How to hydrate skin in winter: steps & care tips

In this article, you will find a complete guide to winter skin care. You will learn how skin needs change in the cold season and how you can protect it from dehydration and sensitization.

Discover effective solutions, essential steps, and the benefits of a correct skincare routine, including how Ivatherm products can become your trusted allies in maintaining your skin's health and beauty.

Contents

What happens to skin in winter?

Each season comes with its particularities regarding the environmental conditions we are exposed to. These represent a factor that significantly impacts our health, including that of our skin.

With the onset of winter, temperatures drop, the air becomes drier, and our skin suffers. The cold season can bring major challenges to the health, quality, and appearance of the skin. Therefore, proper hydration becomes an essential step in the skincare routine.

Specifically, here's what happens to our skin during winter:

• Low temperatures and strong winds can affect the skin's natural protective barrier – favoring dehydration, skin sensitization, irritations, eczema and skin infections.
• Dry indoor air, resulting from the use of heating systems, reduces ambient humidity – which translates into worsening skin dryness. The result is skin that flakes and can give that unpleasant, astringent sensation. In more severe cases, cracks may appear, providing an entry point for microbial agents.
• Reduced sun exposure diminishes vitamin D synthesis – cellular regeneration and the skin's immune function are affected, and the skin can acquire a dull and rough appearance.

How do skin needs change in winter and how should we care for it properly?

As skin loses water much more easily during winter, it becomes essential to adapt our skincare routine.

Here are some changes we can make:

1. More emollient products – choose creams with richer textures and emollient ingredients that can restore the skin barrier.
2. Gentle cleansing – avoid mass-market soaps and shower gels. Opt for gentle, dermatocosmetic cleansing products that do not strip the skin's natural oils.
3. Moderate exfoliation – helps remove dead cells, but do not overdo exfoliation, as you can compromise the skin's protective barrier.
4. Sun protection – continue applying an SPF product even in winter. UV rays negatively affect the skin, especially on sunny winter days or on snow.

What are the benefits of proper skin hydration during winter?

Correct and effective hydration of the face, body, and hand skin during winter comes with numerous benefits:

• More elastic and softer skin – adequate hydration prevents dryness and "tightness."
• Intact skin barrier – well-hydrated skin is less prone to cracks, inflammation, and infections.
• Improved overall appearance – skin texture becomes smoother, without roughness or flaking. The complexion acquires a radiant and healthy look.
• Protection against aggressive environmental factors – emollient creams form a protective layer against the action of cold and wind on the skin.

What other tips and recommendations can be applied for skin care during the cold season?

Winter skin care is not just about more conscientious application of skincare products. It consists of small daily gestures, healthy habits, and choices that significantly contribute to skin quality and a general state of well-being.

Here's what you can do:

• Hydrate from within – make sure you drink enough fluids, even if the sensation of thirst is reduced. Tip: it's easier to consume warm, unsweetened teas with special winter aromas.
• Avoid long, hot baths – although it can contribute to a state of relaxation, excessive time in hot water can dehydrate the skin. Opt for short showers with suitable water.
• Purchase a humidifier – increase humidity in heated rooms to prevent drying and dehydration of the skin.
• Dress appropriately – protect your skin with gloves, scarves, and warm natural materials like merino wool and cashmere.
• Don't lick your lips – harsh wind dries and irritates the lips. Even if it's tempting to constantly moisten them, replace this habit with applying a lip balm.

How can Ivatherm products help you with proper skin hydration during winter?

Ivatherm, a trusted dermo-cosmetic brand, offers innovative solutions adapted to sensitive and dry skin. Each Ivatherm product is formulated to respect the delicate balance of sensitive skin, providing optimal hydration and protection against external aggressions that are particularly noticeable during winter.

Here's how you can create a complete and comprehensive skincare routine with Ivatherm products to have healthy and soft skin during winter:

Step 1
Take a short shower with lukewarm water and use Ivahidra + A.D Emollient Cleansing Gel to start hydrating right from the shower. Apply it with gentle movements, without aggressive friction and without using loofahs or sponges.

Leave it on for at least a minute before rinsing. After washing, gently pat the skin dry with a towel. It is a cleansing product suitable for the whole family, for both face and body.

Step 2
Apply Ivahidra + A.D Emollient Cream-Balm to slightly damp skin and gently massage the product into the skin. You will see that even though it provides a high degree of hydration, it will not leave a greasy film on the skin's surface.

Step 3
For a quick and effective morning routine, apply Aquafil Hydra Light SPF30 Moisturizing Cream to your face for a dual effect of hydration and protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Step 4
Don't forget hand and lip care. Slip Multi-performance Moisturizing Hand Cream and Multi-performance Nourishing and Repairing Lip Balm into your bag to enjoy soft skin and hydrated lips wherever you are.

Conclusion

Winter is a challenging season for the skin, but with an adequate routine and quality products, such as those offered by Ivatherm, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected. Invest in proper skin care, and it will reward your efforts with a radiant appearance even on the coldest days.