10 winter skin care tips!

In winter, humidity levels are drastically reduced both in the outdoor environment and indoors. This, combined with the fact that the sebaceous glands slow down the production of sebum, the skin may lose some of its moisture. Thus, in winter the skin can become drier and cracked.

Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to avoid winter dry skin. Here are 10 tips to keep your skin hydrated and glowing.

1. Retain moisture indoors.

The skin, and in particular its most superficial layer, the stratum corneum, is the barrier that holds water to our body. The humidity of the skin is affected by the humidity of the environment and the drier the air the drier the skin. Adding moisture to the indoor environment is a basic and simple method. Place a bowl of water near the radiator to evaporate the air. While this method is effective, using a humidifier is the best option. Consider spending more than 90% of our time indoors. In addition, make sure that the temperature in the room is not too high.

2. Limit daily showers

Frequent washing can dry out the skin. The skin dries further because the soap can flush out the oils of the stratum corneum. Limit your daily shower to 5 to 10 minutes. A longer shelf life can remove part of the oily layer of the skin and reduce skin moisture.

3. Avoid very hot showers

During the winter months, taking a hot shower can create cracks on the surface of the skin. The hot water evaporates quickly and if the skin is not immediately hydrated, cracks in the skin create an itchy feeling. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water which can flush out the skin’s natural oils. To reduce the risk of skin injury, avoid sponges and hard towels. If you do not want to leave them completely, use them with a light touch without rubbing the skin.

4. Moisturize after bath

Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or after washing your hands. This helps to seal in moisture while your skin is still moist. Moisturizers can contain three basic types of ingredients. Those that help attract water, such as tiles (components of the stratum corneum), glycerin, sorbitol, hyaluronic acid and lecithin, those that seal in moisture, such as Vaseline, silicone, lanolin and mineral oils, as well as laxatives such as linoleic, linolenic and lauric acid, lipids that fill in the gaps between skin cells.

5. Avoid alcohol-based products

Something that can dry out the skin is exposure to cleansing solvents or alcohol found in hand sanitizers. Also, some moisturizers contain alcohol giving a lighter feeling to the skin. This sensation occurs when the alcohol in the moisturizer evaporates. But this reduces the natural moisture of the skin.

6. Use sunscreen when you go out

Most people think that in winter they can stop using sunscreen. However, despite the fact that the temperature drops significantly in the winter months, the sun can still be harmful to the skin. Therefore, it is important to continue to wear sunscreen on your face, neck and arms (or whatever is exposed). This will help reduce the drying of the skin and inhibit premature aging.

7. Exfoliate but not too often

Dry skin remains dry without a slight exfoliation. However, you should exfoliate less often than you normally would, because the barrier of your skin (the stratum corneum) lasts less due to dryness and cold air.

8. Get adequate amounts of vitamin C

Vitamin C helps your skin develop collagen and heal. Another nutrient involved in collagen production is zinc. These two micronutrients also boost your immune system.

9. Drink plenty of water

You should not reduce your water intake in winter. While hydration is important for your overall health, it can also make your skin look better. Without adequate water intake, the skin becomes dull, while wrinkles and pores are more visible. Proper hydration levels help keep skin supple.

10. Drink less coffee and alcohol

By following a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, you hydrate your body. Do not overdo it with alcohol and caffeine because they are diuretics and can cause dehydration.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a wide variety of products for the needs of dry skin!