To refine facial features, we use a white pencil. With it, we optically enlarge (brighten) the lower part of the face, softening and refining the features. When applying corrective foundations and powders, it should be remembered that not all of them can be used in winter.
Winter is not kind to the complexion. The skin is particularly exposed to the adverse effects of external factors. Wind and frost, UV radiation, precipitation and sudden changes in temperature harm it. In heated or air-conditioned rooms, the complexion becomes dehydrated as a result of dry air. It is also irritated by rough clothing—scarves or turtlenecks—while skin cells receive less oxygen because the cold weakens blood circulation and slows the skin’s metabolism.
In winter, the skin loses moisture almost twice as quickly as in summer, becoming rough, less elastic and easily irritated. Its natural protective mechanisms weaken.
Lips tolerate the cold the worst. They lack sebaceous glands, making them highly sensitive to changes in temperature. Licking your lips in freezing weather is a major mistake; this habit contributes to flaking and painful cracking. It is best to apply a protective stick, balm, or nourishing lipstick containing vitamin C, collagen, and a high concentration of fatty substances to your lips several times a day. If your lips are dry and chapped, you can use a scrub to remove dead skin. An old method is to rub your lips with a mixture of honey and a little sugar (the honey will additionally nourish the delicate skin).
Strong wind and cold can also cause burning and watering of the eyes. Squinting caused by exposure to the harsh winter sun contributes to the formation of wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet). Therefore, it is worth remembering to wear sunglasses in winter. Eye creams used during this period should have a thicker, creamier consistency, especially if they are the only protection during the day. If we use protective facial creams with sunscreens around the eyes, we can use a lighter eye product.
For the skin to remain in good condition during winter, it must be properly moisturized. It needs ingredients that will deal not only with the effects but also with the cause of chapping. Lipids serve this purpose. Their primary function is to retain water in the outermost layer of the skin.
For the epidermis to become soft and smooth again, the skin must be stimulated to produce its own lipids. Therefore, skincare products (milks, toners and creams) must perform many functions during this period. Their task is to prevent the skin’s natural loss of moisture by sealing the epidermis. Ceramides, for example, have such properties. In addition, these cosmetics should contain water-binding agents, nutrients, substances that soothe irritation, and free-radical scavengers.
Toners for oily skin used during the winter should not contain drying alcohols (ethanol, ethyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol). It is also better to avoid toners containing large amounts of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus extract, or peppermint. These ingredients can also irritate and dry out the skin.
A winter cream should have a thicker consistency and contain plenty of fatty ingredients that will strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier and form a hydrophilic film on its surface. This will protect the skin from low temperatures and excessive water evaporation. These are usually rich creams containing glycerin or natural beeswax. Please remember that some of them may therefore not be suitable for use under makeup.
People with dry skin should use rich creams in winter, both during the day and at night. It is important to apply the cream to the face at least fifteen minutes before going outside so that it has time to absorb. Gel creams should be avoided—they have a watery consistency that is not suitable for freezing temperatures.
A good winter cream is one that contains filters protecting against UV radiation. It is a mistake to think that the sun is not as strong in winter as it is in summer. The sun is low above the horizon, so its rays strike at a small angle. As a result, minor sunburns and damage to the epidermis occur more frequently, especially among people working outdoors. During this period, people taking hormonal preparations may develop changes and pigment discoloration.
In winter, before going outside, it is a good idea to apply foundation, which provides an additional protective barrier against frost and wind. As in summer, foundation should contain sunscreens, but foundations with a thicker consistency can be used. However, it should be remembered that an improperly selected foundation can do more harm than good. Therefore, when choosing foundation, we must carefully assess our skin’s needs.
Protection of the skin from frost can also be supported with loose powder, for example one containing silk proteins, which will softly envelop the face and create additional protection in the form of a “quilt.” They are recommended for sensitive and dry complexions, where water evaporation from the epidermis is much greater and adverse weather conditions further accelerate this process.
In winter, the frequency of using all strong exfoliants, especially mechanical ones, should be reduced. If necessary, a gentle enzyme peel can be used once a week. If we use cosmetics containing acids, we must remember that their maximum concentration should be around 8% (the skin’s protective barrier can easily be damaged, and during the winter it is already sufficiently exposed to deterioration).