Every year, the same scenario repeats itself. As soon as the first cold snaps hit, skin in winter changes its behavior. It feels tight after showering, reddens at the slightest breeze, becomes drier, sometimes very sensitive.
Just seasonal discomfort? Not only. Behind dry skin in winter lies a precise biological mechanism, now well-documented by dermatologists. We offer an expert breakdown and concrete solutions to adapt your winter routine.
What the cold actually does to the skin
Contrary to popular belief, it's not just a lack of hydration that's the problem in winter. The heart of the matter is the skin barrier.
1. Slowed sebum production
When the temperature drops, the sebaceous glands slow down. The hydrolipidic film — this natural shield composed of water and lipids — thins.
Consequence: the skin loses its water more easily and becomes uncomfortable. This is the beginning of skin dehydration.
2. A weakened skin barrier
The stratum corneum is organized like a brick wall: the cells are the bricks, and the lipids are the cement.
In winter, this "lipid cement" becomes scarcer. The skin barrier becomes permeable. External aggressions penetrate more easily, hence:
- diffuse redness
- burning sensations
- hypersensitivity
- dry patches
3. Redness: a question of microcirculation
Going back and forth between cold outdoors and heated indoors causes sudden variations in microcirculation. Blood vessels contract then dilate. In thin or reactive skin, this results in redness in winter, especially on the cheeks and nose.
The right strategy: repair before hydrating
The common mistake is to use multiple moisturizing products without treating the root cause: the alteration of the skin barrier.
In winter, the priority is twofold:
- Restore lipids
- Limit water loss
In other words, it's necessary to combine hydration and nutrition.
Winter routine: what face care to adopt?
Cleanse without stripping dry winter skin
Cleansing is a strategic step to preserve the skin barrier.
Our 2-step makeup removal is ideal
1- Graine de pastel Makeup Remover Paste or Graine de pastel Makeup Remover Oil
Super creamy, our makeup removers are applied to dry skin and gently rinsed with lukewarm water.
Note: beware of water that is too hot, which aggravates the sensation of dry skin in winter.
2- Graine de pastel Cleansing Jelly
It is essential to perfect makeup removal and cleanse the skin without aggressing it.
Its dual action makes it unique: 1/ no sulfates for gentle cleansing / 2/ pastel oil which compensates for nutrient loss.
Intelligently layer winter facial treatments
An effective routine relies on the complementarity of textures and active ingredients.
1- A targeted serum
- Firming Serum to restart natural collagen synthesis,
- Anti-Spot Correcting Serum to block the appearance of spots and unify your complexion,
- Defense Oil, to restore radiance and boost luminosity
- Resurfacing Serum to smooth the skin—it’s up to your skin to choose!
2- Richer creams to strengthen the skin barrier
We have selected 2 textures very suitable for winter:
- Its simplicity hides formidable effectiveness on the skin barrier: Graine de pastel Rich Moisturizing Cream.
- Suitable for skin looking for density and bounce, Graine de pastel Regenerating Cream can be used morning and night; thanks to its ultra-comfortable texture, it will be your ally until spring. You can then keep it as a night cream.
3- An oil as a finishing touch in the evening to seal in hydration
Vegetable oils rich in omega 3 are particularly relevant in the cold season. Applied with the Graine de pastel Gua Sha, the Graine de pastel Antioxidant Defense Oil is your ally this winter. To stimulate your skin and give it its protective shield!
Why pastel oil is particularly suitable for winter skin
Rich in omega 3, 6, 9, pastel oil is renowned for its repairing and soothing action.
Omega 3, 6, 9 play a key role in cell cohesion and the quality of skin membranes.
Integrated into our organic formulas, pastel oil helps to:
- strengthen the skin barrier
- soothe redness
- improve suppleness
- limit the sensation of tightness
A strategic active ingredient to care for your skin in winter!
Winter skin: the importance of lifestyle
Cosmetics support the skin, but overall balance is just as crucial.
Focus on dietary omega 3s: fatty fish, nuts, flaxseeds support the quality of cell membranes.
Maintain good hydration: even in winter, water loss continues. Infusions and broths remain essential to limit skin dehydration.
Support natural defenses: fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants help the skin better resist winter oxidative stress.
In-cabin treatment in Toulouse: when winter skin needs a reset
If dry skin in winter persists or redness continues, professional support can accelerate repair.
In our in-cabin treatment space in Toulouse, at 27 rue de la Pomme, our protocols target:
- restoration of the skin barrier
- soothing redness
- intense rehydration
- revitalizing radiance
A facial treatment in a cabin in Toulouse acts as a real skin reset in the heart of winter and then optimizes the effectiveness of your at-home routine.
To book an appointment with our dermo-consultants, click here: PLANITY
