Why winter is bad for your skin
January in Germany often brings cold temperatures, icy winds and dry heating air - a combination that is a real strain on your skin. The cold air outside and the dry heating air inside remove moisture from the skin, which can lead to dryness, cracks and irritation. If you don't take proper care of your skin now, it can feel stressed and uncomfortable. However, with the right care, you can effectively counteract these problems.
Important tips for skin care in winter
1. Switch to a moisturizing cleanser
Regular cleansing products can further dry out the skin in winter. Opt for a gentle, moisturizing cleanser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides. These help cleanse the skin without destroying its natural protective barrier (1).
2. Use a rich moisturizer
Light summer creams are often not enough in winter. Choose a rich, oil-based moisturizer that forms a protective barrier on the skin. Ingredients such as shea butter, squalane or jojoba oil are great for keeping the skin supple (2).
3. Don't forget the sunscreen
Even in winter, UV rays are a danger to your skin, especially on sunny days or when there is snow that reflects the rays. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 will protect your skin from UV damage (3).
4. Exfoliate with caution
Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells, but you should be especially careful in winter. Use mild peels with lactic acid or enzymatic exfoliators and exfoliate no more than once or twice a week to avoid irritation (4).
5. Use a humidifier
The dry air in heated rooms draws moisture from your skin. A humidifier helps increase the humidity in your home, which keeps your skin hydrated. This can work wonders, especially at night (5).
6. Take care of your lips
Lips are particularly prone to dryness and cracking in winter. Use a nourishing lip balm with beeswax, lanolin or shea butter to keep them supple and protect them from wind and cold (6).
7. Avoid hot, long showers
Hot showers strip the skin of its natural oils, which can worsen dryness. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and keep shower time short to protect your skin (7).
Foods for Healthy Skin in Winter
A balanced diet can support your skin from the inside out:
-
Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flax seeds and walnuts, they help keep the skin elastic and hydrated.
-
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, peppers and broccoli stimulate collagen production and strengthen the skin (8).
-
Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds and spinach protect the skin from free radicals.
-
Zinc: Found in pumpkin seeds, lentils and chickpeas, zinc supports skin healing and reduces inflammation (9).
Common mistakes in winter skin care
-
Use the same products as in summer: Your skin has different needs in winter. Adapt your care products accordingly.
-
Neglecting your hands: Hands are often exposed to the cold and dry out easily. A rich hand cream is essential.
-
Not drinking enough: Even in winter, it is important to drink enough water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside.
-
No sunscreen: UV rays can damage the skin even in winter. Use sunscreen every day.
When should you see a dermatologist?
If you suffer from extremely dry, cracked or irritated skin despite good care, you should consult a dermatologist. They can recommend individual treatments or products that are tailored to your skin needs.
Conclusion: Protect your skin in winter
Winter doesn't have to mean dry, irritated skin. With the right care, a balanced diet and attention to environmental factors, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant. Start incorporating these tips into your routine today and enjoy a pleasant feeling on your skin despite the freezing temperatures!
Sources:
-
Healthline. "Best Ingredients for Hydrating Skincare." healthline.com
-
Mayo Clinic. "Moisturizers: Do They Work?" mayoclinic.org
-
Harvard Health Publishing. "Winter Sun Protection." health.harvard.edu
-
National Institutes of Health. "The Effects of Exfoliation on Skin Health." nih.gov
-
Center for Health. "Why a humidifier is important." zentrum-der-gesundheit.de
-
Psychology Today. "Lip care in winter." psychologie-heute.de
-
German Skin Foundation. "Skin protection in the cold season." hautstiftung.de
-
Harvard Health Publishing. "Foods for Healthy Skin." health.harvard.edu
-
Statista. "Zinc and skin health." de.statista.com