Welcome the new year! You might think winter is over as we enter the new year, but be cautious because cold temperatures are still with us for quite some time… this means that a switch in skincare is needed: here’s what to do.
During winter, the skin requires extra care to look its best, with a targeted winter skincare routine rich in active ingredients and nourishing elements to strengthen the protective barrier. From cleansing to facial treatments, here are all the small changes to make in your beauty routine during this time of the year.
**Health Consequences of Winter Hibernation Habit**
Winter Skincare: What Changes
The change of seasons always represents a “shock” for the skin. Two major “issues” need to be addressed.
The first is the loss of hydration in the superficial layers of the skin, which can make it appear drier and rougher or, conversely, oilier because it increases sebum production excessively to defend against external aggressions. The excess sebum amplifies the possibility of imperfections such as acne.
Temperature fluctuations and cold weather also challenge surface circulation: in the cold, blood vessels contract, and once back in the warmth, due to thermal shock, the skin becomes red and sensitive. It happens to everyone and is a natural mechanism, but to avoid further sensitization, it’s essential to incorporate a new category of skincare products into the beauty routine: soothing and repairing ones.
As you can see, things get a bit complex in winter, but the solution is at hand, starting from cleansing, as explained in the next paragraph.
Winter Skincare: Face Cleansing
To prepare the skin for the cold, opt for a mix of cleansers with gentle formulations capable of deep cleaning, preserving the skin’s hydration and its natural barrier.
“Choosing the right cleanser is important,” says Maria Pia Priore, cosmetologist, pharmacist, and founder of SKIN FIRST. “It is necessary to avoid those that are too aggressive, as they can damage the skin’s hydrolipidic film. Instead, one should prefer gentle cleansers that clean effectively without depriving the skin of its natural hydration.” After cleansing the face, don’t forget to apply a soothing toner that restores the skin’s natural pH.
**Winter Skincare: Essential Tips for Protecting Your Skin in Cold January Weather**
Winter Skincare: Serums, Creams, and Lip Balm (and SPF)
It goes without saying that to preserve lipid balance and skin hydration, serums and creams need to be both moisturizing and nourishing, even though texture remains subjective.
It’s not true that you must choose a very rich product to see effects on the face. What matters are the ingredients.
What are the right ones? Hyaluronic acid is in the lead for all skin types without difference.
If the skin is dry, go for ceramides, squalene, oils, and vegetable butters.
For oily skin, recommended ingredients, in addition to hyaluronic acid and collagen, are those with mattifying and anti-sebum effects such as burdock and tea tree.
Don’t forget lip care, as the lips have thinner skin and easily dehydrate in winter. A lip balm applied several times a day is sufficient.
Last but not least, sun protection. “Despite the cold climate, sunscreen remains a crucial step,” emphasizes Priore. “UV rays can be harmful even on cloudy days, so it’s essential to apply a sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, offering broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.”
Try Face Masks for Winter Skincare
During the cold season, you might need some extra pampering. A face mask, used a couple of times a week, can be the right solution. It’s best to alternate a gentle exfoliating product with a hydrating or soothing mask in case of dry skin.
Alternatively, adopt a multi-masking approach by applying a soothing mask in areas with redness and a moisturizing mask in other areas of the face.
Beware of Exfoliants and Hot Baths
A useful tip is to “avoid excessively hot baths and showers. Water that is too hot can alter the hydrolipidic film, aggravating dryness. Therefore, it’s better to opt for lukewarm water,” concludes the cosmetologist. Exfoliation should also be handled with care: although useful for eliminating dead cells, it should be done in moderation to prevent additional irritations. Prefer gentle exfoliants and limit this practice to once or twice a week.
An additional piece of advice: when at home, “the use of humidifiers can make a big difference, helping to maintain an optimal humidity level and counteract skin dryness.”
Ready to give a new twist to your skincare? Here are some products to include in your beauty case!
GLOBAL REPAIR ADVANCED CREAM by Filorga
This cream, based on a patented repairing complex (supporting self-repair processes and reinforcing the skin’s lipid barrier) associated with a botanical extract of the Tree of Life (action on cellular aging), precious oils, and ceramides (revitalizing nourishment), extract of Damask Rose (brightening and evening action), contains Peptides (supporting collagen and elastin production), Peony Extract (specific action on the jawline), and Candeia Tree Essential Oil (action on the visibility of dark spots).
Collagenina Day Cream with 6 Collagens (GRADE 1, 2, 3)
Daily plumping and firming day treatment with six Collagens, has a moisturizing and protective base.
Pro-Aqua Active Cream by Terme di Saturnia – Beauty & Health
Antioxidant cream with hyaluronic acid, ensures constant skin hydration thanks to a multilayer structure and the presence of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and liposomes. The trace elements present in the precious Saturnia Bioplancton, associated with biomimetic peptides, form a cosmetic shield against pollution.
Retinol Night Serum by The Organic Pharmacy
The retinol in this booster is encapsulated in lecithin, promoting both greater stability and deep product penetration, ensuring maximum effectiveness in smoothing out signs of aging, accelerating cell renewal, combating hyperpigmentation, and loss of tone. The serum is also enhanced with 93.5% organic ingredients, including witch hazel water, which is also the active base of the product. In addition to having an extraordinary astringent and rebalancing action, it acts as a carrier, incredibly promoting the absorption of actives. The texture is liquid, non-greasy, quickly absorbed, and fragrance-free.
Korff Calming CICA Serum
This new concentrated serum with a pronounced soothing and anti-redness action is inspired by aesthetic medicine that regenerates the skin, reducing redness and skin discomfort, reinforcing the skin barrier. Its impalpable, ultra-light oil texture absorbs instantly without greasiness, leaving the skin soft and silky for immediate skin comfort.
Thanks to its easily absorbable formula without the need for rubbing, the serum offers a pleasant and lightweight sensation on the skin. Fragrance-free, it ensures a delicate sensory experience suitable for the most sensitive skin. Among the main ingredients of the serum are Madecassoside and Omega 3, 6, and 9.
Artistry Skin Nutrition™ Vitamin C+HA3 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Skin First Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides Booster
Supports and enhances the skin’s hydric balance. In fact, it serves to deeply hydrate the skin, has a soothing action, and also improves skin elasticity. It is suitable for normal and dry skin and, in general, for anyone wishing to provide hydration to their skin.
LeLang Gentle Cleansing Oil
Keys Soulcare Rich Skin Transformation Cream
An extra rich and moisturizing face cream with the scent of sage and oat milk that helps reveal plump and radiant-looking skin thanks to bakuchiol, malachite, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. It hydrates, nourishes, and helps tone the appearance of the skin, improving elasticity and texture.
Biofficina Toscana LUCE DI CAMELIA Rich Face Cream
A regenerating-illuminating face cream that can be used both day and night (also as a makeup base). Experience synergy with Tuscan Camellia extract, bioretinol, organic red grape water, and Argan & Avocado oils for elastic, antioxidant, and soothing skincare benefits. The treatment contains lightening active ingredients that act on skin spots, making the skin luminous.
Depot No. 810 Moisturizing Lip Balm
Moisturizing lip balm designed to protect from winter cold.
Stanartis CLEANSING MOUSSE
With hyaluronic acid, salicylic acid, and portulaca, it helps restore softer, fresher, brighter skin, free from impurities. Also, it gently exfoliates the skin by removing any makeup residue and deeply cleansing the pores from impurities.
ELEMIS ULTRA SMART PRO-COLLAGEN AQUA INFUSION MASK
This mask focuses on multiple signs of aging, offering a triple-level approach to hydration. Infused with ULTRA SMART Aqua Shuttle tech, this hydrates for 24 hours, enhancing deep lines, skin firmness, and elasticity.
The Organic Pharmacy HONEY & JASMINE MASK
Intensely moisturizes skin stressed by the cold. It can be used overnight as a regenerating mask.
FaceD Pure Plump HA4 Hyaluronic Acid Mask
A non-woven fabric mask that restores the natural hydration level in just 15 minutes, fighting the visibility of wrinkles.
Photo credit: Pexels.com
