In autumn, our skin benefited from the beautiful sunny days and mild temperatures. But with the arrival of winter, our face can be extremely dry and require to be treated with a nourishing or moisturizing cream.
What happens to our skin with low temperatures?
The cold and dry air of closed environments decrease the humidity necessary to maintain the correct hydration of our skin and the sebaceous glands produce less sebum, thus decreasing the nutrients of our skin (especially the face and hands which are the most exposed areas ).
Sebum is a very important secretion for the skin because it helps form the hydrolipidic film of the epidermis which prevents water from evaporating. The lack of water and lipids in the epidermis results in dry, cracked skin and an annoying feeling of tension. This is especially true for normal, basically dry skin that needs a cream with more moisturizing and nourishing substances.
To protect the skin from the cold and restore its natural softness, it is necessary to use the right cream
The right cream to face low temperatures must contain moisturizing and nourishing ingredients.
Dry skin can be deficient in both water and lipids, for this reason to restore normal skin balance it is necessary to intervene using a cream with hygroscopic action principles (that is, which absorb the water present in the surrounding environment and retain it at the level of the skin). 'epidermis), and principles of a lipid nature that have an emollient and nourishing function, furthermore the fatty substances are indirectly, also moisturizing.
Principles with hygroscopic action:
- Hyaluronic acid component of the skin capable of binding a large number of water molecules and keeping the skin compact.
- Moisturizing and humectant glycerin with a high affinity towards water, it is able to retain it at the skin level and counteract its evaporation.
Principles of a lipid nature:
- Shea Butter and Olive Oil. Both contain fatty acids (such as linoleic, oleic and stearic acids) and a high percentage of unsaponifiable fraction. This makes them perfect natural ingredients for formulations dedicated to dehydrated skin thanks to their emollient, nourishing, protective and soothing action.
- Sweet Almond Oil is a natural oil rich in vitamins and minerals with highly emollient and nourishing properties. Inserted in body creams, it is capable of protecting dry skin and making it velvety.
- Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, certainly known for its antioxidant properties because it slows down the action of free radicals, but introduced in creams dedicated to dry skin because it acts against dehydration. Creates a protective layer on the skin surface by reducing water loss. Promotes the renewal of the epidermis and is therefore suitable for dry skin that needs protection.
It's not just the winter cold that dries up the skin… The skin can also become very dry following the intake of certain drugs (such as diuretics), with advancing age or frequent washing and using unsuitable detergents. It can also be a genetic issue.
In any case, dry skin must be hydrated and nourished every day with creams aimed at preventing the situation from getting worse. In fact, if initially the skin is 'simply' rough, in the absence of an adequate cosmetic treatment it becomes very dry and cracks, causing more or less intense itching and cuts can also form.