The cold wind, low temperatures, overheated indoor air, and harsh soaps all compromise the skin's hydrolipidic film—its natural protective barrier. This allows moisture to escape from skin cells, leaving your face and body feeling tight, tingling, and uncomfortably dry. Even covered areas on the body suffer from clothing friction.
For the face, minimize water contact—especially calcareous tap water that strips moisture. Apply a nourishing oil under your daytime moisturizer to seal in hydration and prevent evaporation. At night, use a richly hydrating cream in a generous layer; it penetrates deeply while you sleep (remove excess in the morning with cotton pads). For the body, always moisturize post-shower and exfoliate weekly. Skip tight clothes and synthetic tights, which restrict circulation and worsen cold-induced dryness.
For a simple, natural boost, grab avocado, lemon, and honey from your local store. Mash the avocado flesh with lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey into a smooth paste. Apply as a mask for 30 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Baths initially plump the skin but lead to severe dryness afterward—opt for lukewarm showers instead. Choose gentle, pH-balanced cleansers (around 5.5, matching skin's natural pH) that are superfatted ("surgras") and free of harsh alkalis or strong fragrances.
Expert insight from Marie-Hélène Lair, Director of Scientific Communication at Clarins.
