© koolshoters
November 14, 2024
Judith Cyriax
Low temperatures, icy wind, and dry heating air - winter is an extreme endurance test for the skin. Here's how you can protect it.
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With
Dr. med. Christine Zimpfer
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Just the change between cold and warm stresses the delicate facial skin , makes it dry out faster, makes it cracked, rough and particularly sensitive. With falling temperatures, the skin therefore needs a different care , to get through the frosty season unscathed.
If the thermometer drops below eight degrees Celsius, the approximately 300,000 cold receptors of the skin sound the alarm. What still seems quite bearable for us feels like a real shock to the skin and it reacts with quite drastic consequences: Due to the cold, the blood vessels constrict to keep the heat inside the body.
However, this throttles the blood supply and the skin is supplied with less oxygen and nutrients. This low metabolic activity not only causes a weakening of the skin's protective barrier, but also makes our skin look pale and sallow. On top of that, the sebaceous glands stop their production, which means that they only produce very few or no lipids at all and the protective lipid film of the skin is damaged.
Without this film, however, moisture can escape faster and pollutants can penetrate more easily. The result: the skin reacts with redness, flaking, dry spots, and itching. "That's why it's important to strengthen, protect, and build up the skin barrier now," explains Dr. Anette Zimpfer-Keese , dermatologist and allergist from Mannheim.
In winter, exposed skin areas need extra fat and moisture , so the products can now be richer in their formulations. However, rich doesn't automatically mean greasy, but rather a balanced mixture of hydrating, soothing, and strengthening ingredients.
Very often, these products have so-called occlusive properties. Even though occlusive means "sealing," it doesn't imply completely sealing the skin's surface. Rather, occlusive products ensure that the so-called transepidermal water loss, also known as TEWL, is reduced.
Important: The skincare routine should not be completely changed overnight, as this would stress the skin, which could lead to irritation or blemishes. It is better to adjust the products slowly. This means initially using a richer night care product, and once the skin has adapted, also adjusting the day care accordingly.
Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin F strengthen skin and cells: "Sensitive Cleansing Cream" by TGC Shea butter and hyaluronic acid provide care: "Purity Touch Hand Treatment" by The Aiconist Micronized, high-quality oil provides lasting hydration: "Absolute Silk Micro Essence-In-Lotion" by Sensai Gives new energy with vital nutrients: "The Rejuvenating Night Cream" by La Mer
First and foremost, high-quality plant oils are now used - in pure care oils or as an active ingredient in creams - that not only care for and protect the skin, but also provide it with important vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Argan oil, evening primrose oil, almond oil, or shea butter are particularly recommended.
Ensure sufficient moisture. Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin or squalane. "Above all, squalane prevents moisture loss, as it is a natural skin component at 15 percent," reveals the doctor. In care products, squalane is used from the residues of olive oil pressing.
The powerful ingredients panthenol, ectoin, or vitamin E have a soothing effect on the skin. And one of the main tasks of winter care is to strengthen the skin's own protective barrier, which is best achieved with niacinamide, fatty acids, and ceramides.
Not just creams & co., but also the right foods allow the skin to survive the winter healthily. According to Dr. Zimpfer-Keese, one should now increasingly rely on unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Thus, omega-3 acid replenishes the skin's own lipid stores (for example in linseed oil), biotin in oatmeal or bananas optimizes skin moisture, zinc in sunflower seeds or lentils helps against dryness.
Black currants, broccoli, or citrus fruits are, in turn, an ideal source of vitamin C, the most effective skin protection vitamin there is! "Additionally, one should drink plenty, here I advise two liters of liquid, water or even green tea are ideal," says the dermatologist.
Perfect shield thanks to ceramides and panthenol: "Calm Balm" from Melumé Skinscience Supports the microbiome with a ceramide complex: "Barrier Solution" from Royal Fern Strengthens stressed skin with zinc oxide and panthenol: "Skin Calming Cream" from Team Dr. Joseph Soothes with vitamin E: "Nutri Sensation Caps" from Dr. Grandel
