Dry skin in winter: the right reflexes

Why does skin get dry in winter?

Several factors combine during the cold season:

• cold weather slows down sebum production, the natural film that keeps skin supple;
• wind dries out the skin's surface, especially on the face and lips;
• central heating dries out indoor air;
• very hot showers, so tempting in winter, strip away some of what protects the skin;
• we often drink less when it is cold, because we feel less thirsty.

The result: skin that feels tight, lacks comfort and looks duller. It is not inevitable, though. A few small changes to your habits are all it takes.

In the shower: good habits

This is often where it all starts. A well-judged shower is already half the job.

• Lukewarm water rather than piping hot, even in the depths of winter.
• Short showers: five minutes is plenty.
• A gentle cleanser, in small amounts, on the areas that really need it.
• A gentle shower gel or cleansing oil rather than a harsh soap.
• No daily scrubbing: once a week is enough for dry skin.
• Pat dry with a soft towel, without rubbing, paying attention to between your toes.

The ideal moment to moisturise your body is straight after your shower, while the bathroom is still warm. It quickly becomes a habit.

Moisturising your body in winter

A body lotion applied every day is the simplest and most effective step for soft skin all winter.

1. Apply it to clean, dry skin straight after your shower.
2. Massage in circular movements until fully absorbed.
3. Focus on the areas that dry out most: legs, arms, elbows, knees and heels.

I use Forever's Aloe Body Lotion: 37.7% aloe vera gel, argan, macadamia and rosehip oils, and jojoba esters. Its light gel-cream texture sinks in quickly with no greasy feel, so you can get dressed straight away. It has been dermatologically tested (Dermatest 2020).

On really rough areas, such as elbows or hands, I add a layer of Aloe Vera Gelly. With 84.46% aloe vera gel, it can be applied in a thick layer up to three or four times a day.

Tight facial skin: what can you do?

The face is the area most exposed to cold and wind. It deserves a slightly richer routine in winter.

• Cleanse gently, morning and evening, with a non-drying cleanser and lukewarm water.
• Switch to a richer cream if your summer moisturiser no longer feels enough.
• Apply it morning and evening, dotting it on cheeks, forehead and chin, then massaging in gently.
• Protect your face outdoors with a scarf, and do not forget sun protection in the mountains.

For dry to very dry skin, I love Forever's Deep Moisturizing Cream. It combines 26% aloe vera gel, macadamia and sunflower seed oils, ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Its rich, creamy texture gives an immediate feeling of comfort. It is lightly fragranced.

In the evening, take time for a gentle cleanse before applying your cream: the day's make-up and pollution leave skin less receptive. And if you wear ski goggles or a tight hat, check that nothing rubs against your skin for too long.

Lips and hands: the most exposed areas

Lips

They have almost no natural protective film and dry out very quickly in the wind.

• Apply a balm whenever you feel the need, and always before going out.
• Avoid biting or licking them: it dries them out even more.
• Once a week, try a very gentle scrub with a little honey and sugar, followed by balm.

Aloe Lips combines aloe vera gel, jojoba oil and natural waxes (beeswax, candelilla, carnauba). This stick nourishes lips and keeps them soft and comfortable.

Hands

• Wear gloves as soon as it turns cold.
• Dry them well after every wash, including between the fingers.
• Keep a tube of hand care in your bag and apply it several times a day.
• Wear rubber gloves for household chores.

Feet

We forget about them under our socks all winter. In the evening, massage your heels with a rich cream, then slip on cotton socks for the night: your skin feels softer by morning.

From the inside too: water, food and home

• Drink regularly, even when not thirsty: water, herbal teas and soups all count.
• Eat a varied diet, with oily fish, nuts, rapeseed or walnut oil, and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
• Air your home for ten minutes a day and avoid overheating: around 19 °C in living areas.
• Consider humidifying the air if your home is very dry: a humidifier, or simply a bowl of water near the radiator.
• Choose soft fabrics next to your skin, such as cotton, and wash them with a gentle detergent.

If your skin is very red, itchy or cracked, or the discomfort continues despite these habits, ask a doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist for advice.

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