Winter Beauty Bag: Protecting Your Skin from the Cold

The contents of a woman's makeup bag change depending on the season. And that's reasonable. While in summer the skin needs moisturizing, in winter you should focus on protection - low temperatures and piercing winds thin the delicate skin of the face, In addition, in winter there is a much higher risk of getting facial frostbite or microcracks. Experts told how to keep your skin soft and supple even in the bitter cold:

"For the face in winter, it is better not to use drying washes and toners. Ideally, for all skin types it is better to choose a moisturizing cleanser (gel or foam), after washing you should apply a moisturizing or soothing toner with azulene, chamomile or calendula. Day cream should correspond to your skin type - for oily and problematic skin, creams with aloe vera are recommended. They heal and relieve inflammation on the face. For normal and dry skin suit protective creams based on oils and herbs, vitamins A, E. Creams containing olive oil and thyme are good, they are natural antioxidants, helping to preserve youthfulness in the winter wind and temperatures, as well as prevent peeling," says dermatologist-cosmetologist Anastasia Spirina.

"In the cold period it is worth switching to denser nourishing products", - supports this opinion, the makeup artist Alexandra Nikitina, - "At the same time, you should not apply cream shortly before going outdoors. The cream, not having had time to be absorbed, will begin to freeze on the skin in the street, and not only will not give a positive effect, but will exacerbate the skin condition. That is why I recommend applying the cream long enough before going outdoors, so that it has time to be absorbed and have its effect. Also, do not neglect night creams.

Knowing you skin type

The dermatologist, beautician and expert of Premium professional cosmetics Svetlana Finogenova emphasizes the importance of maintaining skin vessels in tone: "creams and serums containing panthenol and niacinamide can help, and herbal extracts such as horse chestnut and hawthorn work well. If you have oily skin and your life goes from work to home, you can continue to use your summer creams regardless of the season. Dry skin needs special protection in the winter. Textures and density also change depending on age, the older you are, the denser the cream and the more saturated it is with oils. This is where reverse emulsions work well with dry skin in winter, they are sometimes just a lifesaver (that's when there is more oil in the emulsion than water). They are denser in texture and are the perfect way to deal with barrier failure and dehydration because they release moisture inside without letting it evaporate (because that's how the cream molecule is made up of lipids with water droplets). Emulsions can act as a protective cream against the cold.

In winter it is hot and dry indoors, but you still can help your skin during the day with sprays, thermal water, mists, but necessarily not just moisturizing, but also protecting it against transepidermal moisture loss, otherwise they will not only be of no use, but can increase dehydration.

Sun

Yes, the sun can also have a negative effect on the skin in winter. Sunscreens are necessary at any time of the year, regardless of whether the weather is sunny or overcast. Applying SPF daily extends the health and youthfulness of the skin, and protects against the appearance of age spots. In an urban environment in winter it is possible to use SPF 8-15 in clear weather

Decorative cosmetics

There is an opinion that foundation prevents the skin from "breathing" by clogging pores. However, in the cold it is indispensable, because it creates an additional protective barrier on the face. "It is worth thinking about whether the foundation you used in the summer is suitable for you: most likely, it will be too dark, because the tan has already gone. Together with the change of foundation for a lighter shade I also recommend to look at more durable textures: a light, mobile tone, which is comfortable in summer, can be printed and smeared by hats and scarves. For winter, matte textures are more suitable, as they hold up better and are not afraid of hats, "- advises Alexandra Nikitina.

Lipstick for winter should also be different from what you use in the warm season - give preference to lipsticks with a creamy texture, it is denser, but softer. Lipsticks and balms with plant oils and dexpanthenol are best at protecting delicate lip skin.