Get specific creams to relieve your skin from low temperatures.
Ok, Filomena has left and the temperatures have risen quite a bit, but beware that winter is not over and some of the ravages of the cold and its consequences are accumulating on our skin. "In winter our body is exposed to the wind, the cold, low environmental humidity due to heating, and temperature contrasts", warns Laia Puig, head of cosmetics at LPG, who states that at this time increases the number of consultations due to excessive dryness, tightness, peeling and redness on the cheeks due to dilation of blood vessels, sensitivity and loss of luminosity.
Refreshing body lotion with alpine edelweiss flower, from Isdin Bodysenses (€18.95), prevents water loss.
For his part, the dermatologist José María Ricart – director of the clinic that bears his name in Valencia and of the Ricart medical institute in Madrid, within Ruber de Paseo de la Habana – also points out the dangers of abusing heating or hot water, something counterproductive to maintaining healthy skin. ‘’By subjecting our blood vessels to heat contrast, they expand and cause changes in our skin such as dryness, loss of shine, paleness. Even capillaries can be damaged forming spider veins, not only on the face, but also on a body level.
We like the cold, but you have to equip the toiletry bag!
The doctor also emphasizes the danger that drier environments represent for the barrier function of the skin, responsible for protecting us from external aggressions. In short, it is advisable to avoid sudden changes in temperature and, like the rest of the year, keep these healthy recommendations in mind: avoid alcohol and tobacco consumption, practice physical exercise and control stress as much as possible.
Also, use a moisturizing soap that is not degreasing for daily hygiene, avoid the use of sponges, as well as using an emollient milk or lotion according to the level of dryness of each skin. The driest or most delicate should forget about the use of lycra garments or dark dyes and opt mainly for cotton garments. It is also useful to avoid softeners when washing these garments, as well as humidifying the environment at home.
New Crème Riche Capture Total, by Dior (€106), comforts, nourishes and firms.
Also, continued cold acts on deeper layers generating a feeling of continuous alarm and forcing the skin to generate, in some cases, antibodies to protect it from external attack. "That's why it's necessary resort to super-protective and lipid masks that provide an extra protection barrier and deeply nourish the skin, providing essential fatty elements that help rebuild the lipid barrier”, explains Paola Gugliotta, doctor in Dermocosmetics and founder of Sepai and ApoEM.
Next, a series of expert tips to take better care of yourself during this time of year.
Aquasource Everplump Night, from Biotherm (€63), up to 48 hours of hydration.
1.Change cream. This is essential, according to Dr. Beatriz Beltrán, an internist and aesthetic doctor, with a clinic in Barcelona. The skin does not have the same needs throughout the year, you have to 'listen' to it. “The same one you used a few months ago doesn't work. Not even the one that suited you last week. Due to the sudden drop in temperature, it is necessary to adjust the hydration and look for a cream according to the new 'skin type', which is capable of maintaining optimal levels. of hydration”, confirms Rubén Rubiales, pharmacist and CEO of Lesielle.
Ampoule to repair the skin at night Absolue Ultimate Repair Bi-Ampoule by Lancôme (€146, exclusive at El Corte Inglés).
You must have special care with creams that contain retinol, since the skins that use them tend to present more skin irritation At this time of year. In the event that it is also windy, do not cut yourself and use a double layer of cream. “Once or twice a week it is advisable to apply a thicker than normal layer of night cream, especially if it has been a windy day. The next day, it would only be necessary to remove the excess with water”, suggests Pedro Catalá, cosmetologist, doctor of Pharmacy and founder of Twelve Beauty.
It may also be time to dare with oils (be careful with the one that suits you, some can produce the opposite effect, despite common belief, and dry out), or to apply, at least one day a week, an ampoule with extra protection and nutrition.
Shea Butter Intense Hand Balm, from L'Occitane (€26), a bestseller and one of the editors' favourites.
2.Pay special attention to hands and lips. Due to the pandemic, we have no choice but to wash our hands often, which can cause wear dermatitis on the back. Specialists recommend using gloves and creams with a barrier effect. A piece of advice: leave a bottle at the entrance of the house (next to the masks) so you won't forget to put some on before you go out.
“The hands and lips are the areas most affected by the cold, since they are the ones that are in direct contact with the air... I recommend wearing gloves to prevent the temperature of the hands from dropping too low, as well as a lip balm – despite wearing a mask – with a film effect that protects your skin and prevent it from being so exposed,” says Dr. José Vicente Lajo-Plaza of the Lajo Plaza medical center.
It's a good idea to get a hand sanitizer like Margaret Dabbs, containing enu oil and water lily extract, thus ensuring that the skin remains disinfected and, at the same time, nourished and protected.
Enzyme Peeling Balm (€44), by Doctor Babor, gently exfoliates and is suitable for very sensitive skin, it contains Ulva Lactuca green algae, which improves the skin's resistance.
Oh, and it doesn't hurt to think about your feet either. Will be a pleasure to apply an ultra-nutritious unctuous balm at night without greasy effect on your lower extremities, like Caudalie, with notes of citrus and fresh mint. Keep in mind that the skin of the feet also suffers from the excessive heat of winter footwear.
Hydra Extra Luxe, by Clementyne Cosmetic (€30), with hyaluronic acid and sun protection.
3.Do not leave home without photoprotector. It's cold, yes, but the solar radiation is still there. And beware if you plan to go skiing: “While sand only reflects 15% of solar radiation, on snow the percentage can reach 85%. In addition, snow creates a mirror effect that reflects 80% of ultraviolet rays and the action of cold and wind on the skin makes it more fragile and susceptible to burns. Protecting yourself adequately is not an option but an obligation”, says Sonia Márquez, communication director of Laboratorios + Farma Dorsch.
It is also time to take foods rich in vitamin D, since in winter we are less exposed to the sun and, if necessary and with a prescription, a dietary supplement.
Aromatherapy Associates Rose Shower Oil (€35).
4. Clean with care. And we are not just referring to the face, where It is always convenient to use cleansers without soaps that can dry out and adapted to particular needs. Nor is this the time for gratuitous assaults in the shower. Look for rich or oily textures for your body, such as Aromatherapy Associates formulas, which they remove all the dirt from the skin and, when in contact with water, turn into a light milk that cleanses as well as nourishes, thanks to essential oils of botanical origin of rose, geranium and pink palm, among others. Hygiene and hydration in a single gesture.
Yves Rocher repairing mini hair mask (€2.95), with jojoba oil and agave fructans.
5. Be careful with your hair. In addition to temperature contrasts, At this time we tend to abuse the dryer, which weakens the keratin fibers, steals the shine and degrades the color. And from hot water, so the hair suffers and can be dry, frizzy and dull. To avoid this, Adolfo Remartínez, founder of Nuggela & Sulé, advises rinse hair with lukewarm water. “Although it is the most appetizing, you should avoid very hot water, because damages the skin of the scalp and inflames the sebaceous glands, eventually causing the skin to dry out and even dandruff problems appear”.
Thermal protectors are essential before drying and It is also necessary, as in the case of the cream for the skin of the face, to change the shampoo. With the cold, the hair needs formulas that provide hydration and take care of the fiber in depth. "Nourishing shampoos are the best option because they also restructure and strengthen the hair," says Caroline Greyl, president of Leonor Greyl.
Moisture Surge Intense 72 Hours, from Clinique (€36), protects and hydrates in depth.
6.And finally, our favorite advice: go through the hands of a specialist! Experts know better than anyone what your skin needs. Opt for a specific protocol such as the LPG Renovateur Anti-Aging, to recover hydration and luminosity. First, the neck and face are worked on with the Ergolift head, which incorporates a micromotor that makes the fibroblasts produce new hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. A thick, even layer of a custom peel is then applied to the face and neck to smooth wrinkles and expression lines, as well as reduce blemishes and skin imperfections.
Then it is the turn of a mask with clarifying ingredients and antioxidants such as vitamin E (tocopherol), centella asiatica extract and licorice extract; and moisturizing and soothing such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera.
To recover the most dehydrated skin, apply the Intense Hydrating Smoothing Serum, which contains 7% hyaluronic acid, in addition to an eye contour to decongest and reduce puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles. Finally, a cream with an immediate lifting effect, to restore the volumes of the face, “fill” and redensify (from €65, in LPG Centers).
The mythical Eight Hour Cream, by Elizabeth Arden (€35), an infallible repairing multipurpose balm against low temperatures.