With the arrival of winter, the drop in temperatures and low humidity levels require extra care for the skin. The face, hands and lips tend to suffer the most — they become dry, sensitive and, in some cases, even peel. To avoid these effects, hydration needs to be treated as an essential routine, warns aesthetic biomedical doctor Dr. Elisangela Ribeiro.
“On cold days, the skin loses more water to the environment. In addition, we take hotter showers, use less sunscreen and forget to drink water, which only makes the situation worse,” explains the specialist. Below, Dr. Elisangela lists seven simple but highly effective strategies for keeping your skin hydrated, beautiful and healthy during the winter.
1. Choose moisturizers with nourishing active ingredients
“Not all moisturizers are the same,” warns Dr. Elisangela. In winter, opt for formulas that contain ingredients such as urea, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, almond oil or vitamin E. These active ingredients help to restore the skin’s lipid barrier and keep water where it belongs: inside the cells.
2. Avoid long, hot showers
It may be hard to resist, but long, hot showers remove the skin’s natural oils, leaving it even drier. “The ideal is to use warm water, avoid aggressive loofahs and finish the shower with a good moisturizer while the skin is still damp, to enhance absorption,” she recommends.
3. Drink plenty of water
Even if the body doesn’t feel as thirsty as in the summer, drinking water is still essential. Internal dehydration is directly reflected in the skin. “The water you drink is as important as the cream you apply,” emphasizes biomedical scientist Dr. Elisangela.
4. Moisturize your lips with specific products
Chapped and burning lips are a common complaint in winter. To take care of this sensitive area, choose lip moisturizers with cocoa butter, lanolin, panthenol or coconut oil. “Avoid licking your lips or pulling on the skin, as this will make the cracks even worse,” warns Dr. Elisangela.
5. Use body oils after bathing
Vegetable oils, such as grape seed, rosehip or almond oil, are excellent allies for dry skin. “They help to seal in hydration and leave the skin with a silky touch. One tip is to apply them right after bathing, while the skin is still damp,” she advises.
6. Don’t forget to use sunscreen
Many people think that sunscreen is only for summer, but this idea is wrong. “UVA radiation, which is the main cause of premature aging and blemishes, is present all year round. In addition, the use of heaters and artificial lights also harms the skin,” explains the biomedical scientist.
7. Get a professional evaluation
If, despite all the home care, your skin continues to be rough, red or itchy, it is worth seeking help from a professional. “We can recommend more powerful dermatological moisturizers, oral supplements and even aesthetic procedures, such as deep hydration with skinbooster or fractional laser, which restore the skin’s glow even in the lowest temperatures.”
Skin hydration in winter goes far beyond aesthetics: it is a question of health and well-being. Small changes in habits can make a big difference in the quality of your skin, regardless of the season.