Quebec winter is both a time of great natural charm and a challenge for the skin. With its snowy landscapes, icy temperatures, and snow festivals, winter in Quebec offers a wealth of seasonal activities, but it also imposes harsh environmental conditions on the skin.
Dehydration:
- Cold air contains less moisture than warm air. During winter, ambient humidity can reach alarming levels, exacerbating skin dehydration. Skin may appear dry, rough, and flaky.
- Snowstorms are common, introducing windy conditions that exacerbate the feeling of cold and increase wind exposure, which can further dehydrate the skin.
Irritations and Sensitivity:
- Sensitive skin can become more reactive, leading to itching and inflammation.
Loss of elasticity:
- The combination of cold weather and lack of hydration can affect the production of collagen and elastin, making skin more prone to loss of elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Altered skin barrier:
- Winter conditions can weaken the hydrolipidic film, making the skin more vulnerable to external aggressions and infections.
- The hydrolipidic film is a natural protective layer that covers the skin's surface. It plays a crucial role in skin health and helps maintain hydration, protect against infection, and regulate pH. Here's a detailed explanation of its mechanism of action:
Changes in the skin have noticeable effects, and this particular season brings changes that require specific attention:
Composition of the hydrolipidic film
1. Water:
- The water layer is mainly made up of sweat. It hydrates the skin and contributes to its suppleness.
2. Lipids:
- Includes ceramides, fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol. These lipids are secreted by the sebaceous glands and help create an occlusive barrier that limits moisture loss.
3. Proteins:
Proteins, such as keratin, contribute to the structure of the skin and its resistance.
4. Active Substances:
- A multitude of antioxidants and other bioactive substances that play a role in protecting the skin.
The role of the hydrolipidic film: An essential skin barrier
1. Hydration :
- The hydrolipidic film plays a key role in water retention. Lipids create an occlusive barrier that reduces moisture evaporation from the epidermis, thus maintaining optimal hydration levels.
2. Protection:
- Pathogen Barrier : The film provides a first line of defense against bacteria, fungi and other pathogens.
- Protection against irritants : It helps protect the skin from environmental irritants such as pollution, chemicals and allergens.
3. pH regulation:
- The hydrolipidic film helps maintain a slightly acidic pH (around 4.5-5.5), which is important for skin health. This acidic pH creates an environment that is not conducive to the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
4. Temperature regulation:
- By maintaining skin hydration, the hydrolipidic film can also contribute to the regulation of body temperature by reducing heat loss through the epidermis.
5. Lipid balance:
- When skin is healthy, the lipids in the hydrolipidic film are balanced. Imbalances can lead to dry or acne-prone skin.
Paradox!
When skin is very dehydrated, it can become sensitive, irritated, and lose its radiance. It becomes more reactive and sensitive to water-based products (such as moisturizers or lotions), causing feelings of tightness or burning.
- Using Oils and Butters : Vegetable oils (such as jojoba oil, Cleansing Oil) and butters (such as shea butter, mango butter, muslin) are rich in essential fatty acids that help nourish and repair the skin barrier. These oily ingredients create a protective layer on the skin, helping to restore moisture (covering effect).
- Reduce the use of water-based products : Initially, reducing the use of primarily water-based products can be beneficial to avoid aggravating sensitivity. Dense moisturizers enriched with oils should be preferred.
Correction of Deficiencies
It is essential to focus on correcting deficiencies in the hydrolipidic film through appropriate care:
- Deep Hydration : After skin has been stabilized with oils and butters, it may be helpful to reintroduce water-based moisturizers, choosing formulas containing actives like hyaluronic acid.
- Regularity in care : Regular care, such as the daily application of oil-based serums and rich creams, is essential to restore and maintain the integrity of the hydrolipidic film.
Here are two Ultra Cocooning treatment protocols to counter the ravages of dehydration and restore radiance and youthfulness to the face.
For all skin types
The evening :
- Optionally, remove makeup with Cleansing Oil on a cotton pad or washcloth. You can apply one pump of Cleansing Oil to a cotton pad and add one pump of floral water on top. The effect is more refreshing, for skin that can tolerate it.
- Surface cleansing with Cleansing Oil or any other suitable neutral oil: Apply a good amount of oil in the palm of your hand and apply it generously to the entire face, neck and finish with the décolleté.
- Massage the face with gentle movements, using your full hands, and localize the drier areas with circular movements with your fingertips, for a good minute.
- For best results, you can warm your oil slightly before applying it. A lovely, comforting sensation immediately soothes irritation and tightness.
- Rinse dry, using a soft cotton washcloth.
- Soaking: Warm up some of your oil or serum (for irritated skin, choose a neutral serum or oil) and some butter or muslin.
- Apply the warmed mixture generously to the entire face and neck. Massage gently with your hands for 3 minutes or until absorbed. Slowly begin adding moisturizer (Creme Fraiche or Magnolia, hyaluronic acid gel) and massage until skin feels comfortable again.
The morning :
To wake up your complexion and keep it luminous all day long
- Refreshing cleansing, with your Cleansing Oil and Fresh Cream (if your skin allows it, you can add a small amount of Exfopur). Apply the mixture to the entire face and neck, massaging gently with your hands to feel the emollient effect on the skin.
- Rinse with lukewarm water (skin permitting).
- Apply your floral water as an ablution (the spray can irritate dehydrated and sensitive skin) and massage immediately to calm the nerve endings.
- Apply your moisturizer. A small amount is enough to restore plumpness. A large amount can hinder nutrient absorption and disrupt the skin barrier.
- Immediately, without waiting, apply your sealant, your Serum (you can mix a little gel or cream into your serum, to facilitate absorption).
- Finish with your protection (essential if you're going outside). Whether it's butter or a muslin cloth, as long as it contains a wax. Slightly occlusive, like a coat, the skin will retain its moisture and protect it from the biting winter cold.
Products used by Nathalie (and its alternatives, you just need the butter or the muslin and the Cleansing Oil):
- Cleansing oil
- Vanilla Shea Butter (or Kukui Mousseline )
- Rose Jasmine Serum (or Immortelle or Magnolia or Cleansing Oil )
- Sacred Lotus ( or Sublimator , or Phytocomplex )
Here is the Winter Beauty Treatment live
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