Why you need a different skincare in winter

Even in the warmer seasons, there are a number of factors that cause our skin to lose oil and moisture. These include excessively hot water, conventional soaps, stress and fatigue, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption and unsuitable make-up. Hereditary factors and age also play a role. From the second half of life onwards, the skin produces less oil and is therefore less able to bind moisture.

In winter, our skin dries out particularly quickly due to the cold and wind. This applies to all skin types. Facial skin is particularly sensitive as it is not protected by clothing.

• Cold reduces the skin's sebum production.  
• Dry heating air also removes moisture from the skin.
• Without adequate protection, this can lead to red, dry, flaky skin or even cracked patches.

The skin barrier needs support during the cold season to compensate for the harsh environmental influences. This means that your winter skincare routine must be fundamentally different from your summer skincare routine.

Without the right care, the cold season becomes a real stress test for your skin. 

Already at temperatures below 8 degrees, your skin produces less oil. The cold makes it firmer and less evenly distributed, which makes your skin's protective layer more permeable and leads to increased moisture loss. 

The change between frosty air outside and dry heated air inside also deprives your skin of important moisture and weakens its natural protective barrier.

1. Dryness and tightness:
   Due to the low humidity and cold temperatures, your skin loses more water. The thin skin on your face in particular dries out quickly, making it feel rough and uncomfortably tight.
2. Weakened skin barrier:
   Without sufficient oil and moisture, your skin loses its natural protective layer. This makes it susceptible to environmental influences, redness and irritation. Reddened, dry skin or even cracked patches can be the result.
3. Premature skin aging:
   Permanently dry skin can increase fine lines and wrinkles. Due to the weakened skin barrier, your skin becomes less elastic and quickly appears tired and dull.
4. Cold damage:
   There is a particular risk of cold damage at temperatures below freezing. Without a protective film of oil, localised frostbite causes ice crystals to form in the cells, destroying cells and blood vessels. 

In summer, light, water- or gel-based face creams or moisturisers with a higher water content are often sufficient. In winter, however, your skin needs more oil or fat for effective protection against the cold and to be prepared for the harsh conditions. The colder it is, the more oil your skin needs.

With the right skincare, you can protect your skin from the rigours of winter and keep it glowing at the same time.

1. Oil instead of water - Why fatty creams are important now

In winter, you need an oily cream that supports your skin barrier and reduces moisture loss, like the nourishing Regena Enriched Cream from WAPHYTO. Ingredients such as jojoba oil, beeswax, shea butter or squalane cover the skin like a protective layer. A good winter face cream or a classic cold cream reliably protects your face from the wind and cold.

2. Moisturiser: The basis for healthy winter skin

Even though oil is important, moisturising should not be neglected. Moisturisers with hyaluronic acid or glycerine, such as SHIGETA Dual HA Serum, provide your skin with sufficient moisture without weighing it down. For the best result, a cream combines lipid replenishing and moisturising properties.

3. Natural ingredients for gentle care

Natural skin care in winter is particularly gentle and effective. Ingredients such as shea butter, wild rose oil or rice germ oil have a soothing effect and help reddened, dry skin. Minimal, natural formulas also avoid unnecessary irritants, such as synthetic colourants and fragrances, which could put additional strain on your skin in winter.

1. Gentle cleansing: Use mild cleansing products and lukewarm water to avoid drying out the skin.
2. Moisturising serum: Apply a moisturising milk or a moisturising serum.
3. Oily face cream: A rich winter face cream with natural oils and fats protects your skin barrier. In winter, always apply the cream from liquid to solid.
4. Cold protection for the face: A special cold protection cream offers optimum protection in very cold weather and when spending long periods outdoors.
5. Don't forget sun protection: UV radiation is also present in winter, especially on sunny days, in the snow and at higher altitudes. A cream with a sun protection factor or a sun cream may be useful here.