As temperatures drop and air humidity decreases, the skin tends to become drier and more sensitive. In this scenario, some common everyday habits can compromise skin health and encourage the emergence of irritations, dermatitis and other dermatological problems.

According to Dr. Larissa Wood Fraga, full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and dermatologist at the Fraga Institute of Dermatology, many errors in the routine of skincare go unnoticed, but can cause important impacts during winter.

“The main mistakes are taking very hot and long baths, which remove the skin’s natural protection; abandoning sunscreen; reducing skin hydration; using products with alcohol or fragrances that further sensitize dry skin; and neglecting the lips and hands, areas that suffer a lot from the cold”, he explains.

Sunscreen remains essential in winter

One of the most common mistakes in winter is not using sunscreen. “UV radiation continues to be present even on cloudy and cold days, being responsible for premature aging, blemishes and an increased risk of skin cancer. sunscreen It is essential all year round, regardless of the season or temperature”, highlights the doctor.

Dr. Larissa Wood Fraga also warns that both excess hydration and the use of inappropriate products can harm skin health. “Using very occlusive creams can promote acne on oily skin. Products with fragrances, alcohol or very potent active ingredients on skin already weakened by the cold can cause irritation and contact dermatitis. Hydration must be appropriate to the skin type, not just the season”, he explains.

Signs that your skin is not tolerating a product

Signs that a product may not be well tolerated by the skin include burning, itching, rednesspeeling and feeling of skin tightness. “When you notice any of these signs, the ideal is to discontinue the product and consult a dermatologist”, he advises.

Skincare routine on cold days

Despite the changes in temperature, the doctor explains that it is not necessary to completely reformulate the routine. skincare during winter. “What is usually necessary is to make specific adjustments: swap lighter textures for more nutritious versions, reinforce hydration and, in some cases, reduce the frequency of exfoliating active ingredients”, he states.

To keep your skin healthy during the season, the dermatologist recommends active ingredients that reinforce hydration and the skin barrier. “For hydration and reinforcement of the skin barrier, the highlights are the hyaluronic acidglycerin, ceramides and squalane. For more mature skin or skin with signs of aging, retinol and vitamin C are still recommended, but with extra attention to hydration. Panthenol and niacinamide are great options for sensitive and reactive skin. Daily sunscreen remains essential”, concludes Dr. Larissa Wood Fraga.

By Gabriela Andrade