An important difference in winter skin care is the emphasis on eliminating inflammation

Winter is a difficult time for the skin of the whole body, but especially the skin of the face and hands. During this period it has to show its barrier properties, cope with the onslaught of irritating factors and outright external aggression. Clients' skin experiences additional stress when visiting clinics or salons, as many active procedures, such as chemical peels or laser treatments, fall on the winter period. It is also necessary to take into account the beautiful winter vacation in the mountains, during which it is also worth adjusting the care a little.

At the cellular level, a decrease in the mass of intercellular lipids is observed in the skin in winter, and a similar process occurs with aging [1], from which we can draw the disappointing conclusion that winter "accelerates" the latter.

The composition of the natural moisturizing factor also changes [2], the activity of sebaceous glands decreases, which is not directly related to skin hydration, but affects the production of glycerol, an endogenous moisturizer of the stratum corneum [3]. Low humidity and low temperatures lead to an overall decrease in skin barrier function and increased exposure to mechanical stresses such as wind or rubbing a wool scarf against the chin. Keratinocytes release proinflammatory cytokines and cortisol, the number of mast cells in the skin increases, and the skin becomes more reactive to irritants and allergens, which accounts for the frequent worsening of the course of dermatoses in winter [4] or the appearance of skin sensitivity.

Therefore, an important difference in winter care is the special emphasis on the management of inflammatory processes.

First published in «Cosmetologist» magazine #1, 2019

*Full version of the access article in Ukrainian and Russian