Moisturizing cream for problem skin in winter

Winter and the cold season in general are a fertile period for bringing problematic skin back to normal. Read on to learn how to do this and what mistakes to avoid.

First, let's figure out why it's winter and not summer? After all, many girls who have acne notice an improvement in their skin condition in the summer. In fact, this is an imaginary improvement due to the fact that the skin becomes darker in the sun and many imperfections in the form of redness, blackheads, etc. it becomes simply invisible. Meanwhile in winter:

- less sun, which ages the skin and often worsens acne, and also prevents the use of most of the most effective products for problem skin (acids, retinoids, various peelings are strictly contraindicated in active sun!)

— the factor of low temperatures plays a positive role: frost is a natural antibacterial agent! Like many bacteria, acne bacteria also die from cold, so many girls note that their face becomes cleaner in cold weather

So, daylight hours decreased and cold weather set in. How can you adjust your facial skin care routine to achieve the best results? I suggest going through all the stages, paying attention to the nuances.

Cleansing

Skin cleansing in winter should be gentler than in the warm season. The skin is already exposed to the drying effect of the cold, the air in the rooms where we spend most of the time is dry due to heating, and there is no way to overdry the skin with aggressive means. Lately I have been giving preference to the very soft, sulfate-free cleanser “Crown of Siberia.” It's called gel foam, but in fact it is neither one nor the other. The product is gently distributed over the skin and, after rinsing, leaves a feeling of cleanliness and freshness without drying the skin. Light makeup - mascara, eye shadow, powder (without three layers of primer + concealer + foundation) is washed off 100%.

In winter, I also recommend using two cleansers: one in the morning to remove makeup, and another before bed with acids. It will shift the skin balance to a more acidic one, promote exfoliation of the skin, and prepare the face for further procedures with acids, if any. caution: if you are currently treating your skin with preparations containing retinoids (Klenzit, Klenzit S, Adaklin, Tretinoin, Effezel, Differin, etc.), it is better to avoid acids, because these substances are in conflict with each other.

Toning

In winter, no changes in skin toning are needed. You can safely use the same ones you used in the warm season. I use the same tonic as in the summer - hyaluronic water in a spray from the same brand "Crown of Siberia". The only thing I have changed is that in the evening I use a toner with acids, currently from the Reviva Labs brand.

Hydration and nutrition

There is a myth that you can’t moisturize your skin when it’s cold in winter. I even heard this nonsense from the lips of a cosmetologist. In fact, the idea that water in the skin freezes and expands and tears the skin when it freezes is just nonsense.

Do you really think you're hydrating your skin with water? Hmm, hold your hand in water and you will see that it wrinkles. The leather is waterproof! Otherwise, when taking a bath, we would swell twice as much. Skin hydration, in the “watery” sense of the expression, comes from within. That is why it is recommended to drink more clean water and healthy drinks - green tea, freshly squeezed fruit juices. Moisturizing the skin from the outside occurs with the help of oils and other cosmetic products that retain moisture in the skin: from banal glycerin to fashionable hyaluronic acid. Therefore, I do not separate hydration and nutrition - what moisturizes most often nourishes the skin.

As already mentioned, in winter the air is drier, which means that the skin loses more moisture. In order not to lead it to dryness, peeling and irritation, a competent selection of products is important. I still recommend lightweight moisturizers that won't clog your pores. Now my favorite homeopathic cream for combination and problem skin with rose oil and green tea from the same “Crown of Siberia” (this is not an advertisement, I’m just a really big fan of this brand and I’ve found many products that are ideal for me). I use it in the morning.

If there is not enough nutrition, there is flaking, tightness, then I highly recommend using natural jojoba oil: it is so light that it does not clog pores, but it eliminates dryness, tightness, and flaking with a bang. I sometimes apply it before bed around my eyes and around my lips, as well as on my lips. By morning, all winter problems with lips and eyelids disappear as if by hand.

But I categorically do not recommend switching to some particularly powerful nutrition, super-nutritious creams. If your skin is prone to comedones and pimples, they will clog it and only make these problems worse. In general, sudden transitions from light summer moisturizing to rich creams and over-hydration will most likely lead to skin stress and new rashes.

If in winter your usual cream does not provide sufficient nutrition, use nourishing masks. But it’s better to put off drying clay-based masks until the summer.

Treatment

Winter is a magical period when you can not only go wild with acids, but also undergo a full course of treatment for problem skin with medications based on retinoids. These include:

1. Klenzit
2. Clenzit S (complete with antibiotic)
3. Adaklin
4. Tretinoin
5. Differin

and much more that you can find in foreign pharmacies, for example. I wrote in detail about the effectiveness and principle of action of retinoids in an article about medications for problem skin.

When you decide to use these medications, remember:

- retinoids do not like not only the sun, but also light in general, so they are applied only before bed and immediately turn off the light (I’ll scare you: in the light, 30% of the drug molecules disintegrate in the first hour, forming harmful derivatives on the surface of the skin, so no sitting behind computer and phone)

— retinoids are quite powerful, and at the beginning of use they are not recommended to be applied in a thick layer, and I even advise applying the drug every other day for the first 10 days of use

- retinoid molecules are very fragile, and they should not be applied together with other products, especially acids - acids destroy retinoids, again forming harmful breakdown products

— retinoids can dry and irritate the skin, so decide in advance on a good moisturizer that will restore the skin’s natural moisture balance

Did you really scare me? Do not be afraid. Over time, the skin gets used to retinoids and begins to accept them very well, thanking you with a fresh complexion, smooth texture and the absence of hated acne.

This winter, for some reason, I decided not to resort to retinoids, but I turned on acid care to the fullest: a wash with a complex of fruit acids, a toner with acids, a cream with acids, and even a mask with acids. From the medicinal side, I only occasionally apply Clindovit gel specifically to the area where some persistent inflammation is emerging. And, you know, I more than like the result at the moment! Without filters and without any foundation, my skin now looks like this:

Complexion, very even skin texture (I eat right when I wash my face, the skin under my fingers is so smooth and silky), and acne very rarely makes me happy! Therefore, if for some reason retinoids are not suitable for you or are scary, I can authoritatively declare that AHAs are no worse.

Hygiene

I consider the hygiene aspect to be an important aspect of skin care in winter and not only in winter. This is due to the fact that with the onset of cold weather, a greater number of objects come into contact with our face: a hat, a scarf, a turtleneck sweater, a down jacket collar, etc. and so on. Don’t forget that all this needs to be washed more often, since friction of the skin against dirty clothing that has accumulated tons of sebum, exhaust fumes, foundation and other rubbish will never allow you to get rid of acne in the appropriate places - forehead, chin, jaw line and neck. Well, there’s no need to remind you that you need to touch your face less often, change your pillowcase more often and wash your makeup brushes and sponges.

As you can see, caring for problem skin in winter is not so radically different from summer. If you have any questions about caring for problem skin and treating acne, I will try to answer them in the comments.

It's not easy with problem skin. Even choosing suitable cosmetics is not easy. If you don’t guess with the cream, the troubles in the form of rashes and oily sheen will only increase. To prevent this from happening, we will help you navigate the choice of funds. Let's start with moisturizers.

1. What you need to know about moisturizing your skin
2. Proper moisturizing of problematic facial skin
3. Types of moisturizers
4. Review of products for moisturizing problem skin

What you need to know about moisturizing your skin

Skin of any type needs moisture, and constantly, even if there are no signs of dehydration. “Hydrating care is perhaps the most valuable thing we can give to a person at any age,” Vichy expert Elena Eliseeva is convinced.

You need to moisturize your skin for several reasons.

The human body is on average 70% water.

In moisturized skin, all physiological processes occur more actively.

Such skin performs better protective functions and resists external aggressive factors.

“Almost no targeted care works on dehydrated skin. Liquid is needed for the normal functioning of cells, and if there is little of it, there can be no talk of any renewal, much less stimulation. It’s like forcing a thirsty person to run a marathon: he won’t be able to think about anything but water and won’t reach the finish line.”

Proper moisturizing of problematic facial skin

Dehydrated skin often becomes shiny. Many people mistake this shine for excessive oiliness and make the mistake of starting to fight this problem. They wipe their face with alcohol toner and often use clay masks and hard scrubs. As a result, the shine only intensifies, pimples and comedones appear. Then hyperkeratosis is added - due to constant aggressive exposure, the stratum corneum of the skin becomes thicker. So the skin becomes problematic simply because there was no cosmetologist nearby who would say: “Your skin simply does not have enough moisturizer.”

With proper and careful care, oily and problematic skin can become pleasantly matte. © iStock

It is important to follow the following steps.

Even if your skin is very oily, use exfoliating masks and scrubs no more than 1-2 times a week - and only if there is no inflammation on your face. Cleansing foams, tonics and lotions are suitable for daily care - they remove impurities and improve complexion. By the way, they often contain moisturizing components.

Multimasking is the optimal solution for combination skin. © iStock

According to our expert, the main requirement for modern cleansers is “to be as careful as possible with the hydrolipid mantle of the skin.”

Today, a great variety of moisturizers are produced: creams, gels, serums, masks. Ideally, look for products labeled “suitable for acne-prone skin.”

Products with moisturizing and soothing ingredients will suit you as nourishing ingredients.

Types of moisturizers

Products with the following ingredients perfectly saturate the skin with moisture:

Winter does not have the best effect on oily skin: sudden changes in temperature, strong winds, frost, dry air and vitamin deficiencies aggravate existing problems. Enlarged pores, inflammation and shine are the key imperfections of oily skin type. It would seem that during the cold period it is precisely because of the dry air that one can forget about the activity of the sebaceous glands. It turns out that everything happens exactly the opposite!

In our previous reviews, we have already told you how to save dry and sensitive skin, as well as normal and combination skin, in cold weather. It's time to make a plan for the rehabilitation of oily skin for the spring-summer season - advice from experts, dermatologists and, of course, the SPLETNIK.RU beauty test will come to the rescue.

Skin is the most accurate barometer of the general condition of the body, which instantly reacts to external and internal stimuli. Wrong food, smoking, alcohol, severe cold, stress and polluted air provoke excessive activity of the sebaceous glands. The result is oily shine, pimples, acne and a host of other troubles.

To make winter care for oily skin successful, must be remembered Basic Rules:

1. Many people believe that for the best effect, cleanliness and matteness, it is necessary to use extremely active products that dry out oily areas. Dermatologists agree on one thing: this is contraindicated. In response to such aggression, the sebaceous glands begin to work with triple “zeal”. The reason is simple: in addition to creating an oily sheen, the glands perform the function of protecting the skin from dehydration. During the winter months, this is the main characteristic of the condition of all skin types. Excessively harsh cleansing is perceived as a negative factor - and the skin immediately reacts by “throwing in” fat.

We recommend choose special cleansing products based on a sebum-regulating complex, which contains salicylic acid or plant acids. Always look for non-comedogenic products - as long as they don't clog pores. Make sure there is no soap in the composition.

After cleansing, pat your face gently with a tissue or towel and never rub. During the day, try not to touch your face or pimples with your hands, as this will only worsen the situation.

L’Oreal expert dermatologist Marina Kamanina told SPLETNIK.RU the following:

In winter, oily skin experiences the least difficulties due to the natural protection of its own hydrolipid film. The only subtlety: usually those with oily skin actively use cleansing foams, scrubs, and alcohol-containing tonics, which can have an overly active degreasing effect in winter.

Therefore, it is better to switch to alcohol-free cleansing, light gels, and foam cleansers with mild surfactants. If you use light mattifying creams in the summer, then in winter it is better to use light moisturizing textures with a small amount of oils.

Cleansing gel "Matte Effect" with high performance brush Clean Pod cleanses well and gets rid of excess sebum, and thanks to technology Pure Zone Anti-Shine, you can forget about untidy shine for 24 hours.

We found some of the best cleansers for oily skin from Carita — pearl mousse Mousse Perlée And refreshing two-phase lotion with powdery effect Lotion Poudree from the Ideal Controle range. Miracle products with grapefruit and flax seed extracts perfectly restore the skin's moisture balance, mattify it and make the complexion radiant and even. And no more unsightly glitter!

The beauty tandem contains special mineral “micro-sponges” that absorb all excess sebum. Japanese red grass extract and provitamin B5 retain moisture in the skin throughout the day, and papaya extract smoothes the microrelief and revitalizes the complexion.

Moreover, new beauty products from Carita prevent premature aging and enhance the skin's natural protection. Thanks to proteins from the nightshade family, the mousse and lotion protect the collagen and elastic fibers of the epidermis.

First we apply pearl mousse, and then powder lotion. An amazing feeling of fresh and cleansed skin. The result of our test: its texture has improved, pores have narrowed, shine and inflammation have disappeared. The magical duet will remain on our bathroom shelves for a long time.

We couldn't resist and tried it right away powder serum Serum Poudre from the same line: this is a powerful beauty savior for oily skin, controlling sebum production and tightening pores. Plus, defects disappear after just a couple of applications. Note the light and refreshing texture of the new product - it fits perfectly on the skin and instantly makes it matte. Apply morning and evening to cleansed face and neck under cream.

Let's move on. Gentle foaming Melvita cleansing jelly enriched with moisturizing ingredients that gently cleanse the skin and remove makeup. When applied, it forms a light and delicate foam that leaves the skin fresh and protected.

Try replacing cleansing gels with micellar water, which does not require rinsing. It’s these magical waters that top makeup artists have been using at fashion shows for many years now. “Micellar water” very delicately and efficiently removes dirt and sebum and does not dry out the epidermis. Plus, the product restores the normal functioning of the sebaceous glands and is suitable for sensitive skin. We chose Micellar lotion Vichy Normaderm, which effectively removes makeup, excess sebum and impurities, and also quickly soothes irritated skin. Zink PCA - an active antibacterial and sebum-regulating component in the composition, providing excellent cleansing efficiency.

2. Maximum twice a week need to use a scrub: dead skin particles prevent the penetration of beneficial ingredients from care products and additionally provoke inflammation. Light peeling allows you to accelerate cellular renewal, the functioning of blood vessels and smooth the surface of the epidermis. After exfoliation, we recommend applying special masks.

First we tested Instant Purifying Mask for oily skin out of line Aroma Cleanse from the brand Decleor and were delighted. The product with an anti-inflammatory effect immediately removed oily shine and made the skin matte. In addition, the complexion became healthier and the pores tightened. After just a few uses, the mask normalizes the activity of the sebaceous glands and improves skin texture. Among other things, the product reduces the inflammatory process and promotes healing of the epidermis.

The secret is in the ingredients: white clay cleanses and tightens pores, bamboo extract stimulates lymph flow, and lotus cleanses and refreshes the complexion. An extract from angustifolia fireweed perfectly reduces the secretion of the sebaceous glands. Of course, among the main beauty heroes is zinc with a mattifying effect.

The mask should be applied 1-2 times a week after peeling for 10-15 minutes. A definite must-have for the winter.

Next we decided to evaluate gommage mask with grape extract from Champagne and crushed apricot kernels from AŸSSE: It not only perfectly removes impurities, but also improves skin texture. The product combines mechanical and enzymatic exfoliation to gently remove dead cells. The product promotes the “breathing” of the epidermis and perfectly softens dehydrated skin. After the first use, it seems to glow from within. Note that the mask is suitable even for very sensitive skin - yes, this problem is quite compatible with its oily content. This is especially true in winter. It also contains our favorite salicylic acid - a treasure for oily skin.

Gommage must be applied extremely carefully and under no circumstances rub the skin with it: make smooth circular movements with your palms, focusing on the central part of the face. Then rinse well and use a softening lotion or moisturizer.

Other mask-champion for oily skin— Supermud with green tea from the brand GLAMGLOW to eliminate acne, boils, blackheads, age spots and even ingrown hairs. In general, the product is indispensable. The mask perfectly tightens pores a few minutes after application and gives the skin radiance. There is no trace of fatigue and dullness, so characteristic of the winter season.

The key components of the formula include AHA and BHA acids, which prevent photoaging and hyperpigmentation. Flavonoids and linalool from eucalyptus leaves moisturize and soothe the epidermis. Activated carbon and other almost secret technology ingredients Pore-Matrix kill bacteria and eliminate oily sheen along with toxins. A must-have beauty product for those with problem skin.

We really appreciated Purifying Pack purifying mask from Valmont. The composition of the product is impressive: kaolin absorbs impurities and cleanses, pink algae absorbs oil and improves skin texture, and bisabolol soothes and eliminates inflammation. In addition, the mask is rich in black silt, which nourishes and moisturizes the skin without drying it out. The product improves microcirculation and restores the balance of the hydrolipid film. Apply the mask for 20 minutes on clean skin and then rinse with warm water.

3. In winter you should give up aggressive tonics: in spring and summer you can’t live without them, but now they will only dry out oily skin. We have already talked about the reaction - protection in the form of activation of the sebaceous glands. You don't want to walk in a vicious circle, do you?

4. Good oil-free moisturizer - one of the key beauty products. We repeat: the less precious moisture in the skin, the more fat on its surface. There is only one way out - we soothe problem skin with round-the-clock moisturizing. We need a light mattifying cream specifically designed for oily skin types. One of the most beneficial ingredients is zinc.

First of all, we recommend trying moisturizing mattifying fluid for oily skin from the line Hydra Sparkling from the brand Givenchy: a light, fresh emulsion in a bottle with a dispenser does an excellent job of reducing shine, giving a healthy glow and saturating the skin with moisture.

The secret to the product's effectiveness lies in the innovative concept Sparkling Water Complex of five special molecules that attract moisture both in and around every skin cell. Then comes the magic: “water bubbles” interact with light waves and give the face a glow from the inside. As a result, oily skin becomes matte and smooth, it is charged with energy and better resists aggressive environmental influences, fatigue and stress.

We asked for advice from Biotherm brand expert Alexey Mironenko:

The cause of oily skin problems is the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. Oily skin produces excess sebum, creating a favorable environment for the growth of this bacteria. Due to the active division of P. acnes, sebum thickens, which leads to clogging of pores and the appearance of inflammation.

Brand Biotherm uses all the diversity of the underwater world for beautiful skin. Thus, off the coast of the North Atlantic in Canada, Greenland and France, the algae Laminaria Digitata grows, which secretes a powerful antibacterial substance. The extract of this algae is able to control the growth of P. acnes bacteria, thus preventing oily skin problems. Based on this extract, the brand has created a care line for oily skin, PureFect Skin.

The basis for healthy oily skin is daily and proper cleansing. You should not use an exfoliant for daily use. This enhances sebum formation. Instead, opt for gentle cleansing gels containing hydroxy acids. A great example of such a tool would be PureFect Skin gel from Biotherm, which helps regulate the secretion of sebaceous glands and reduces clogged pores, softening the skin. After cleansing, oily skin needs toning. PureFect Skin Lotion, also containing hydroxy acids, evens out the skin and tightens pores.

For daily care of oily skin, you need to use a light texture moisturizer without oils. Oily skin produces increased amounts of sebum. She often experiences dehydration and tries to compensate for the loss of moisture by producing more fat. Thus, oily skin becomes even oilier.

To break this vicious circle, you must definitely use special moisturizers for oily skin. A moisturizer is ideal for this task. PureFect Skin gel. It provides 8 hours of oil control, visibly reduces pores and inflammation. The skin becomes clean and fresh!

Beauty review continues unique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel from Clinique - a light, fat-free product and the final stage of the brand’s legendary 3-step care system. The gel is easy to apply, refreshes the skin and restores the natural moisture barrier. It also increases the effectiveness of additional care products that are used after it.

Another powerful moisturizing miracle from Clinique — matting cream Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator, instantly removing oily shine and reducing the appearance of pores until the end of the day. The low-fat, oil-free formula reduces the volume of sebum on the surface of the skin. We note the excellent level of skin hydration throughout the entire period of the beauty test. Absolutely non-comedogenic product is wonderfully refreshing.

Be sure to pay attention to gel-cream Shine Neutralizing Gel from the brand H2O - a real salvation for oily skin. The product neutralizes shine and keeps the skin moisturized, normalizing sebum production. It continuously monitors the level of oil on the surface of the skin and reduces pores. Key ingredients are micronized silicon, which provides a lasting mattification for oily skin, provitamin B, vitamins A, C, E and seaweed complex. Phospholipids improve skin texture and smooth out unevenness. Miracle!

And keep an eye on availability protection from solar radiation - minimum SPF 20: the sun is no less dangerous in winter than in summer. In addition, it is what provokes acne and the appearance of pimples.

5. Stay away from products with drying alcohol and comedogenic petroleum jelly. Instead of the latter, look for dimethicone in the composition, which has a matting effect and absorbs excess sebum.

6. To make your makeup last all day, follow a few rules. First, wait at least 15 minutes for the moisturizer to be absorbed and remove any excess with a mattifying wipe. By the way, such napkins must be carried with you and used instead of powder, which only mixes with sebum and aggravates the “staleness” of the make-up. Secondly, stay away from foundations with essential oils.

Regularly use a moisturizing spray: our favorite - Antioxidant Balance for oily and problem skin from an American brand Jane Iredale. It not only balances the pH level and retains moisture in the epidermis, but also removes dullness and fills the skin with vitality. Grapefruit and tangerine extracts give it brightness and perfectly tighten pores. Chamomile, in turn, soothes and eliminates irritation.

The spray consists exclusively of natural ingredients: it was recently awarded one of the most stringent and prestigious standards among biocosmetics manufacturers Ecocert. The alcohol in moisturizing sprays is one hundred percent organic and produced from sugar cane. Moreover, the product has antioxidant properties and does not contain any components of animal origin. Thanks to this magical new product, makeup does not “float” and the skin breathes.

But even if you are not going to wear makeup, Balance spray should always be at hand: it relieves the slightest irritation and restores balance (yes, the name says it all) with the wave of a magic wand. Must-have for oily skin! And not only for the winter. Spray from arm's length when you feel the slightest discomfort or dryness, as well as after applying moisturizer and makeup.