Who says winter, says tight skin? Redness? Cracks and feelings of discomfort? Not necessarily when you have the right reflexes to protect your skin from external aggressions. Because there is always a way to deal with each case of dryness caused by the winter cold.
Treat calluses on your feet
“Devoid of pilosebaceous follicles, the skin of the feet is an extremely dry area,” immediately announces Judith Zaoui, responsible for Akileïne products for Asepta laboratories, a cosmetics brand expert in podiatric care. The stratum corneum in this area is also “ten times thicker than that of the rest of the body”, she specifies. Which makes it an ideal target for cracks and other calluses, especially if you often walk barefoot or if you have open shoes that don’t hold your heel well.
To prevent bad weather from adding its grain of salt, Judith Zaoui recommends a two-step routine to keep your feet soft and pretty.
1. The scrub
Exfoliation can be mechanical, using a poncette or a podorape. Or chemical, via exfoliating active ingredients or fruit acids (Urea, AHAs). This step, to be carried out once a week, removes the horn which accumulates and thickens over time. However, the product manager recommends carrying out your exfoliation “gently”, “because the stratum corneum is the skin’s first protection”. In fact, this helps combat friction, shock and pressure exerted on the foot.
2. Hydration
In the event of severe dehydration, cracks or marked calluses, Judith Zaoui recommends the regular application of a repair cream, which will treat the cracks and crevices already installed (once or twice a day depending on the state of dryness). Favor emollient, nourishing and moisturizing agents such as glycerin, shea, vegetable oils, panthenol (pro-vitamin 5), to repair weakened or damaged skin.
Put an end to chapped lips
“The lips are more sensitive and more vulnerable than the rest of the body because their membrane is particularly thin and they are devoid of sebaceous glands,” explains Aurélie Lucas, spokesperson for Coup d’école & Vita Citral products, also for Asepta.
To prevent chapping, cracking and dryness of the lips, the latter recommends drinking enough water, because “a well-hydrated body resists aggression better”. As with the feet, you will need to perform a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin, instead of being tempted to tear it off with your teeth. A simple mixture of sugar and honey will suffice according to Aurélie Lucas.
This exfoliation will also promote the penetration of your lip balm. In this regard, choose a moisturizing and protective lip balm rich in vitamins, oils and nourishing agents. “Avoid licking your lips, and protect them from climatic attacks with a scarf,” adds the representative of Asepta laboratories.
Avoid crocodile skin
Against tightness and flaking of the skin, better known as “crocodile skin”, there is only one rule: nutrition, thanks to a dedicated lipid-replenishing cream rich in moisturizing active ingredients.
Here again, remember to drink plenty of water, take short showers or baths, with lukewarm water. Also pay attention to the composition of your body cleansers; they must be gentle and non-abrasive. And finally, dry yourself by patting the towel to limit friction.