The prevention of chapping is based on a complementary approach: supporting hydration from the inside with sufficient water and nutrients, and strengthening protection of the skin barrier with the help of appropriate care. Here are the main points to remember.
Internal Hydration
Hydration from the inside is the basis of skin elasticity, because the skin cannot regenerate its cells without a sufficient water supply.
- Food and Beverage
It is recommended to drink 1.5 litres of water per day, even without feeling thirsty. Tea and infusions are good options, while alcohol and excess caffeine should be limited, as they promote dehydration. Fruits (citrus fruits, kiwis) and vegetables (cabbage, celery, peppers), rich in water and vitamins, also contribute to hydration.
- Essential Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and 6)
Lipids are crucial for consolidating cell structure and regulating hydration. Choose oily fish, nuts, seeds (flax, chia) and vegetable oils (evening primrose, borage) to strengthen the hydrolipidic film (the skin’s protective barrier).
- Key Vitamins
Vitamin C helps with collagen synthesis for suppleness, while vitamin E (almonds, avocados) protects the skin from oxidative stress and helps maintain hydration.
External Hydration
Winter temperatures slow down the production of sebum, the skin’s natural protective film, making it more vulnerable to external aggressions. Care products create a barrier to prevent water loss caused by cold and indoor heating (which dries out the air). For maximum effectiveness, they are applied to skin that is still slightly damp, for example just after washing, to seal in moisture.
- Gentle Cleansing
For hand washing, we prefer superfatted soaps, enriched with nutritional agents such as sweet almond oil or shea butter. After washing, it is advisable to dry them gently by patting rather than rubbing them. As for the face, which is directly exposed to the wind and cold, it deserves special attention: a gentle cleanser cleans while preserving skin’s natural oils.
- Hand Creams and Restorative Treatments
Apply a nourishing cream several times a day, especially after each wash and before going outside. Creams rich in shea butter or dimethicone are effective. For a deep repairing treatment, we suggest applying a generous layer of cream or Vaseline just before bedtime, then putting on cotton gloves.
- Rich Creams and Moisturizing Face Masks
A richer day cream, ideally enriched with vegetable oils, creates an additional barrier against external aggressions. Moisturizing and nourishing masks should also be incorporated into your weekly routine to boost hydration and strengthen the hydrolipidic film.
- Sun Protection
Even in winter, sunscreen is still essential: the sun’s rays are always present and their intensity can be amplified by snow and ice, which reflect them up to 80 percent.
Ingredients That Protect and Repair
To prevent and effectively treat chapping, it is essential to favour treatments that combine three types of complementary active ingredients. These ingredients often work synergistically for optimal effectiveness.
- Occlusive Agents or “sealers”
They form a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent water from evaporating in the wind and cold.
– Beeswax
– Lanolin
– Vaseline
– Dimethicone
- Humectants or “water magnets”
They capture moisture to rehydrate the deeper layers of the epidermis.
– Glycerin
– Urea
– Hyaluronic acid
– Aloe vera
- Nourishing Fats or “emollients”
They restore the skin’s suppleness and repair micro-cracks.
– Ceramides
– Squalane
– Omega-rich vegetable oils (sweet almond, coconut, jojoba, hemp)
Creams, Balms or Ointments?
The choice of texture must be adapted to the area and the intensity of the dryness. For lips and deep crevices on the hands or feet, balms and ointments are preferred as they are more concentrated in protective agents, ideally applied in a thick layer in the evening for nighttime regeneration. For daily and frequent use, fluid creams are preferable, as they absorb quickly without leaving a sticky film.
To learn more about lip care, check out this article:
https://www.rachellebery.ca/en/articles/how-to-treat-and-prevent-chapped-lips/