During winter, low air humidity and cooler temperatures lead to decreased body perspiration. These factors make the skin dryer.

In addition, at this time, it is common to take warmer baths, which cause a more intense removal of natural oiliness, reducing the lipid mantle that retains the moisture of the skin.

The skin covers our entire body protecting against external aggressions. It is a great "protective cover" against fungi, bacteria, chemicals, physical and even environmental factors, such as the sun. This protection barrier comes from the cells of the epidermis and dermis, secretion of sebum and sweat, forming a special layer, like a protective mantle.

Both the face and body skin are subject to dryness in winter. The cold and dry climate can leave them with whitish aspect, which indicates the denaturation of the proteins. To avoid such symptoms it is important to make deeper body hydrations and, besides, to invest in a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which can bring benefits in the long term.

Adequate food
The ideal is to eat vegetables and fruits, foods that are sources of vitamins and minerals that neutralize free radicals, preventing skin aging. Fruits rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, oranges, gums, lemons and cherries, and vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage and carrots, are examples of food for this season.

Soy is another food that should be added to a healthy diet. It is rich in isoflavones - substances that prevent dryness and improve skin elasticity. Also add nuts, walnuts and almonds, which are rich in vitamin E, selenium and antioxidants, important allies for

keep the skin healthy and beautiful.

During the winter, it is very common for people to decrease their fluid intake, a brutal mistake. Maintaining the ingestion of water is extremely important to preserve the hydration of the skin and the entire body which, naturally, is weakened by the cold weather. A hydrated body has soft and elastic skin. For people who have difficulty drinking water during this season, a tip: drink clear teas or fruit, dividing the amount indicated for a day, two liters, between water and teas.

Thus, the consumption becomes more pleasurable.

Dermatological Procedures
Winter is a good time to carry out some dermatological treatments that require the patient to avoid exposure to the sun, such as peelings, laser treatments, etc. Laser hair removal procedures are also indicated for this season.

Tips to keep the skin hydrated:

Drink at least two litres of water per day.
Avoid hot and time-consuming baths;
Avoid too much soaping and use of dowels, which also contribute to alter the composition of the hydrolipidic mantle (natural moisturizer produced by the body) that protects the skin.
Use the moisturizer soon after leaving the bath - still in the bathroom - with that little steam after the bath, which helps in the penetration of the cream.
For oily and acne skins avoid common hydrating on the face, use oil free on the areas of greater oiliness (face and thorax).
The lips also usually dry a lot in winter. It is important to use specific moisturizers for this region and thus avoid cracks.
Use sunscreen daily.

SOURCE: BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DERMATOLOGY