Banish winter skin woes with our complete guide to skincare for the cold season
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The dark mornings, short evenings and frequent wind and rain of winter
are all fairly depressing, but even more upsetting is the effect it can
have on our skin; dull, dry complexions and flaky, itchy limbs
definitely top our list of cold weather woes. Coupled with the
dehydrating effects of central heating, winter plays havoc with our
faces and bodies and requires some savvy skincare switches to see us
through ‘til summer. Aurélie Tripet, Vichy Scientific Communication
Manager, explains: “The skin is our first protection against external
aggressions. Barrier function of the skin is ensured by a good quality
of the hydrolipidic film, mainly constituted of lipids. During winter,
when it is cold and dry outside, the integrity of the skin barrier
function is impacted due to increased water loss from the epidermis to
the external environment (transepidermal water loss). In addition, in
order to prevent heat loss, blood circulation is diminished by
vasoconstriction of blood vessels. This decreases the water intake from
blood circulation, resulting in skin dehydration. The skin becomes
fragile and lacks elasticity, the complexion is dull and you can
experience tightness, redness and increased skin sensitivity.” Central
heating can further exacerbate transepidermal water loss, leaving skin
dry, dull and more prone to wrinkles. Izzy Jaffer, owner of the
Institut de Beauté salon, advises: “Try to avoid having central heating
on full – the optimum room temperature is between 18-21°C.”
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