7 tips to protect your skin and preserve its radiance against the harsh winter weather

If the seasons dictate the life of the skin and its condition, winter can be particularly harsh for it.

Indeed, the cold can have several harmful effects on the skin. When outside temperatures are low, the body constricts the blood vessels in the skin in an attempt to retain heat. This then leads to a decrease in blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin. The skin becomes drier, duller, and more sensitive.

Additionally, dry cold and indoor heating cause moisture loss in the air, which exacerbates dry skin. Because the air is drier in winter, the skin is stressed, especially on exposed areas of the face. The skin is then more prone to redness, irritation, and dehydration.

To protect your skin from the harmful effects of the cold and keep it healthy, here are 7 essential tips:

TIP #1: Moisturize your skin with suitable care

Some skin types are more vulnerable than others to periods of extreme cold, particularly thin, sensitive, and dry skin. To protect your skin from external aggressions, it is essential to moisturize it daily, morning and evening. This helps preserve the epidermis and maintain good hydration and elasticity of the skin.

Use suitable products: moisturizing treatments that are rich in active ingredients. Choose natural and certified organic cosmetics that are composed of numerous effective and skin-friendly active ingredients, such as Léonia's White Tea Face Cream. White Tea Cream neutralizes free radicals , intensely hydrates, and brings comfort and radiance to the skin.

After showering, it is also important to apply a moisturizing oil or balm to your body daily, as well as a hand and foot cream.

TIP #2: Cover areas overexposed to the cold more

A simple and effective gesture! Protecting your skin from the cold and wind by wearing covering clothing when outdoors helps reduce the impact of the cold on the skin.

For example, wearing gloves and a scarf helps keep the body warm by preventing heat from escaping through the hands and neck. This prevents less moisture from being absorbed by the cold, dry air in the covered areas of the skin.

The nose, cheeks, and forehead are the most exposed parts of the face. Wearing a scarf and hat helps protect these vulnerable areas from the cold and wind, preventing redness, irritation, and cracks.

TIP #3: Avoid baths/showers with water that is too hot

While they may be comforting, hot baths and showers are harmful to the skin. They can cause inflammation, leading to redness, itching, and even burns.

Water that is too hot tends to disrupt the balance of the skin's protective layer, which is mainly composed of fats. This makes the skin more susceptible to damage from external factors and microorganisms.

It is best to use lukewarm water to ensure optimal comfort and avoid irritation or feelings of tightness.

TIP #4: Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells that naturally accumulate over time. These cells can clog pores and cause blemishes, such as blackheads or pimples. Exfoliating regularly helps maintain clear, healthy skin.

In winter, cold, dry air can dry out skin, causing flaking and cracking. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells that can build up on the skin's surface and prevent moisturizers from penetrating effectively.

Exfoliating activates blood circulation and stimulates cell renewal, which helps strengthen the skin's barrier and improves its appearance: the skin is smoothed and brighter. Skincare products applied after exfoliation will also be better absorbed by the epidermis and will therefore be more effective.

It's important to note that exfoliation should not be done too frequently, as this can irritate and damage the skin. It's recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week using a gentle exfoliant like Léonia's Milky White Tea Scrub. This scrub, made with rice powder, brown sugar, and vegetable oils, gently exfoliates the skin.

TIP #5: Drink plenty of water

During the winter, it's important to drink enough water to stay hydrated from the inside out and keep your skin healthy. It's recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to maintain proper hydration during this time of year .

Water is key to maintaining a healthy immune system because it helps flush toxins from your body. This helps protect against common winter infections, such as colds and flu. To facilitate and optimize hydration, it's also recommended to consume hot beverages such as tea.

Leonia Premium Organic White Tea is a valuable ally. Its low theine content makes it a tea to consume throughout the day.

This rare and precious white tea made mainly from wild tea tree buds is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants in the world. Ultra-concentrated in polyphenols, it helps fight skin aging.  An ally of healthy skin, it thus restores glow And elasticity to the skin, while maintaining an optimal hydration level.

TIP #6: Use a humidifier

 Using a humidifier in your bedroom helps maintain an adequate level of humidity in the air and thus helps prevent dry skin.

It also soothes irritations such as eczema or psoriasis , which are often aggravated by dry cold.

 Please note that it is important to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the proliferation of bacteria and mold which can be harmful to health.

TIP #7: Adapt your diet

During the winter, your skin is particularly stressed. To provide it with the minerals it needs to glow , including nutrient-rich foods in your diet is essential. Here are some examples of a variety of foods to favor this winter.

• Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and minerals for the skin, especially citrus fruits (vitamin C), carrots (vitamin A), tomatoes (lycopene) and strawberries (antioxidants).
• Whole grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and copper, which are important for skin.
• Lean proteins: Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and beans, are essential for skin cell growth and repair.
• Healthy fatty acids: Healthy fatty acids, such as olive oil and avocado, can help keep skin hydrated and supple.