's cold and we need warmth, blood circulation to the outer layers of the skin also decreases (blood is directed primarily to the internal organs to maintain body temperature). This has two consequences:
- Waste elimination is less efficient andwaste can accumulate.
- The pink color of the skin, given by the circulating blood,is less vivid.
All of this contributes to a duller, grayer complexion.
Changing behaviors
For some people, winter is often synonymous with low morale. Mainly due to the lack of sunshine. This can result in changes in eating habits (eating fewer fruits and vegetables, turning more readily to comfort foods... but not always very balanced ones, etc.) but also in increased fatigue and greater stress.
These factors can increase oxidative stress in the body in general and in the skin in particular.
There are many reasons why our skin becomes drier and duller in winter. But this condition isn't inevitable and can be easily alleviated with a suitable skincare routine.
The FILORGA facial skincare routine to adopt in winter
To take care of your face in winter, the experts at FILORGA Laboratories recommend including the following products in your beauty routine:
- The intensive antioxidant serum HYDRA-AOX [5] : this innovative treatment combines5 antioxidants (astaxanthin + ergothioneine + vitamin C + vitamin E + vitamin B3) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in a hydrating and protective serum. Suitable for all skin types, HYDRA-AOX [5] facial treatment helps combat winter oxidative stress and maintain a radiant complexion.
- As a complement to HYDRA-AOX [5], theGLOBAL-REPAIR ADVANCED anti-aging elixir, inspired by lipid-rich dressings used after surgery, aesthetic, will support the skin's natural repair process. The HYALU-FILLERserum, much appreciated by our consumers in winter, will hydrate and plump your skin thanks to its 5 forms of hyaluronic acid.
- For dry to very dry skin, theGLOBAL-REPAIR moisturizing cream ADVANCED or the GLOBAL REPAIR balm have a rich and nourishing texture without a greasy effect, ideal for comforting the skin Winter. The choice between these two treatments will depend on your skin type.
