Winter and dry skin

The winter is installed, the cold too. To cope with the low temperatures, you put your jacket, your gloves, your scarf?

And you’re Skin? Protect her from the cold!

Dry skin

The skin is composed of three distinct layers: the hypodermis, the dermis and the epidermis.This is the epidermis, the outer portion of the skin, which helps to maintain the hydration of the body.The epidermis is actually composed of several layers of cells a thin film of oil protects against dehydration . It is this film that in part regulates water loss.

We can say that there are three main types of skin droughts:

1. Dry skin innate (ichthyoids).
2. The constitutional dry skin (atopic dermatitis).
3. Dry skin natural acquired (due to aging, lifestyle, cold ...).

Ichthyoids

Genetic diseases, they correspond to hypertrophy of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis). This result hyperkeratosis with scaling exaggerated presence of dandruff on the skin. The treatment involves local input of catalytic and emollients. It is a form of drought worsens in the winter. It is characterized, especially on the front legs and forearms, by an appearance of fish scales. It can relieve symptoms with moisturizers *.

Constitutional dry skin (atopic dermatitis).

Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory dermatomes. The horny layer is porous and therefore promotes excessive evaporation of water from the surface of the skin and allows more penetration in the epidermis of environmental molecules. Skin inflammation is permanent. Dry skin is constant, constitutional, associated with purities. The use of suitable containers moisturizing lipids represents the basic treatment of the disease, to restore normal barrier function. Eczema flares be handled by derma-corticoids on inflammatory areas.

Acquired dry skin

These are the most common dry skin. During the winter, this barrier is constantly assaulted by the cold, wind, sun or excessive heating. Result: water losses are significant and the skin loses its suppleness and elasticity. Skin is dry or dehydrated skin lacks moisture. This causes discomfort with sensations of tightness and a certain roughness. This is a problem that affects not pathological about everyone, at any age, to varying degrees. The skin can become dehydrated regardless of their genetic characteristics: fat (high sebaceous secretions) or not, thick or thin, sensitive (allergic to certain substances) or not. The problem presents itself differently on the face, hands, feet and body, because the condition of the skin in these areas depends on factors such as the structure, the amount of sweat and sebaceous glands and the frequency of exposure the elements.

In winter, chapped hands Furthermore, humans with white skin and delicate experience often pronounced drying of the skin all over the body, which gives the medicine called "winter itch" (the English term Winter itch or "winter itch" is more evocative).

Aggravating factors

Exposure to the sun. Ultraviolet rays strike even in winter, especially when they are reflected by the sun. When you plan to be outside for a long time, do not forget to apply sunscreen.Very cold temperatures, because there is less moisture in the air.Heating in winter and the lack of moisture insi

de. Overheated areas may increase dryness of the skin. Keep the internal temperature around 20 ° C and using a humidifier.Pollution.

The hot water, which dissolves the natural oils from the skin.

• Bath: in the winter, it is better to take showers or baths short (no more than ten minutes) using warm water rather than hot. Try to limit yourself to two or three baths per week, alternating with showers.
• Precautions in cosmetic

• Avoid deodorant soaps and opt for fat soap or gel moisturizer.

• Products bubble baths can also contribute to dry skin. If you really want to add something in the water bath, opt for a product containing oil. After bath or shower, pat yourself dry without rubbing and apply a moisturizer on damp skin, which facilitate absorption.
• Avoid cleansing lotions or alcohol-based astringent.

• The application of moisturizer to the face should be regular (morning and evening) and must be preceded by a thorough cleansing of the face.
• And do not forget your lips are particularly sensitive to drought. Regularly apply a lip balm.

• If your occupation requires you to wash your hands often, apply a moisturizer several times a day.

Extra advice

• Drink at least eight glasses of water per day. (According to most experts, this is the amount needed to ensure the body with the hydration it needs for all its functions, including the maintenance of the skin. Yet some more drinks dehydrate that they moisturize. This is particularly the case of coffee, tea, soft drinks with caffeine and all alcoholic beverages.) By cons, you can take advantage of teas "nature" or decorated with honey or lemon.
• A healthy and varied diet: all sources of vitamins and essential fatty acids are preferable. To consume without moderation: fruits, vegetables, soups, juices, carrots, tomatoes, fresh fruit cocktails, cereals, fish...
• In addition to the resources provided by the diet, it is interesting to use food supplements rich in essential fatty acids in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and vitamins of all kinds.