The doctor gave advice on skin care in winter

In winter, the skin becomes especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, cold wind and dry indoor air, which leads to the destruction of the natural protective barrier. Natalia Mikhailova, Candidate of Medical Sciences, dermatovenerologist, cosmetologist and founder of the Reforma network of aesthetic medicine clinics, told Izvestia on November 1.

According to her, the damaged epidermal barrier ceases to retain moisture, which manifests itself in the form of peeling, tightness, itching, and people with hypersensitivity may even have allergic reactions to cold.

"To protect the skin of the face in the cold season, you should switch to more dense and nutritious products. In the daytime, creams with emollients and lipids are effective, creating a thin protective film that reduces moisture evaporation. Such products should be applied 20-30 minutes before going outside for optimal absorption," the doctor said.

Skin and hair care during the cold period: proven methods and procedures

Evening care should be aimed at restoring and moisturizing using serums, night creams and masks, while washing with mild products without aggressive surfactants so as not to injure the skin.

Climatic changes in winter affect not only the moisture content, but also the microbiome of the skin — a set of beneficial microorganisms that support its health. Dry air, cold and sudden temperature changes disrupt the balance of microflora, increasing susceptibility to inflammation and infections. To maintain microbial balance, Mikhailova advises choosing products with probiotics, prebiotics and fermented extracts that strengthen the protective layer of the skin.

"Age characteristics play an important role in choosing winter care. At the age of 20, light creams with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are enough to protect and prevent dehydration. After 40 years, when the skin loses its own hyaluronic acid and regeneration slows down, more intensive care and courses of injection procedures are required to maintain tone and elasticity," the doctor said.

If the skin is damaged by frost, manifested by peeling or cracking, it is important to first soothe it with mild remedies with panthenol or allantoin, avoiding rubbing and hot compresses. For deep restoration of barrier function, it is better to turn to professional procedures — bioreparation, mesotherapy or alginate masks based on algae.

As for natural remedies, the specialist warns of their potential danger: essential oils in their pure form can disrupt the acid-base balance and the sebaceous glands. A safe alternative is creams with hydrolyzed oils adapted to the pH of the skin, or extracts of aloe, cucumber, bamboo, oats and algae, which gently moisturize and regenerate the skin.

"An integrated approach to winter care, combining competent home care, proper nutrition, adequate drinking regime and professional procedures, helps to preserve the health and beauty of the skin even in the most severe frosts," the expert concluded.

On September 16, Khadizhat Suleymanova, a specialist at the Vision ophthalmological center, reported that cold eye patches, which are often used to relieve swelling, can cause a temporary drop in vision and vascular spasms. According to the expert, aromatic additives in patches, including menthol, are also dangerous. They can cause irritation and allergies.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.