10 actions to adopt in winter

As temperatures drop, is your skin more reactive, and your complexion dull? Do you feel discomfort (tightness, tingling) and often experience itching and redness? We've gathered the 10 best tips from dermatologists and experts for winter skincare.

1. Adopt a double cleanse to gently remove impurities from your skin

To gently remove makeup without aggressing your skin, we recommend starting with a cleansing oil. Its oily texture is most effective at dissolving all fatty substances (excess sebum, pollution, sunscreens, makeup, etc.) without altering the skin's hydrolipidic film – which is already weakened by dropping temperatures. It then transforms into a milk upon contact with water for an extremely gentle rinse that leaves the skin comfortable. Next, we recommend using a cleansing gel that does not contain sulfated agents (such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), which are often too aggressive for the skin. A formula based on glycerin, for example, helps restore your skin's protective barrier. Apply it to damp skin; it lathers with water and leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

2. Forget cotton pads and makeup wipes, opt for reusable cotton pads

You may not know it, but disposable cotton pads are generally too harsh for the skin. Repeated rubbing of cotton on the skin irritates its surface and can even alter its hydrolipidic film. Furthermore, most cotton pads contain pesticides or chlorine (used to bleach cotton), so opt for reusable pads made of 100% organic cotton. In addition to being more eco-friendly and economical, they will be much gentler on your skin, which really needs a break during winter.

3. Rinse your face with thermal water or a mist

Tap water can be too hard for your skin, which is sensitized by the cold, and can even eventually cause patches or redness. After rinsing your face or even just after showering, spray a few spritzes of hydrating mist or thermal water onto your face to restore skin comfort and prevent any sensations of heat.

4. Forget overly aggressive mechanical or chemical exfoliants/scrubs

In winter, skin is more easily irritable and tends to react quickly, so we advise avoiding all overly aggressive exfoliating products. For example, avoid grain-based scrubs, which have a mechanical exfoliating action and can create micro-lesions on the skin due to friction. Your skin will become even more inflamed. Similarly, avoid excessive use of chemical exfoliants (enriched with AHA or BHA, for example) – use them once a week to allow your skin to regenerate better without over-aggression. If possible, consider using PHA, gentler exfoliating acids like the New Skin Mask, formulated with fruit enzymes for a natural and delicate exfoliation that reveals a radiant complexion without irritating the skin.

5. Avoid irritating and stripping products

When cleansing your skin and applying products, make sure your skincare does not contain irritating and/or stripping agents such as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, essential oils, alcohol, etc. These substances could further sensitize your already delicate skin. Similarly, avoid excessive hygiene and over-cleansing your skin.

6. Hydrate your skin as much as possible

The key to healthy skin is daily hydration. Apply an allergen-free, skin-friendly moisturizer morning and night. For an extra hydration boost, you can opt for the TensioLift Cream, a rich cream that plumps the skin and improves its elasticity and will restore your skin's comfort.

7. Protect your skin with protective creams

If your skin shows significant patches of redness that your daily care products cannot soothe, we recommend applying a repairing cream that will create a protective film on the skin. Opt for creams enriched with vegetable butters & oils, which help restore the skin's barrier.

8. Repair your skin with an oil

If you're a fan of oils, we recommend applying one to your face in the evening at the end of your routine. It will help seal in the repairing active ingredients used beforehand and, most importantly, prevent the transepidermal water loss syndrome, which tends to increase skin reactivity. This water loss is most significant at night, which is why it's important to apply oil in the evening, especially in winter when our skin is exposed to heating.

9. Use daily sun protection

With the gradual return of warmer days, despite the cold, don't forget to protect your skin from the sun's rays. In the morning, apply an SPF 50 cream to your face to protect it against irritation and sun allergies.

10. Stick to THE routine that soothes your skin