With the first cold weather, we urgently switch from light creams to rich ones. But is this really necessary? Let's figure out where the skin's needs end and stereotypes begin.
Myth #1: In autumn, the skin lacks nourishment, so rich textures are needed
The truth is that in cold weather, the skin needs not a thick layer of protective cream, but deep hydration and maintenance of the microbiome. And this does not always depend on the texture. Cold wind and turned-on heaters destroy the protective barrier, and the first thing to do is to help the skin retain moisture. Ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid in light textures perform this task just as well as in thick creams, which often just create the illusion of protection. Therefore, choose a texture based on your own feelings: do you feel comfortable after a rich cream? If not, opt for lighter fluids, gels, or soufflé creams.
Myth #2: Light textures cannot cope with cold and wind
The problem is not in the texture, but in the composition. Modern gels and emulsions contain the same active ingredients as thick creams. For example, a serum or cream-gel with niacinamide and squalane can provide the same level of protection as a thick balm, but without the feeling of a film on the face.
Myth #3: If the skin is peeling, it lacks a fatty cream
Peeling is a sign of a disrupted barrier function, not a lack of nourishment. Sometimes, it is enough to add an essence with panthenol or a toner with sodium lactate to solve the problem. A rich cream in this case may only temporarily mask the problem. However, this does not mean that one should avoid thick textures.
Who really needs thick creams?
They are indispensable when specific circumstances and skin characteristics require them. For example, people with mature skin over 45-50 years often need rich textures. With age, the natural production of lipids slows down, and light formulas do not cope as effectively with intensive nourishment. Residents of regions with cold climates and strong winds also need thick products with glycerin, lanolin, waxes, and oils – they create a physical shield on the surface.
People with atopic skin during flare-ups can also benefit from rich textures. When the skin barrier is severely damaged and sensitivity peaks, light products often do not provide relief. In such cases, dermatologists recommend balms with simple compositions – without fragrances, with a predominance of restorative components like panthenol or allantoin.
After certain cosmetic procedures, thick creams become part of rehabilitation. Laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and aggressive cleansing require the gentlest recovery, where lighter textures simply cannot cope with the task.
Adaptation Time
Autumn is a time for adaptation, not a revolution in skincare. Instead of rashly switching all products to richer versions, dermatologists recommend focusing on enhancing antioxidant protection. After all, it is no secret that ultraviolet rays and other stress factors continue to attack the skin even on cloudy days. Fortunately, we can mitigate their harm by adding vitamins C and E, ferulic acid, resveratrol, and extracts of centella and green tea to our beauty routine. They neutralize free radicals, preventing dullness and pigmentation.
Another important point is maintaining a healthy skin microbiome. If the balance is in order, the skin adapts more easily to autumn stresses. Add products with probiotics to your beauty routine and avoid aggressive cleansing: in cold weather, use oil-based cleansers, foams, and milks more often.
And most importantly – remember that autumn skincare should be flexible: on windy days, you can add a nourishing oil, and on days spent in the office, focus on hydration. It is important to observe the skin's reaction and adjust the ritual according to its real needs, not the calendar day.
Leave a comment