Baby, it's cold outside! Yes, we love that song. But while we can snuggle up in cozy blankets and sip hot tea to warm ourselves up, our skin has to work incredibly hard. The cold season is a real challenge for it. But don't worry! We at the 48grams blog have compiled the best tips and tricks to keep your skin supple and healthy, even in sub-zero temperatures!
What does winter actually do to our skin?
It's bitterly cold outside. This is comparable to a veritable attack on the tissue. The result: The skin goes into defense mode. The blood vessels constrict. They become smaller and thus try to prevent heat from escaping the body. Clever of the skin, right? However, this protective mechanism has a major drawback: The cells receive fewer nutrients, and the sebaceous glands become practically sluggish. Instead of producing one to two grams of sebum (per day), they produce significantly less. The unpleasant result? Skin that feels like sandpaper!
The secret enemy: dry air from heating systems
We've all been there: We come in from the cold into a nice warm room and feel great. But our skin doesn't experience it that way! The air from heating systems is extremely dry – often with less than 30 percent humidity. This means the air acts like a greedy sponge, drawing moisture away from the skin. Combined with the biting cold outside, this is a double blow to skin health.
These skincare tricks will make your skin more resistant to the cold.
Now for the good news: With a few clever skincare tricks, your face can escape the winter blues! Forget hot baths. Even if it's hard! A short, lukewarm shower is so much better for your skin. And only use gentle shower oils or pH-neutral products. It'll feel like a protective hug. Another secret tip for afterward? Apply your cream (ideally with shea butter or argan oil) while your skin is still slightly damp. That way, it will be absorbed particularly well.
We want radiant tissue
For those who want to glow even in winter, "skin flooding" is the answer. The idea behind it is simply brilliant: various moisturizing products are applied layer upon layer. It's almost as if the skin receives an extra-large dose of moisture. Important: Each layer needs time to absorb. Another skincare tip is called "skin cycling." This smart routine is based on a four-day cycle: On the first evening, a gentle exfoliation is applied, followed by intensive hydration on the second. On day three, retinol is used, and on the fourth, more hydration. Then the cycle begins again. The great advantage of "skin cycling"? The skin benefits from the perfect balance of care and regeneration.
Beware of cold traps!
Anyone looking forward to their cozy turtleneck sweater should read this paragraph carefully. Unfortunately, wool tops aren't always kind to our skin. The sensitive neck area, in particular, often reacts with irritation to the unaccustomed, prolonged contact with fabric. Therefore, a regular moisture boost for this area is absolutely essential. Speaking of moisture (yes, it's absolutely crucial): let's talk about alcohol – both in skincare products and warming drinks. It further dehydrates the skin, making it look dull or tired. So, please try abstaining. It's also good for your weight.Because alcohol has a lot of calories!
Your cold wellness program for the skin
The key to radiant skin, even in the colder months, lies in consistency. Skin needs pampering. Ingredients like aloe vera and hyaluronic acid provide a spa-like experience. Combined with serums and masks, the skin will then easily withstand the next cold spell.
