How does the cold affect your skin?
First thing you need to know is that cold temperatures often affect more dry and thin type of skins than oily skins. Also, sensitive and atopic, where redness and pathologies such as rosacea can occur. In addition, not all the skin of the body suffers the consequences of the cold in the same way. Logically, the areas that we have covered are more protected, but what about the face?
The skin problems that are frequently consulted in Dermatology during the cold months are the following:
By Rocio Sierra. During winter, your skin can be very affected, most specifically your face, hands and neck.
Low temperatures can cause lack of hydration which can affect the oxygen levels of our skin, most specifically on the outer shell of the skin, which is a lot more sensitive and thinner.
It is important to prepare our skin in order to avoid the consequences of the coldest seasons of the year in our face. That’s why, in the next article we’re going to show you how to take care of your skin during winter.
Xerosis (dehydration)
Xerosis is the dryness of the skin due to the deficit of the hydrolipidic layer in the horny layer, the outermost layer of the epidermis.
This dehydration gives rise to symptoms such as tightness, itching, redness and/or a dull appearance.
Rosacea
Rosacea or acne rosacea is an inflammatory skin lesion that causes acne and redness. The most common areas are nose, cheeks and chin.
Flushing or dilated capillaries may be transient or chronic. In cases of rosacea of advanced evolution, the pustules and papules typical of acne can give rise to skin thickening.
Couperosis
Couperose is another type of redness in which spider veins or dilated capillaries, reddish or purple in color, are organized in the form of a mesh.
It usually appears on the nose (fins) and on the cheeks, mainly.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that usually causes scaling, intense dryness, and itching.
Cold can reactivate or worsen flare-ups of atopic dermatitis.
Sunburn
Snow can reflect around 80% of ultraviolet radiation, so patients who practice winter sports or visit places at altitude or with snow are at greater risk of suffering burns.
To avoid them, it is essential to apply a factor 50 sunscreen, renewing the application frequently, as well as protecting the skin with appropriate clothing and accessories.
So how do you take care of your face?
- Hydration: it is essential to avoid dryness, which translates into tightness, and in the long run, premature wrinkles. Apply moisturizer all over your body after showering (avoid using water that is too hot as it dries out the skin even more).
- Sun protection: Although it may seem that sun protection is only needed in the summer, it is incorrect. The sun is also present in the cold months and has the same harmful consequences for the skin.
- Drink water: we associate the idea of drinking water with summer and heat, but in winter you should also hydrate from the inside. In addition to the drying effect of wind and cold, heating causes environmental dryness. Get in the habit of drinking water throughout the day to stay well hydrated on the inside.
- Natural ingredients must be a priority when you’re choosing your beauty or skin care products. Body lotions and scented soaps tempt to often increase skin dryness. Natural formulas without scent are highly recommendable.
During the winter, the skin is exposed to adverse external conditions such as cold, wind and humidity that cause a great impact on our skin. Dermatologists affirm that the changes in temperature and humidity levels of each season are the main factors that affect our skin. Don’t forget to take care of it!
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