Frost And Sun, A Wonderful Day: 10 Facts About The Effect Of Cold On The Skin

Dermatocosmetologist Viktoria Britko (@ dr.viktoria_13_) told BeautyHack why the skin becomes drier in winter, is it possible to use a moisturizer in cold weather, what are cytokines and why are they needed.

avatar Victoria Britko

Victoria Britko

Dermatocosmetologist

Fact number 1: skin tolerates heat better than cold

The skin feels much better in summer than in winter. The reason is physiology. There are temperature receptors on the surface of the skin. They respond to the cold seven times stronger than +30!

Fact # 2: cold leads to constriction of blood vessels

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The first reaction of the skin to cold. And there is a logical explanation for this. With vasoconstriction, blood flow to the internal organs increases, but decreases to the skin surface. This is to reduce heat loss.

Fact number 3: with limited blood flow, skin color changes

With limited blood flow, the skin turns pale, and the nutrients are not delivered to it in full. So it requires special care. Wear serum with vitamin C at night (under the cream) - it strengthens the vascular walls. Give preference to winter creams during the day.

Fact number 4: not only nerve fibers control vascular reactions

At low temperatures, the skin begins to produce special molecules called cytokines. They send signals to cells that environmental conditions have changed to which they need to adapt. Just like nerve fibers, cytokines are involved in vasoconstriction. By the way, it is the narrowing-expanding process that is the reason for the beautiful blush in winter. Alas, the same factor is "guilty" of the manifestation of rosacea.

Fact # 5: oily skin feels best in the cold

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At low temperatures, the work of the sebaceous glands slows down. Thanks to this, the oily sheen in the T-zone disappears. Dry skin is not sweet - it becomes too sensitive, peeling appears. For this reason, I recommend not to use foams and gel in the morning, but to wash with plain water so as not to violate the water-lipid membrane (a rule for owners of dry skin).

We wrote about the best cold remedies here.

Fact # 6: skin is exposed to UV radiation in winter

In winter it is necessary to use creams with SPF protection. Even in cloudy conditions, about 40% of the rays reach the earth's surface. Therefore, in cold weather, you can get pigment spots. Don't ignore proper grooming.

Fact number 7: sudden temperature changes disrupt the process of cell renewal

When you enter a warm room from a frosty street and do it often enough, the process of cell renewal is disrupted. The skin becomes more vulnerable and cannot withstand 100% aggressive environmental factors. This can cause micro-cracking and chapped lips. If you notice excessive dryness and peeling in the corners of the lips, drink the course "Aevita" for one month. This is what I recommend to my patients.

Fact number 8: in winter, the skin actively loses moisture

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In frosts outside, the air is drier. Read here how to resist peeling. Indoors, too, due to actively working batteries. Because of this, moisture is actively evaporated from the skin surface. She needs good hydration. Use mild cleansers and more oily creams. After a long walk, a restorative agent with vitamins and panthenol will be useful. It is believed that moisturizers should not be applied before going outside due to the fact that moisture can freeze. This is not true. The skin temperature is never below minus one degree. Unless, of course, it's not -50 on the street. Again, hydration is an important step in winter care.

Fact number 9: there are no creams that affect the vascular response of the skin in cold weather

No matter what is written on the packaging, there are no means to regulate the operation of vessels in the cold. The only way that will help the skin survive the cold is by hardening. Contrast washing is a good way to train blood vessels. Remember: creams that promise to remove redness contain vaso-strengthening components that are needed in the treatment of rosacea and rosacea. But they will not save completely from the vascular reaction to cold, but only slightly reduce it.

Fact # 10: cold isn't always bad

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Too low temperatures are a great stress on the skin. But with short-term exposure, it can have a positive effect, increasing its elasticity and improving its tone. In cosmetology, cryotherapy has long been used, during which a reflex vasospasm occurs, after which they expand again. Bottom line: improved blood supply and acceleration of metabolic processes.