What’s the issue? Hands (like feet) are extremities that feel the cold first—they get less blood flow, weakening the skin’s natural barrier.
Your defense plan: It’s straightforward—wear gloves outdoors (and while washing dishes) and apply hand cream before dryness appears. Opt for a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula so you can handle things right away. Keep one in your bag for regular touch-ups, and slather on a thick layer at bedtime.
The problem: Cold and wind strip away the skin’s hydrolipidic film, letting moisture escape. Skin feels tight, tingles, and dries out—even on the body, where clothing friction worsens it.
Your defense plan: Limit face exposure to drying tap water. Layer a protective oil under your daytime moisturizer to lock in hydration. At night, use a deeply hydrating treatment, applying generously if needed (wipe off excess in the morning). For the body, moisturize post-shower and exfoliate weekly. Skip tight clothes and synthetic tights that restrict circulation.
The problem: Cold diverts blood to vital organs, leaving skin undernourished and prone to redness—especially with sudden warm-cold shifts. Dehydrated skin chafes easily.
Your defense plan: Swap water-based cleansers for gentle, no-rinse options like micellar water or cleansing milk. Daytime: Choose soothing serums or creams with allantoin, arnica, or aloe vera. Evenings: Rich “cocooning” textures like cold cream. Before heading out, apply a 10-minute soothing mask under your moisturizer.
The problem: Lips, with fewer skin layers than the face, are prime targets for cold and wind.
Your defense plan: Resist licking them—saliva’s acidity damages the protective film. Instead, reapply nourishing balm frequently to create a barrier, keeping lips soft and preventing cracks from talking or smiling.
Expert insight from Marie-Hélène Lair, Director of Scientific Communication at Clarins.
