Not everyone would agree how good it would be if the condition of the skin in winter was the same as in summer. Unfortunately, this is not possible – heating makes the air drier, which contributes to skin dehydration, while external factors – strong wind and cold – break down the skin’s lipid protective layer faster. Ivanda Krastiņa, a certified pharmacist of the “Apotheka” pharmacy network, tells how to better protect the body’s skin and maintain its health during the autumn and winter period.
“In autumn and winter, the skin’s metabolism slows down, the skin regenerates more slowly, and it is constantly exposed to various irritations. Without changing skin care habits, the skin can become significantly drier, its sensitivity increases, it is possible to observe redness, itching, peeling and cracking, while people with skin diseases may experience exacerbation of symptoms and additional discomfort.To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to introduce changes in your daily skin with the change of weather in the care ritual,” explains Ivanda Krastiņa, certified pharmacist of “Apotheka”.
Moisturizing and nourishing
In order to reduce the negative effects of external conditions, it is important to take care of full skin hydration and nutrition. If in the summer period a moisturizing cream is applied in the morning, and a nourishing one before going to bed, then in the cold period of the year it should be done the other way around – a skin nourishing cream will be useful in the morning, while moisturizing face care products should be used in the evening. A nourishing cream applied in the morning will provide the skin with an additional protective layer of lipids, preventing it from losing moisture so quickly during the day, while a rich moisturizing cream in the evening will ensure the skin is hydrated.
If the skin is sensitive, it is very important at this time to choose face and body cleansers that do not additionally dry the skin, but are gentle. Cosmetic products containing, for example, ghee butter, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, almond, jojoba oil or olive oil will have a beneficial effect on the skin. Additional protection for the face will be provided by creams containing glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, urea, as well as the aforementioned oils. On the other hand, beeswax, lanolin and petroleum jelly will restore the hydrolipidic protective layer of the face, which will prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin so quickly.
Owners of dry skin are advised to avoid scrubs with abrasive particles, as they can mechanically injure the skin, thus making it even more sensitive. Instead, it is better to choose a gentle enzyme peeling obtained from fruits – pineapple or papaya. AHA acid and lactic acid peels are very effective, but you shouldn’t get carried away with them either, as they can irritate the skin and further weaken its protective barrier. After a shower or bath, it is recommended to generously apply a nourishing cream on the skin, which will restore the protective fat-lipid layer. On the other hand, when taking care of the skin of the face, at least a couple of times a week, in addition to the nourishing cream, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing, skin rejuvenating serum, which will ensure additional hydration and supply of active substances.
Moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin from the “inside”
In order for the skin to be firm and healthy, applying cream on the face and body alone will not be enough, because it is important to moisturize and renew the skin from the “inside” as well, that is, with the help of nutrition. If we remember to drink water quite well during the summer period, because we sweat more often and naturally feel thirsty, then in the fall and winter we often forget about it. Since heating dries the air a lot, sufficient water intake will help the skin to maintain moisture much better. It is equally important to eat fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, D, E and K and are good antioxidants. It is easy to remember by the name KEDA.
• Vitamin A or beta carotene will stimulate skin cell regeneration and improve skin structure. It will help prevent dryness and flaking by promoting collagen production and strengthening the skin’s protective barrier, which allows the skin to retain moisture. Beta-carotene is most commonly found in fruits and vegetables that are yellow or orange in color, such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and apricots. Broccoli, kale and spinach are also rich in vitamin A.
• Vitamin E will act as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage and helping to maintain its moisture levels. Vitamin E will also promote skin healing and reduce inflammatory processes, making the skin more elastic and moisturized. Vitamin E is often found in various oils, nuts and seeds.
• Vitamin D helps promote the growth and regeneration of skin cells, which will maintain the resilience of the skin barrier and the preservation of moisture levels. As you know, it is quite difficult to get enough vitamin D from food and the sun alone, so it should be taken additionally with nutritional supplements, especially in the darkest months of the year.
• Vitamin K is important for improving blood circulation and capillary health, promoting a healthy skin appearance and moisture balance. It is most abundant in green vegetables – broccoli, spinach, kale, beetroot, Brussels sprouts, celery, as well as meat, eggs and fermented milk products.
Evening primrose oil is also very useful for the skin and mucous membranes. It has phytoestrogen properties, so the oil reduces skin dryness, roughness, and helps prevent loss of elasticity and tone.
If it is not possible to take in a sufficient amount of vitamins with food alone, it is recommended to additionally take in the necessary vitamins with the help of nutritional supplements. Food supplements specially designed to improve skin health and containing combinations of several valuable substances are also available in pharmacies.
Problematic skin needs special care
“Unfortunately, various skin diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and others, also worsen in autumn and winter. In the case of these diseases, patients must make special efforts to ensure sufficient skin hydration and nutrition. Exposed skin surfaces – hands, face – will be especially sensitive, so the cream it is recommended to apply after each hand wash. The skin of the body can also be nourished and moisturized more often – up to four times a day, if possible,” says the pharmacist.
In order to make the autumn and winter period easier, it is recommended to prepare for the next winter season in time – people with various skin diseases should start preparing their skin for winter already in the summer. The better it is maintained during the warm period of the year, the longer it will be able to fight against external conditions in autumn and winter. It is also recommended to take additional vitamins for skin health at the end of summer.
Winter Skin Survival Guide: A Cheeky Take
So, not everyone agrees that it’d be a good idea to have skin as fabulous in winter as it is in summer. You know, the whole get-up-and-go vibe in a season of scarves and hot chocolate? Sounds dreamy, but alas, heating systems seem to have a vendetta against our lovely skin! You’d think they’d show a little love, but no—drier air means parched skin, and nature’s winter wrath in the form of wind and cold wreaks havoc on your delicate lipid barrier, much like your in-laws during the holidays! Ivanda Krastiņa, a certified pharmacist from the “Apotheka” pharmacy network, is here to save us from ourselves—or rather, from our tragically under-prepared skincare regime.
Moisturizing and Nourishing
Now, listen closely, because if you stick to your summertime skincare routine, you might as well be trying to feed a lion lettuce. In the freezing months, your skin’s metabolism basically puts on a fuzzy winter hat and decides to go on a permanent holiday. It’s like watching a tortoise trying to break a record. The slower your skin regenerates, the drier it gets, leading to all sorts of delightful experiences like redness, itching, and peeling. And for those poor souls with skin conditions, the winter months can be like an experimental sitcom gone wrong. So, what’s our solution? Switching up your skincare routine quicker than a magician at a first date!
In short, reverse your routine! Morning calls for a nourishing cream and evening for the hydrating goodness. Think of it as skin insurance for your nine-to-five—protection during the harsh day and rejuvenation at night, like a fabulous recovery party for your face. Trust me, using nourishing creams enriched with lipids is your skin’s way of saying, “Thank you, human! Now I won’t evaporate faster than your will to go to the gym!”
For the sensitive-skinned folks out there, remember: you’re not trying to sandpaper your face off! Choose gentle cleansers—think almond oil, jojoba oil, or anything that sounds like it could double as a fancy salad dressing. And let’s not even get started on those harsh scrubs; they can turn your skin into a metaphorical crime scene. Stick with gentle enzyme peels instead and save the heavy artillery for a winter of discontent!
Moisturizing and Rejuvenating from the “Inside”
Applying a mountain of cream on your skin will only get you so far; we’re talking about inner beauty now—nutrition! In summer, everyone’s chugging down water like they’re training for a marathon. But come winter? It’s like watching a sitcom without any laughs—where’s the hydration? Well, if you want your skin to stay firm and fabulous, it’s crucial to drink water like it’s your new favorite iced latte.
A long list of vitamins enters stage right: A, D, E, and K—brilliant like the Avengers of skin health! It’s easy to remember—KEDA! But instead of fighting off evil like our heroes, these vitamins nourish like a warm hug on a cold day. Vitamin A (mostly found in orange fruits and leafy greens) does a fine job of cell regeneration, while Vitamin E is the antioxidant superhero keeping free radicals at bay! Vitamin D, the elusive one, is the underdog that everyone should be popping as a supplement when the sun’s hiding. And let’s not forget Vitamin K—because who wouldn’t want better circulation and a healthy glow?
And don’t let me get started on evening primrose oil! My stars, it’s like the underappreciated sidekick that works wonders on skin mood swings and dryness. If you find yourself struggling to get enough vitamins through food, fear not! A good supplement won’t judge you for skipping that plate of veggies at dinner. After all, we’re in this together.
Problematic Skin Needs Special Care
Lastly, we can’t ignore those battling skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Autumn and winter throw a tantrum your skin will feel, especially on exposed areas like hands and faces. If that’s you, make it a point to apply cream after each hand wash—as if it’s a new religious ritual. For all you dry skin warriors, being diligent about moisturizing up to four times a day can be a gamechanger!
So, let’s get a head start! The key to surviving winter skin woes begins now—prep early and often. Treat your skin like royalty during the warmer months, and it will serve you well when winter strikes. Up your vitamin game at the end of summer, and watch your skin flourish while others flounder in cold air despair.
In conclusion, don’t let winter turn you into a walking desert. With a bit of cheek, humor, and some savvy skin science, you can rise from the ashes of dryness and strut like the beautiful, moisturized peacock you were born to be!
While many might envision the skin having the same resilience in winter as it does in the summer months, the reality is far more complex. The heating used to keep indoor spaces warm in the colder season results in a significant reduction of humidity in the air, creating conditions that foster skin dehydration. Moreover, harsh external elements like biting winds and plummeting temperatures accelerate the breakdown of the skin’s lipid protective layer. According to Ivanda Krastiņa, a certified pharmacist from the “Apotheka” pharmacy network, it is crucial to understand how to shield the body’s skin and preserve its vitality during the challenging autumn and winter months.
“During the autumn and winter months, the skin undergoes a notable slowdown in metabolic processes. This deceleration means that the skin’s ability to regenerate deteriorates, all while it faces an array of irritants. If skin care routines remain static during this season, individuals may find their skin becomes increasingly parched and sensitive, leading to conditions such as redness, persistent itching, peeling, or even cracking. For those suffering from skin disorders, this time of year can exacerbate pre-existing symptoms and cause heightened discomfort. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to adapt skin care habits to align with the seasonal changes,” emphasizes Ivanda Krastiņa from “Apotheka”.
Moisturizing and nourishing
To combat the adverse effects imposed by colder weather conditions, maintaining optimal skin hydration and nourishment becomes paramount. In the summertime, individuals typically start their day with a moisturizing cream and switch to a nourishing one at bedtime. Conversely, during the frigid months, applying a nourishing cream in the morning is highly beneficial, while rich moisturizing products should be reserved for the evening hours. This approach allows the nourishing cream to form an additional protective lipid layer during the day, helping to retain moisture effectively. At night, a hydrating cream is vital to restore moisture levels.
For those with sensitive skin, selecting face and body cleansers that do not strip moisture is vital. Gentle formulations like those containing ghee butter, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, almond oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil can significantly benefit the skin. Furthermore, creams infused with glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and urea can enhance facial protection, while beeswax, lanolin, and petroleum jelly work to restore the hydrolipidic barrier, preventing moisture loss.
Those with inherently dry skin should exercise caution and avoid scrubs that contain abrasive particles, which can inflict mechanical damage and exacerbate skin sensitivity. Instead, opting for mild enzymatic peels derived from fruits such as pineapple or papaya offers a safer alternative. AHA and lactic acid peels are effective but should be used judiciously to avoid irritating the skin and weakening its protective barrier. After bathing, generous amounts of nourishing cream should be applied to replenish the vital fat-lipid barrier. Additionally, incorporating a skin rejuvenating serum into the skincare regimen at least a couple of times a week can further augment hydration and infuse the skin with essential active ingredients.
Moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin from the “inside”
To achieve firm and radiant skin, topical applications alone are insufficient; it is crucial to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. While we intuitively drink plenty of water during the hot summer months due to increased perspiration, we often neglect proper hydration as temperatures cool. Given that indoor heating significantly reduces air moisture, ensuring adequate water intake during the colder months is vital for maintaining skin moisture levels. Additionally, incorporating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K—known for their antioxidant properties—into our diets becomes essential, easily remembered by the acronym KEDA.
• Vitamin A, or beta carotene, plays a pivotal role in promoting skin cell regeneration and enhancing skin structure. This nutrient helps combat dryness and flakiness while stimulating collagen production to fortify the skin’s barrier function, which is critical for moisture retention. Common sources of beta-carotene include bright orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, mangoes, and apricots. Leafy greens like broccoli, kale, and spinach also boast high levels of vitamin A.
• Vitamin E serves as a potent antioxidant, shielding the skin from the detrimental effects of free radicals while helping to sustain moisture levels. This nutrient aids in skin repair, diminishes inflammation, and enhances elasticity. You can find vitamin E in a variety of oils, nuts, and seeds.
• Vitamin D facilitates skin cell growth and regeneration, contributing to the resilience of the skin barrier and moisture retention. As acquiring sufficient vitamin D through diet and sunlight is often challenging, especially during the darker months, supplementation is advisable.
• Vitamin K is integral for promoting healthy blood circulation and capillary function, which in turn supports a vibrant skin appearance and moisture regulation. Good sources of vitamin K include green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts, as well as proteins like meat, eggs, and yogurt.
Evening primrose oil proves to be particularly beneficial for skin and mucous membranes due to its phytoestrogen properties, helping to alleviate skin dryness and enhance elasticity and tone.
If dietary intake of essential vitamins is insufficient, it is prudent to consider nutritional supplements designed to support skin health. Pharmacies provide a range of specialized dietary supplements that combine multiple beneficial nutrients.
Problematic skin needs special care
“Unfortunately, prevalent skin conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis tend to worsen during the autumn and winter months. Therefore, individuals dealing with these issues must take extra measures to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition for their skin. Particularly vulnerable areas, including the hands and face, demand thick applications of cream after every hand wash. It is advisable to nourish and moisturize the body’s skin multiple times per day—ideally up to four if possible,” notes the pharmacist.
To navigate the harsh autumn and winter months more comfortably, proactive skincare preparation is essential. Individuals with specific skin conditions should begin their winter skin preparation during the summer months. Maintaining skin health throughout the warmer season lays a strong foundation for enduring the rigors of colder weather. Additionally, considering the incorporation of skin health vitamins towards the end of summer is highly beneficial.
How does evening primrose oil contribute to skin rejuvenation and what benefits does it provide during colder months?
Od circulation and maintaining skin elasticity. This vitamin helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and supports overall skin health. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts, as well as fermented foods like natto.
Moreover, we cannot overlook the supportive role of evening primrose oil, a lesser-known but highly effective ally for skin rejuvenation. It’s packed with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that aids in reducing inflammation, relieving dryness, and balancing skin mood swings—especially during the colder months when skin vulnerabilities are heightened. Supplementing your diet with evening primrose oil can provide much-needed moisturization from the inside out.
to combat the winter skin challenges, a multifaceted approach is essential: adapt your skincare routine to incorporate nourishing and hydrating products suitable for the season, enhance your diet with vital vitamins and nutrients, and be diligent in hydration. Don’t let the colder months dictate your skin’s health; instead, be proactive in caring for it. By prioritizing these nourishing habits, you can emerge from winter with skin that remains vibrant and supple, ready to shine like the gorgeous gem you are! Embrace the upcoming colder months with confidence and a solid plan for maintaining your skin’s health and beauty. After all, winter doesn’t stand a chance against well-prepared, pampered skin!
