How to hydrate your skin in winter

Winter is a difficult season for the skin. Colder temperatures and heated environments can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause dryness, irritation and itching. Before finding out how to keep your skin hydrated in winter, however, let's take a closer look at how the skin works and why it is more exposed to risks in winter.

How does the skin work?

The skin is a vital organ that performs several functions, including protecting the body from external agents, regulating body temperature and absorbing nutrients. The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis.

The epidermis is the most superficial layer of the skin, composed of dead cells that are continuously renewed. The dermis is the middle layer of the skin, composed of collagen and elastin fibers, which provide the skin with elasticity and support. Finally, the hypodermis is the deepest layer composed of adipose tissue, which helps to insulate the body from the cold.

The skin is able to maintain hydration thanks to the presence of a lipid barrier, composed of sebum and ceramides. The lipid barrier prevents water from evaporating from the skin and keeps the skin hydrated.

In winter however, this normal skin protection mechanism can be compromised.

The risks of cold on the skin

In winter, the skin is more exposed to dehydration for several reasons:

• Colder temperatures reduce sebum production, which makes skin drier.
• Heated environments, such as homes and offices, can reduce the humidity in the air, which can dehydrate the skin.
• Wind and cold can damage the skin's lipid barrier, making it more vulnerable to dehydration.

So let's see what we can do to guarantee soft, hydrated and protected skin even in winter.

Here's how to hydrate your skin even in winter

• Wash your face with warm water and a mild cleanser. Washing too often or with water that is too hot can strip your skin's natural oils, making it drier.
• Apply a moisturizer every day, morning and evening. Choose a moisturizer rich in nourishing ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and plant oils.
• Drink lots of water. Hydration from the inside is just as important as hydration from the outside. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid exposure to wind and cold. When you go out, remember to wear gloves, a hat and a scarf to protect your skin from the wind and cold.
• Take a warm bath or shower with warm water. Hot water can dehydrate your skin, so it's important not to overdo it.
• Use a humidifier in your home. The humidifier helps keep the air moist, which can help prevent skin dehydration.
• Do an exfoliating scrub once a week. The scrub helps remove dead cells from the skin, leaving it smoother and more hydrated.

What ingredients should you look for to hydrate your skin even in winter?

Here are some hydrating ingredients that should be present in skin care creams and serums in winter:

• Hyaluronic acid: it is a natural component of the skin that retains water.
• Glycerin: is a humectant that helps retain water in the skin.
• Vegetable oils: Vegetable oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and argan oil, are rich in fatty acids that help keep skin hydrated.