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Winter, with its low temperatures and dry air, often takes a toll on our skin - dryness and flakiness appear, and we feel our skin tight, losing its healthy glow. The cold outside causes the skin to become rough, while indoor warmth draws moisture out of it, leaving it dry. Even some of the most enjoyable things in winter, like sitting by a warm fire, can dry out the skin.

Here are some simple tips to keep our skin healthy and hydrated throughout the season:

1. Use a gentle and hydrating cleanser - overly aggressive cleansers lead to dehydration of the skin and disruption of its hydro-lipid barrier. During the cold months, opt for a gentle cleanser that not only cleanses but also leaves the skin soft and hydrated.
2. Choose a richer moisturizing cream - skin care may require different products and ingredients throughout the different months of the year. During winter, it's advisable to use a richer moisturizing cream that effectively counteracts transepidermal water loss and leaves the skin soft and hydrated for longer.
3. Sun protection - despite the colder and darker winter months, snow reflects up to 80% of the sun's rays, putting your skin at risk. Even when it's cloudy and grey, UV rays penetrate through the clouds and continue to reflect off your skin, contributing to premature aging. Using sunscreen is essential even when you think you don't need it!
4. Avoid prolonged hot showers and baths - excessively hot water removes natural oils from our skin and dries it out, especially during the winter. Try to take shorter showers with cooler water, and immediately after bathing, apply moisturizing cream.
5. Indoor/office air - the recommended healthy temperature that doesn't cause drying of the skin and mucous membranes is between 20-23 degrees Celsius. Regardless of the heating device you use at home or in the office, try to maintain a normal temperature to avoid drying out the skin and abrupt temperature changes compared to the outside environment.
6. Lip care - the skin on our lips is more susceptible to dryness and flaking due to the lack of oil glands. Lips have thinner skin, which requires stronger and continuous hydration and nourishment. Use overnight lip masks, balms, vaseline, and lip glosses.
7. Hydration and healthy eating - hydration through the use of various cosmetic products is crucial for the condition of the skin, but it's also important for the body to be hydrated from within by drinking fluids during winter. Healthy eating and intake of various supplements such as flaxseed oil, fish oil, omega-3, and -6 fatty acids also contribute to strengthening the body and maintaining good skin condition.
8. Suitable comfortable clothing - Wool, as well as many other fabrics, are preferred for wearing in winter, but they pose risks of irritation to the skin. It's good to wear lighter and breathable materials such as cotton and silk, which serve as a shield for the skin against the rougher and thicker winter clothing on top. It's important to protect the neck and hands with scarves and gloves, but they should be made of skin-friendly materials.