Why does skin get drier in winter?

During the cold season, many people notice that their skin becomes drier and more prone to irritation. This rather common dermatological problem is a consequence of a combination of factors, including sebum deficiency and excessive exposure to wind and cold.

In this article, discover the main reasons why skin tends to dry out more in winter, as well as what a proper skincare routine should look like during this season.

Table of Contents

Constitutionally Dry Skin

A special situation is represented by dry skin constitutionally, such as that of people suffering from atopic dermatitis, various genetic predispositions, or biological aging. The skin is very dry, irritated, and prone to itching, and these symptoms worsen in the cold season. A dermatological consultation is recommended to effectively manage atopic skin during winter. Additionally, it is essential to use gentle and hypoallergenic cleansing products to avoid skin irritation, as well as moisturizing and nourishing creams and balms, such as those from the Ivahidra+ range from Ivatherm.

What are the benefits of the Ivahidra+ range from Ivatherm and how to include the products in your daily skincare routine

The Ivahidra+ range from Ivatherm includes an emollient shower gel, a moisturizing cream, and an intensely emollient cream-balm for the body. Thus, Ivahidra+ Moisturizing Body Cream is used twice a day on clean and dry skin. It is ideal for constitutionally dry skin, including in cases of atopic dermatitis. The cream can restore the skin's barrier by regulating the water flow in the skin and consolidating the tightness of the stratum corneum. In addition to deep hydration, it has nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects, soothing discomfort and itching.

To space out flare-ups of atopic dermatitis or in conjunction with medication recommended by your dermatologist, you can use Ivahidra+ A.D Intensely Emollient Cream-Balm. It has an innovative formula for skin with atopic tendency, irritated, dry with itching sensations, being suitable for all ages, including babies. The product has a multiple action: intensely moisturizes, up to 93%, restores the skin barrier and microbiome, reduces redness, irritation, and itching. It also has a long-lasting anti-relapse effect, providing long-term comfort to fragile skin. All these beneficial effects are due to a complex of ingredients including shea butter, aquaphyline (extracted from wild pansy), Herculane thermal water, as well as the AD-RESYL innovation - an oligosaccharide extracted from Ophiopogon Japonicus, which can correct the main abnormalities of atopic skin: it reduces irritating processes, restores the skin barrier and rebalances the bacterial flora (by reducing S. aureus).

Massage the emollient cream-balm twice a day on skin previously cleansed with Ivahidra+ Emollient Washing Gel. A non-detergent formula, with high tolerability, fragrance-free, enriched with moisturizing active ingredients, the gel can be used for daily hygiene of dry and sensitive skin, for adults as well as children, including babies.

Sebum Deficiency

Sebum is an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin that plays an essential role in maintaining optimal hydration and protecting it. During winter, the body sometimes reacts to lower temperatures by reducing sebum production. This phenomenon can be accentuated by other factors, including excessive exposure to cold and wind, as well as drier air indoors.

Exposure to Cold and Wind

Dry skin on feet, dry skin on hands - extreme climatic conditions have a direct impact on the skin's ability to maintain adequate hydration levels. Thus, cold can cause blood vessels to constrict to reduce heat loss. The blood supply, which carries oxygen and essential nutrients to the skin, is thus reduced. Also, cold temperatures can weaken the skin barrier, making the skin more vulnerable to external aggressions, facilitating the penetration of irritants and moisture loss. The skin becomes drier and other skin problems may appear, such as irritations, painful cracks and fissures. On the other hand, wind dehydrates the skin, accelerating water evaporation from its surface.

Decrease in Ambient Humidity

In winter, homes need to be heated, but using radiators, stoves, and air conditioners can reduce the humidity level in the air. This contributes to skin dehydration because, like wind, it promotes faster evaporation of water from its upper layers. On the other hand, rapid transitions from a warm to a cold environment and vice versa can also affect the skin. Sudden temperature changes can disrupt the skin's moisture balance.

Wearing Thick and Rough Fabrics

The clothes we wear in the cold season can influence skin health. Thus, thick and rough fabrics can rub the skin, causing additional irritation. Also, clothes that retain moisture, for example, scarves and gloves, can dry out the skin.

Abuse of Hot Baths

Although they seem like a relaxing and comforting option, too frequent and too long hot baths can contribute to skin dryness because they reduce sebum levels.

Reduced Fluid Intake

Skin needs to be hydrated from within, through adequate fluid intake, especially water. However, in the cold season, many people drink too little water. Among the reasons for this reduced water consumption is the reduced sensitivity to the sensation of thirst, due to low temperatures. Compared to the warm season, when they sweat more profusely, many people may not feel the immediate need to hydrate. The body sweats less in winter because it needs less cooling. Also, in the cold months, many people prefer hot drinks. These can quench thirst while providing a feeling of warmth, but the amount of fluids consumed becomes smaller.

How to Prevent Severe Skin Dryness in the Cold Season

This dermatological problem can be managed through a series of lifestyle measures, from an appropriate skincare routine to good hydration, a diet rich in nutrients beneficial for the skin, and protecting the body from the cold.

Proper Skincare Routine in the Cold Season

The steps of a recommended skincare routine for the face are:

• Gentle cleansing – this aims to remove impurities and makeup products. Use a mild makeup remover or micellar water that does not strip the skin's natural oils.

⏩ Use Thermal Micellar Water from Ivatherm, a gentle makeup remover for face, eyes, and lips, which cleanses, soothes, and refreshes sensitive, very dry, mature, or problematic skin such as dermatitis or rosacea.

• Toning – this is an optional step, but it aims to rebalance the skin's pH and prepare it for other moisturizing products.
• Using a hydrating serum in the morning – you can use Aquafil Hydra Hydrating Serum with Peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, and in the evening you can choose a repairing product that can combat specific problems such as redness or sensitivity.
• Applying a rich moisturizing cream in the morning – this aims to create a protective barrier against the cold. Always choose a formula suitable for your skin type. In the evening, use a nourishing and richer cream to help rebuild the skin barrier overnight.

⏩ Try Ivahidra+ intense moisturizing cream for face, designed for sensitive skin, dry and very dry. With nourishing, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, the cream provides intense hydration for constitutionally dry skin or due to extreme atmospheric conditions.

• Using sunscreen – this is an essential step throughout the year, even when it's cloudy. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, it is recommended to reapply a product with SPF every two hours.
• Using hydrating masks, once or twice a week – these contain concentrated doses of beneficial ingredients for dry skin.
• Moderate exfoliation, depending on skin type, once or twice a week – this aims to remove dead cells. Avoid excessive exfoliation, which can aggravate skin dryness.

Adapt this routine according to your skin's specific needs and do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist if your skin dryness worsens.

Wearing Appropriate Clothing to Protect the Body from Cold

Opt for clothes made of soft and breathable fabrics, such as cotton or merino wool. Choose to wear several light layers instead of a single thick layer, for better regulation of body temperature and prevention of overheating. The head, neck, hands, and feet are particularly exposed to cold. A hat can protect the scalp from cold and prevent moisture loss. Wear warm gloves and a scarf and choose socks made of natural fibers, such as wool or cotton, to keep your feet warm without making them sweat excessively.

Adequate Hydration

It is essential to hydrate properly throughout the year for the proper functioning of the body. It is recommended to consume water throughout the day, even if in varying quantities, depending on individual needs and weather conditions. Supplement your fluid intake with warm teas, soups, and stews, as well as fruits and vegetables rich in water.

Proper Nutrition

Adopt a diet rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, which support skin health. Choose avocado, rich in vitamin E, beneficial for skin hydration, as well as fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, full of Omega-3 fatty acids, which retain moisture in the skin and reduce inflammation. Nuts and seeds are rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E, as is olive oil, which can help maintain skin elasticity. Leafy green vegetables, as well as red fruits and citrus fruits, which contain vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, are also beneficial for skin health. Yogurts and fermented dairy products are rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and probiotics, beneficial for skin health, and green tea is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, which can protect it from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Using Humidifiers for a More Pleasant Atmosphere

Increasing ambient humidity during winter is essential to prevent skin dryness, respiratory irritations, and other problems associated with dry air. To compensate for the decrease in indoor humidity, use a humidifier. You can also place water containers near heat sources. At the same time, indoor plants naturally release moisture into the air. On the other hand, don't forget to ventilate your home regularly to eliminate dry air and freshen the atmosphere.

In conclusion, skin dryness in the cold season is the result of a combination of factors. By adopting an appropriate skincare routine and taking measures to reduce these negative influences, it is possible to keep your skin healthy and hydrated even in the coldest months of the year.