Low temperatures, rain and wind, are not at all benevolent with the skin. Indeed. Let’s see how they damage it and how you can protect yourself, taking care of its health.
The harsh climate is one of the main causes of dryness, redness and cracking. Subjected to the whims of the cold seasons, in fact, the hydrolipidic film that covers the face alters and hardens, causing micro-breaks in the epidermis.
In addition, the cold causes vasoconstriction, i.e. the partial closure of the capillaries, which slows down the supply of blood and oxygen to the skin. And when the latter receives less “nourishment”, cellular exchanges slow down and, consequently, the protections against aggressive factors decrease.
The result? The skin of the face thins, dehydrates and tends to become irritated very easily.
To put a strain on the resistance of the skin is also the abrupt transition from cold to heat: cheeks and chin redden due to the rapid dilation of the capillaries, a natural reaction to temperatures that rise suddenly.
And how can we forget smog: polluting particles settle on our skin and form a film that clogs pores and hinders normal cellular oxygenation, fueling inflammatory processes. It is clear: it is urgent to defend oneself.
Help comes both from an adequate diet (nothing is more suitable than a fabulous cocktail of vitamins and mineral salts), and from specific nourishing, moisturizing and desensitizing treatments (creams, gels and serums of the latest generation).
The outer barrier
On the market there are numerous products formulated to restore skin hydration and protect the areas most at risk, such as cheeks, eye contour and lips.
Many are also able to strengthen the walls of the capillaries, to avoid the appearance of redness triggered by vasomotor reactions.
During the day, creams based on natural oils and antioxidant agents, such as vitamins C and E, which protect the skin when the thermometer is lowered and neutralize the action of free radicals, which are mainly responsible for premature cell aging, are indicated.
At night, revitalizing creams based on essential fatty acids and vitamins A and B5, which promote skin regeneration, are useful.
A valid help also comes directly from plants: for dry skin, shea butter and argan and rosehip oils are perfect, with nourishing, revitalizing and regenerating power.
Dry or oily, the valid help is there
If the skin “pulls” too much, an excellent remedy is wheat germ oil, a pure concentrate of vitamin E, the antioxidant vitamin par excellence, which also has a moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, soothing and anti-inflammatory action.
Oily skin, on the other hand, can benefit from burdock extract, which normalizes sebum production, which is particularly pronounced in winter.
It should be integrated with fumaria, dandelion, artichoke and rosemary, with a purifying effect, with hamamelis, decongestant, and with melaleuca alternifolia, from which tea tre oil is obtained, perfect for counteracting the formation of pimples and with a delicate antibacterial action.
The inner barrier
The face also protects, and above all, from the inside. To increase the skin’s defenses and slow down the aging process, protecting the reserves of elastin and collagen, great space must be given to “friendly” foods.
It is about bringing to the table different types of fruit and vegetables able to combat the effects of cold and pollution thanks to their richness in vitamins (A, B, C and E, with antioxidant properties), mineral salts (selenium, potassium, iron, copper and zinc), plant pigments such as polyphenols and bioflavonoids.
In particular, vitamin A is essential to maintain skin elasticity, B vitamins promote metabolic reactions for the repair of damaged elastin and collagen fibers, vitamins C and E are essential for collagen production and act against free radicals.
The skin shines, with the right diet
The recommended amount is 250/300 grams of raw or steamed vegetables and two portions of fresh fruit a day. The diet of bright and compact skin also includes foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole carbohydrates, fiber, which help eliminate toxic substances, and proteins, important for tissue repair.
Of course, you should not forget to drink at least a liter and a half of mineral water a day to promote hydration and purification and make the skin shine. Small recommendation: for a real protective diet of the skin you should not exceed in the use of lipids, fats, spicy substances (such as chili) and stimulants (primarily, coffee and tea).
Extra protection in five steps
Five small tricks to keep your skin beautiful even in the cold season.
- Treat yourself to long and restorative sleep. Sleep is a great dispenser of benefits, just take a look at the face: when it is missing the skin appears tired, dull, dull. To revitalize it every morning, 8 hours of sleep every night are enough.
- Do not wash your face with hot water that can trigger severe irritation, especially in case of dry skin. Avoid even that too cold and opt for lukewarm water: it will not trigger vasomotor reactions and your skin will thank you.
- Choose gentle and moisturizing cleansing products that do not attack the skin, preferably free of dyes and perfumed substances.
- When going out, always use a scarf to protect your face, and hand gloves.
- Every time you go from the cold of the outside to the heat of a closed environment, remove your hands from gloves and bring them to your face for a few seconds: it is a gesture that will help him gradually get used to the thermal shock and will avoid the classic “Heidi cheeks” effect.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.