Dry skin in winter: understanding the causes and adopting the right habits

Winter puts skin to the test. Cold, wind, dry air, and indoor heating create an environment conducive to dehydration. The result: tightness, discomfort, rough patches, chapped lips, and loss of radiance.

To maintain comfortable and healthy skin during the cold season, it is essential to understand what is happening… and to adopt a suitable routine, such as using a nourishing lip balm or a moisturizing body lotion .

Why does skin become drier in winter?

In winter, several factors combine to weaken the skin:

• Decrease in humidity in the air , both outdoors and indoors

• Thermal shocks between the cold outside and the indoor heating

• Damage to the skin barrier , which normally protects the skin from water loss.

• Less sebum production , which limits the skin's natural protection

These factors promote transepidermal water loss and make the skin more vulnerable to external aggressions.

The areas most affected by the winter drought:

Certain parts of the body are particularly sensitive during winter:

• The face , constantly exposed to the cold

• The lips , whose skin is very thin and lacks sebaceous glands

• Hands , often washed and exposed

• The body , especially the legs and arms

A targeted approach is therefore essential to meet the specific needs of each area.

The importance of preserving the skin barrier in winter

The skin barrier acts as a shield. When it is weakened, the skin loses moisture more easily and becomes uncomfortable.

To support it in winter, it is recommended to:

• Opt for nourishing treatments rather than harsh ones.

• avoid water that is too hot,

• Moisturize your skin daily, even if it doesn't look dry.

Exfoliate gently for better hydration

Contrary to some beliefs, exfoliating the skin in winter is beneficial when done gently. The accumulation of dead skin cells prevents moisturizing products, such as body lotion applied after showering , from penetrating effectively.

Using a gentle body scrub once or twice a week helps smooth the skin and optimize the effectiveness of moisturizing treatments.

Lips: particularly vulnerable to the cold

Lips are often the first to suffer from winter dryness. Their thin skin, lacking sebaceous glands, requires special attention. A simple routine including a lip scrub , followed by a protective balm , helps to limit chapping and discomfort.

For immediate comfort during the day, a moisturizing lip oil can also be used in addition.

In summary: adopt the right habits for comfortable skin all winter long.

Dry skin in winter is not inevitable. By understanding the factors that weaken the skin barrier and adopting practices adapted to the cold season, it is possible to preserve the comfort and suppleness of the skin, even when external conditions are more difficult.

A consistent routine, combining gentle exfoliation, daily body hydration and targeted care for sensitive areas such as the lips, effectively supports the skin throughout the winter.