Cold temperatures, icy wind, and dry heating air – winter presents special challenges for our skin. To keep your skin healthy and resilient, it needs an adapted facial care routine in winter. In this article, you will learn what harms the skin in winter and why it needs special care exactly now.
Understanding winter skin: What happens to our skin in the cold season?
Dropping temperatures cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict to protect the body from cooling down. This reduces blood flow to the skin, providing it with less oxygen and nutrients. The result: it appears paler, drier, and loses elasticity. Additionally, the skin reduces its sebum production in winter. The natural oil film, which normally protects it from drying out, becomes thinner.
Challenges for winter facial care: Why does skin need special care now?
In winter, the skin is exposed to several stresses that weaken its natural protective function:
1. Cold and cold wind
Low temperatures and wind deprive the skin of moisture. The result: it dries out faster, feels rough, and can become flaky.
2. Dry, warm heating air
Indoors, heating air creates a dry indoor climate. This dry air further dehydrates the skin – especially on the face, which is constantly unprotected.
3. Frequent temperature changes
The constant change from cold outdoor air to warm indoor air stresses the skin. It has to adapt again and again, which further weakens its barrier function.
4. Warm showers
Hot showers may be pleasant in winter, but they dissolve the skin's natural lipids. As a result, the skin loses its natural protective film and subsequently dries out faster.
Moisture vs. lipid replenishment: What's important for winter facial care?
One of the most important questions in winter care is: moisture or fat?
The answer is clear: Both.
- Skin needs moisture to stay plump and supple.
- At the same time, it needs lipids to lock moisture into the skin and strengthen the protective barrier.
A good winter face cream should therefore always contain two components:
- Moisturizers like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which bind water in the skin.
- Nourishing fats like squalane, which form a protective film.
The boep med Day Cream combines exactly these two aspects: The natural dual hyaluronic acid complex replenishes the skin's moisture depots, while squalane provides long-lasting care – without being greasy. If one of these components is missing, the skin continues to dry out despite care.
Winter facial care routine: How often should I moisturize my face?
In winter, it is recommended to moisturize your face in the morning and evening. In the morning, the cream protects against cold, wind, and dry air, while in the evening it supports skin regeneration. For very dry skin, a richer night care, such as the med base cream, may also be beneficial.
👉 Here you can find more information on neurodermatitis skin care in winter
The lips have hardly any sebaceous glands and lose moisture particularly quickly in winter. Regular re-moisturizing is therefore essential. Here too, it is important to use gentle care products and avoid fragrances.
👉 More tips for proper care for dry lips in winter
Common mistakes in winter care
- Too aggressive cleansing
- Too light care products
- Hot water on the face
- Wetting lips with tongue
- Completely omitting sun protection in winter
These mistakes can further dry out and irritate the skin.
Conclusion: Well-cared for through winter
The right winter facial care protects your skin from moisture loss, strengthens its own barrier, and prevents irritation. With an adapted care routine, gentle ingredients, and a well-tolerated product like the boep med Day Cream, you effectively counteract winter stress, at least for your skin.
O U R E X P E R T
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep-founder, doctor & 3-time mom
