The skin in winter Care and protection

The skin in winter Care and protection

 The skin in winter Care and protection

The skin in winter in harsh climatic conditions, due to low temperatures, wind, blizzard, snow, etc., the skins appear paler, as a result of vasoconstriction. Capillaries contract and blood flow decrease, so less oxygen and nutrients reach the cells, turnover is slowed, and dead cells accumulate, giving the skin a dull, greyish appearance. On the other hand, as a result of the above, the skin experiences a feeling of tightness and as a result of the layer formed by dead cells, the sebaceous secretion reaches the surface with more difficulty to lubricate and nourish the epidermis, leaving it dry and sensitive. . The often excessive heating effects do not help to improve this state of affairs.

COLD SENSITIVITY

Fine skin, white, those that are exposed to air conditioning or very high heating are more susceptible to the aggression of the cold. In these last two cases, serious dehydration occurs. As for fine skin, the sebaceous glands have less, therefore, their natural lubrication is low. Environmental pollution, which does not decrease in winter but on the contrary, not only dirties the skin but irritates it, producing different types of dermatitis. In general, a good cleaning product and a cream, if it can be oily, containing vitamins E, A and C will help protect and prevent the effects of pollution and cold.

HYDRATE, WHAT FOR?

The skin in winter a moisturizing cosmetic must maintain or restore skin homeostasis, delay skin aging and provide solutions to problem skin, and this is achieved by providing quality lipids, moisturizers, and water (avoiding their loss with occlusive substances, etc.), as we will see. next. The main objective of a moisturizing cosmetic is to maintain and increase the surface water level, which in ideal conditions is 10-20%. Another parameter to take into account is the number of skin lipids present, knowing that this characteristic is determined by the activity of the sebaceous glands.

TIPS ON TIGHTENING AND DRY SKINCARE

As has already been pointed out, the causes of dry or xerotic skin are, together with a genetic predisposition and different pathologies, exogenous factors such as environmental agents or incorrect care, especially focused on the use of inappropriate dermo-cosmetic products. The reasons for a poor choice of term pharmaceutical care products are, on the one hand, the misinterpretation that is often made of the concept of dryness and, on the other, the incorrect classification that many people make of their skin. The antonym of "dry" in the common language is "wet" and therefore this concept is often related to a greater need for water. Thus, emulsions that provide a little hydration are highly valued by the public (in general, O / W emulsions with a high percentage of water) because the temporary cooling effect they provide seems to confirm that the right product has been chosen.

Moisturizing preparations

There is a large number of functional substances used in moisturizing cosmetics, which are usually classified as moisturizers, moisturizers by other mechanisms, macromolecules, occlusive and film-forming substances, and dermolipids. The main objective of a moisturizing cosmetic is to maintain and increase the surface water level Under the concept of skincare, the phases of skin cleansing, toning, care, and protection are integrated. This article will review all of them from the point of view of dry skin, subjected to external aggressions typical of the winter season. Advice is included that the pharmacist can offer to people who come to your establishment looking for solutions to common problems such as tightness, redness, dryness, itching, or the dull appearance of the epidermis.

ENOUGH WITH A DAILY SHOWER

Any type of cleansing action, whether done only with water or detergents, breaks the skin barrier. People with extremely dry skin should wash thoroughly every other day. The thermotolerance of detergent substances depends on the type and concentration of the surfactants. The following characteristics are important: hygiene products must be hypoallergenic (with minimal potential fordelipidationn, drying, and irritation), they must be easily rinsed, and have a high cleaning capacity. The level of tolerance can be raised by including additives such as protein hydrolysates and refatting substances in the formulas. In any case, it is important to use the cleaning product moderately.

FIRST WASH AND THEN BATHE

A hot bath is not about cleanliness but rather about care and well-being. That is, first you have to shower and then if you want, take a bath. Desiccant bath additives such as foam baths or salts are not recommended for people with dry or temporarily dry and tight skin, among which bath additives without a surfactant component and emulsions with a surfactant component should be distinguished. The former creates a thin film on the surface of the water, which remains on the skin when leaving the bathtub. In this way, the combination of hydration and lipidation contributes to skincare.

HYGIENE AND TONING OF THE SKIN OF THE FACE

For the hygiene of dry and sensitive facial skin, do not use syndets, but rather special products such as cleansing emulsions, hydrophilic oils, or adsorbent cleansing preparations with oatmeal. Since the remains of cleaning products can also irritate the skin, they should always be rinsed with plenty of water. Dermabrasion cleansing (with polyethylene granules and exfoliating masks) or peels performed using chemical or enzymatic products are not recommended for very dry skin. To tone, it is advisable to use alcohol-free toners, with moisturizing, soothing, and anti-irritant active ingredients.

FACIAL CARE

After cleaning, it is advisable to proceed immediately to care of the skin, to regenerate the damaged hydrolipid film as quickly as possible. W / O emulsions and liposome preparations are useful for this in dry skin. Fat bases are also suitable for body care. They are usually combinations of mineral, vegetable, or synthetic oils. The advantage of these products is that they do not contain emulsifiers or preservatives. The downside is that they tend to lack water and moisturizing substances. A protective term pharmaceutical preparation (moisturizing and nourishing), whether in lotion, cream, or oil, provided that it is well indicated and used, can be very useful at any time of the year, but in winter it is worth specifically advising products that include vitamin in their formulation C, which reaffirms the walls of the capillaries avoiding their rupture (telangiectasia). This vitamin, whether in topical or oral form, is recommended throughout the year, because it also helps in the formation of collagen. Together with vitamin E, it becomes one of the most effective enemies of aging caused by free radicals.

Silicone hand creams avoid an excessive greasing effect

It is also advisable to use protective creams added with moisturizing and nourishing active ingredients, specially formulated for this time of year (rosehip, chamomile, etc.). To avoid dryness caused by wind, heating, and changes in temperature changes, it is advisable to apply a toner based on ginkgo Biloba to the face once a day. If the skin of the face burns when you leave an environment with very strong heating, it is recommended to apply a moisturizing cream with aloe vera, mallow, or vitamin A. On normal skin, it is not recommended to use very unctuous creams since they can promote thermal congestion.

ADDITIONAL CARE

Masks, products for the eye contour, neck, décolleté and chest, lip balms, and sunscreens are also important elements to complete winter skincare.

 Soft masks

As an additional care measure in cases of skin with signs of dryness, facial masks are useful, but only those creamy ones that after the application time remain soft and do not harden. Thus, the stratum corneum is strongly hydrated by occlusion. The masks are removed with make-up remover tissues or with water, then the skin is toned and if necessary, nourishing products, photo protectors, etc. are applied. Vitamins C and E are effective allies against free radicals

 Eye contour

This area of the face has a low concentration of sebaceous glands and, therefore, the skin is naturally dehydrated, fine, and sensitive. It is also more prone to expression marks. When it is not well cared for, early aging appears for sure. When choosing preparations for the eye contour, the needs of the user must be considered. To avoid smudging, low-lipid preparations are recommended during the day, while lipid-rich products are preferred at night. If the eyelids are swollen in the morning, gel preparations are recommended. In general, relativizing creams based on vegetable oil and vitamins A, C, and E. are recommended. The user must be reminded that this type of cream should not be used on other parts of the face, as it is very thick.

 Neck and cleavage

Lacking supporting fatty tissue, these parts of the body dry out easily and are undoubtedly white of sagging. The problem can be alleviated through massages combined with specific products. Relipidizing and moisturizing products with vitamins A, C, and E and trace elements (minerals such as selenium and manganese that hydrate, tone and provide rigidity to the skin) are recommended.

 Chest

It is also a region poorly provided with sebaceous glands, with thin, dry, and sensitive skin. Keeping it moisturized helps prevent ripples that appear on its surface over time. For this, creams with vegetable proteins and trace elements, seaweed, oil, silicone, and vitamins C and E. are indicated.

 Lip protectors

Lip balm in the form of an O / W balm or stick will not have the intended effect if not used regularly. A good tip is to always carry the product with you and renew the application every time you drink or eat. It is also convenient to apply it every time the user discovers himself biting or moistening his lips. This should be recommended especially when it comes to children.

 Solar protection

UVA and UVB rays act not only when the sun brightens or warms up more. The effects, therefore, are constant and the skin must be protected throughout the year, rain, snow, or cloudy. Protection against solar radiation is especially important for dry skin. In addition to a product that guarantees protection against UVA and UVB radiation, it is important to choose the presentation well: water-resistant products if you are going to have contact with this element; hydrodispersible gels or gels prepared with liposomes and a high protection index if you suffer from a dermatological pathology induced by light, etc. Ingredients with anti-free radical action are also suitable. To protect the skin from the intense cold, lip gels are indicated. In any case, if the user is going to stay in heated rooms for a long time, it is advisable to remove them to avoid heatstroke.

HAND CARE

Protection against harmful agents, whether physical or chemical, is usually applied, above all, to the hands. Since this part of the body often comes into contact with water and detergents, it is advisable to protect them with appropriate gloves, made of hypoallergenic substances. The use of hydrophobic protective preparations, such as lip gels, may also be recommended. For cleaning, syndets with re-greasing ingredients, such as cleaning oils, are recommended. Products for the protection of the skin of the hands must be rich in lipids, absorb quickly and not leave a greasy sensation, form a continuous, waterproof and flexible film, and have a pH of 5.5. Creams based on silicone or derivatives of lanolin and vitamin E are recommended, which include a good sunscreen. In general, the main substances included in hand care formulations are: Moisturizers (humectants and emollients), such as glycerin, enter the interstices of the skin's surface and capture atmospheric moisture, which gradually yields to keratin as needed, improving the appearance of the skin. sorbitol and polyglycols, as well as sunscreens. Lubricants: they are substances that restore the natural lipids that exist on the skin, such as lanolin, cocoa matcha, vaseline, silicones, and vegetable oils. The silicone avoids an excessive regreasing effect.

FOOT CARE

Although the skin of the feet is quite resistant, it is also a body area naturally predisposed to dryness and roughness. In addition, the feet tend to accumulate dead cells and require frequent care. To remove them, moderately abrasive creams with polyethylene microspheres can be used. On a day-to-day basis, a moisturizer with silicone and vegetable oils can be used to replenish lipids. Soothing and cooling substances, such as camphor and menthol, can be applied at the end of a stressful day to achieve a deliciously relaxed and soft sensation.