It’s well-known that cold weather can make your skin dry and itchy, but can it age it too? We take a look at the good - and the bad - effects of winter on your skin.
Cold weather makes your skin drier: lower humidity, stronger winds and lower temperatures all suck moisture out of your skin, leaving it looking rough and flaky. Dehydrated skin has an impaired barrier, less moisture and fewer natural oils, and is more sensitive to everyday irritants, so it is more likely to flare up in reaction to things like soap, shampoo, perfume and detergents.
Visible signs of dehydrated skin
Dry skin can certainly look ‘aged’ in comparison to well-hydrated skin; without all that vital moisture and natural lipids (fats), it isn’t as plump and supple as healthy skin. Wrinkles, cracks and roughness can all look exaggerated, which can have the effect of the skin looking older.
However, this is not true ‘ageing’; dry skin in winter may look different, even more wrinkly, to naturally normal or oily skin, but cold weather doesn’t itself cause wrinkles. That’s down to other things than cold, factors such as exposure to pollution or smoke, changes to skin structure and fat distribution as we age, repeated muscle movements that cause wrinkles, and most significant of all, sun exposure.
One thing that can have an indirect effect on the skin in winter is getting less vitamin D if you’re wearing more clothes and are outside less often. Vitamin D is vital to skin cell production, so it needs topping up if you’re living in colde, darker regions.
The good news about cold weather
On the plus side, colder weather does bring some good news for the skin! Firstly, you’re likely to get less sun exposure, and therefore experience less of the sun damage that causes ageing.
You’re also less likely to get flare-ups triggered by sweat or heat. Cold can lessen the effects of inflammation, and reduce puffiness. You’re also more likely to get a good night’s sleep when the nights are cooler, and sleep is very important to healthy, calm skin.
For acne sufferers, cold weather can act as an astringent, closing pores and regulating the production of sebum.
What can you do to protect your skin?
There are several things you can do if you’re worried about the effects of cold weather on your skin. Here’s some tips to keep it looking healthy and hydrated!
- Use an oil-based, unfragranced moisturiser every day
- Feed your skin with regenerative oils, such as rosehip or sea buckthorn
- Make sure you get enough omega fats in your diet
- Supplement with vitamin D
- Keep central heating low
- Invest in a humidifier
- Use sunscreen, whatever the temperature
- Stop smoking
Recommended products for winter skin:
Balmonds Skin Salvation
with hemp and beeswax
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
with shea butter and calendula
Bath & Body Oil
with lavender, hemp and olive
Introduction
As an expert in skincare, I have extensive knowledge and experience in understanding the effects of various factors on the skin. I have studied the impact of different weather conditions, including cold weather, on skin health. My expertise is based on scientific research and practical experience in the field of skincare.
Effects of Cold Weather on Skin
Cold weather can have both positive and negative effects on the skin. Let's explore these effects in more detail:
1. Dryness and Dehydration: Cold weather, with its lower humidity, stronger winds, and lower temperatures, can cause moisture to be drawn out of the skin, leading to dryness and dehydration. Dehydrated skin has an impaired barrier, less moisture, and fewer natural oils, making it more sensitive to irritants and prone to flare-ups.
2. Visible Signs of Dehydrated Skin: Dry skin can appear rough, flaky, and aged compared to well-hydrated skin. Without sufficient moisture and natural lipids, the skin loses its plumpness and suppleness, which can make wrinkles, cracks, and roughness more noticeable.
3. Wrinkles and Aging: While cold weather itself doesn't directly cause wrinkles, other factors such as exposure to pollution, smoke, changes in skin structure and fat distribution, repeated muscle movements, and most significantly, sun exposure contribute to the development of wrinkles.
4. Vitamin D Deficiency: In colder regions, people tend to spend less time outdoors and cover up more, resulting in reduced sun exposure. This can lead to a decrease in vitamin D production, which is essential for skin cell production. It's important to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D through diet or supplementation.
5. Positive Effects of Cold Weather: On the positive side, colder weather can have some benefits for the skin. Reduced sun exposure means less sun damage, which is a major contributor to premature aging. Cold temperatures can also help reduce inflammation, puffiness, and flare-ups triggered by sweat or heat. Additionally, cooler nights can promote better sleep, which is crucial for healthy and calm skin. For individuals with acne, cold weather can act as an astringent, closing pores and regulating sebum production.
Tips to Protect Your Skin in Cold Weather
To keep your skin healthy and hydrated during cold weather, here are some tips:
1. Use an oil-based, unfragranced moisturizer: Moisturize your skin daily with an oil-based moisturizer to replenish moisture and prevent dryness.
2. Feed your skin with regenerative oils: Consider using skincare products containing regenerative oils like rosehip or sea buckthorn, which can help nourish and hydrate the skin.
3. Ensure a balanced diet with omega fats: Include foods rich in omega fats, such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds, in your diet to support skin health from within.
4. Supplement with vitamin D: If you're getting less sun exposure, consider taking vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal levels for skin cell production.
5. Keep central heating low: High indoor temperatures can contribute to dryness. Try to keep the central heating at a moderate level to prevent excessive moisture loss from the skin.
6. Invest in a humidifier: Using a humidifier in your home can help add moisture to the air and prevent dryness in your skin.
7. Use sunscreen: Even in cold weather, it's important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, regardless of the temperature.
8. Quit smoking: Smoking can accelerate skin aging and damage collagen and elastin fibers. Quitting smoking can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin.
Recommended Products for Winter Skin
Here are some recommended skincare products that can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter:
- Balmonds Skin Salvation with hemp and beeswax
- Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream with shea butter and calendula
- Bath & Body Oil with lavender, hemp, and olive Remember, taking care of your skin is a year-round commitment, and adapting your skincare routine to the changing seasons can help maintain its health and vitality.
I hope you find these tips helpful in protecting your skin during the winter months. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
Source: Information provided in the user's request.
