Cold is an enemy in all respects for our skin barrier: with the arrival of winter the skin tends to be more sensitive and consequently to become irritated and dry. What is the cause of this phenomenon?
Dry hands, in addition to being an unsightly problem, can be extremely annoying because it can lead to the formation of small wounds that take time to heal. The latter leave the skin exposed, which is our first line of defense against the outside. All this comes from the fact that the skin in contact with cold environments, in order to preserve itself, retains energy and heat. How? Our body responds to the cold by triggering a vasoconstriction mechanism, that is, a decrease in the diameter of the blood vessels, which has the ultimate goal of directing the blood, therefore oxygen and nutrients, to the internal organs. This chain reaction of "saving" of body energy has as a direct consequence a lower production of collagen and of the layer of fat that normally nourishes and protects the skin .
This lack of protection leads to greater exposure to external agents and, consequently, greater vulnerability. When the skin is not very elastic and fragile, it becomes possible for it to lose its integrity more easily and develop, in addition to redness , cuts. The fact that the skin exposes cuts automatically makes it more subject to attack by pathogens.
There are many methods that prevent or at least minimize what at the beginning of each winter seems an inexorable process. It is advisable first of all to use non-aggressive soaps when washing your hands and to dry yourself avoiding hot air or excessive rubbing with the towel.
Another precaution concerns household chores: when washing dishes or more generally using products to clean surfaces, it is a good idea to wear gloves to avoid aggressive substances, such as ammonium, from establishing direct contact with the skin.
In the event that the cold is raging and dry skin cannot be avoided, it is necessary to resort to the use of emollient creams that are able to repair and protect the compromised skin barrier. Contrary to popular belief, exclusively moisturizing creams should not be used because they play a different role than that required by our skin, namely restoring the correct amount of fat .
There is a wide range of creams and treatments available on the market that are suitable for this purpose. These are our suggestions.
Among the most suitable is the Eight Hour Cream by Elizabeth Arden , a product contained in a 75 ml tube that can be compared to a real treatment. This cream with a gel texture is quickly absorbed and leaves the skin soft and free from cracks for 8 hours thanks to the presence of emollient agents inside it.
Another valid alternative is the Avène Cicalfate , a product with a repairing action intended for dry and dehydrated hands. It is transparent upon application and in addition to restructuring damaged skin, it acts as a sanitizer. The antimicrobial action is guaranteed by the presence of copper and zinc sulphates while the repairing activity of fragile skin is due to sucralfate. The latter is an active ingredient used in the medical field to treat duodenal ulcers and is therefore also suitable for treating less serious wounds, such as cuts created by dry skin.
You can also turn to another cream whose formula is designed to restore the missing fats and at the same time provide hydration: the Special Cream from the Alphea brand . After the application and complete absorption of this emollient cream, hands are much smoother, softer and hydrated. This happens thanks to the presence of glycerin, an organic compound widely used in cosmetics because it is an anti-dryness and sebum-regulating agent. The Special Cream is also a herbal product that limits the presence of chemical substances.
Even the Lancome launches a market Comfort hand cream in a 75 ml tube. The emollient function of this prodigious product comes from one of the main ingredients, namely Acacia honey. This cream with a silky texture and an unmistakable rose scent can be applied to the wrists as well as the hands. The results? It restores extremely soft and hydrated skin.
For those who are looking for an alternative solution to the usual creams, a new one has been designed intensive hand mask of brand Peggy Sage . This is an immediate treatment to combat dryness, irritation and redness of the skin not only if caused by the cold. It is in fact an ideal purchase for the winter season but can also be suitable for all those who generally have dry and sensitive skin. Inside the package there is a single-use mask containing substances with an oily consistency. These latter perform a combined action: these are ingredients that on the one hand protect the skin and make it elastic and on the other allow it to retain water. Unlike a cream, the results are visible immediately because there is a more "decisive" and immediate action on the skin.
