In winter, the cold, wind, rain and low temperatures, put your skin to the test. The complexion is dull, the skin is tired, redness is accentuated. In contact with the cold, your skin becomes dehydrated because the body protects our vital organs by sending blood to them. The epidermis is therefore less irrigated and produces less sebum to protect itself.  So this is the perfect time to start taking care of your skin!

Comment prendre soin de sa peau en hiver ?

Below is a short guide to protecting your skin in winter and restoring its glow and elasticity.

Prendre soin de sa peau en hiver : la première étape à la maison

In winter, we tend to overheat our homes and avoid opening doors and windows. Central heating dries out the air, making our skin drier and more fragile. It is recommended to air your home regularly and keep the humidity between 40 and 60 percent.

Also remember to get as much air as possible. This improves blood circulation and helps give your skin the oxygenation it needs. Don't forget to protect it by putting on a hat, scarf and gloves.  By dressing properly, the body stays warm and doesn't use extra energy to warm up. 

L’hydratation pour booster sa peau en hiver

is less obvious because the sensation of thirst is less felt. However, in this cold period, our body needs, more than ever, its minimum liter and a half. If this proves difficult, don't hesitate to split the catch. A large glass of water in the morning, several glasses during the day and a tea or herbal tea at 10am and 4pm will allow you to reach this quota.

Mais que boire quand on a envie de chaud ? Le thé vert est un antioxydant puissant, ce qui nous aide à booster nos défenses immunitaires pendant l’hiver. Sinon les infusions d’ortie ou de pissenlit sont des boissons drainantes et détox que l’on peut consommer tout au long de la journée.

However, it is best to avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol, as these tend to dehydrate.

5 gestes indispensables pour prendre soin de sa peau en hiver

Opting for natural products is the best way to preserve your skin while moisturizing it.

1.  Le nettoyage en douceur

It is important to clean your skin. For the body, a soft vegetable soap or an Aleppo soap will do. They must be as natural as possible to avoid irritating the skin. As for the face, we avoid cleaning it with pure water, because it tends to dry out. Prefer a thermal water or an aloe vera-based cleansing gel that will preserve your skin's protective film.

During this period, it is also recommended not to take a bath too regularly and to replace it by a shower, neither too hot nor too long.

2.  L’exfoliation pour retirer les impuretés

During the winter, the skin breathes less because the pores are clogged with pollution and makeup (used more intensely to camouflage the dull complexion and imperfections). This is why it is recommended to exfoliate your face once or twice a week depending on your skin type. This removes dead skin, allowing your epidermis to breathe better and regain its radiance.

For a homemade scrub that is gentle and nourishing, mix honey and cane sugar. This scrub can be used for the body, face (avoiding the eye area) and lips. At this time of year, chances are your elbows and knees will be drier than the rest of the year. To make up for this, a little exfoliation made by you by mixing 2 tablespoons of sugar and jojoba oil, will be in order to exfoliate and re-nourish them.

For a natural body scrub, you can make your homemade scrub by mixing dried coffee grounds with a little honey. A good way to do yourself good, while limiting waste!

3.  Un masque pour nourrir l’épiderme

After exfoliating your face, consider deeply moisturizing it with a mask. It is important that it is adapted to your skin type. If your skin is dry and fragile, consider using a mask made of white clay and honey. On the other hand, if your skin tends to be oily, it is better to choose a mask based on green clay, which will purify and limit the production of sebum.

The ideal is to make your own masks, the simplest being simply to spread a small layer of pure oil on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. This mask does not need to be rinsed off, just wipe off the excess with a tissue. Regarding the choice of oil, rapeseed oil or various nut oils will be the most appropriate.

If you prefer a more hydrating and refreshing mask, here is another recipe:

• Mix 1/4 cup of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of mixed oatmeal (or oat flour).

• Apply it to your face, leave on for 10-15 minutes and rinse. This mask is ideal for fragile and sensitive skin.

4.  L’hydratation en profondeur

Again, consider choosing a product that is appropriate for your skin type to help the epidermis restore its protective barrier, restore elasticity to your face and protect it from external attacks.

In winter, forget water-based creams, which will assault your skin upon contact with the cold. A vegetable oil will ensure a better protection and will serve as a barrier against the cold.

You think the oil is too greasy for your skin? Think again! However, it is important to choose it well.

Jojoba oil has many benefits. It regulates the production of sebum, is non-comedogenic (did not promote the appearance of pimples) and the presence of vitamins B and E help the skin to regenerate and keep its youth.

For night care, choose jojoba oil with aloe vera, which does not leave any greasy feeling and plays a moisturizing and regenerating role, or black cumin oil for its repairing virtues on damaged skin.

5.  Et enfin… ne pas oublier un soin des lèvres !

Choose a lip balm with coconut oil or shea butter.

If you opt for a homemade recipe, melt 1 teaspoon of beeswax with 2 teaspoons of coconut oil in a water bath. Remove from heat, add 1 teaspoon of liquid oil of your choice (e.g. jojoba), place in an empty cocoa butter tube and place directly in the freezer for 20 minutes.

Some additional tips

If you wear makeup, do not use powder foundation because it will dry your skin but opt for a cream makeup, moisturizing and nourishing.

To preserve the health of your skin in winter, remember to eat seasonal products and adapt your diet in winter: rich in antioxidants & vitamins and make a cure of essential fatty acids by taking natural food supplements such as evening primrose oil or stuffing, rich in omega 6.

Also consider taking a course of vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant and a good help against premature skin aging.