Why does my skin react badly to the cold? 😔

Do you wonder why your skin feels so tight in winter? Why is it more sensitive to a change in temperature, whether cold or hot, such as after a bath, for example? Here we will answer all your questions by giving you all the mechanisms causing this phenomenon. You will have all the keys in hand to know the reactions of your skin to cold and heat. So, shall we explain to you?

Why is my skin sensitive in winter?

Hot baths or showers


So yes, after a looooong day of work and after having suffered the cold you only dream of one thing? Bask in a hot bath to relax?


This may not be the best idea… Indeed, the heat will have a detrimental effect on the skin and will tend to attack it, which will cause a feeling of tightness when coming out. Therefore favor a lukewarm and shorter bath in order to keep only the advantages.


L’exposition au vent et l’air froid


By definition, the colder the air, the drier it is, and the more it will dry out the skin.

In addition, the wind, especially that caught in the face during winter sports, such as skiing, will tend to dry out your skin. Indeed, it will cause a renewal of the air in contact with your skin which will result in an increase in dryness.


On the contrary, a less windy day will renew the air around your face less, which will tend to warm up and become humid, limiting the damage. 

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Dry indoor air


Indeed, winter often rhymes with heating. The latter dries out the ambient air of the house which will ultimately absorb the moisture from the skin. Remember to put a small glass of water on your radiator: this will increase the ambient humidity.


The thermoregulation of the body


Thermoregulation, as its name suggests, corresponds to the fact that the body always tries to maintain the same body temperature. In case of severe cold, the body will produce chemical molecules causing vasoconstriction of superficial vessels (contraction of small vessels) and vasodilation of deep vessels in order to ensure a constant temperature for vital organs.

However, this superficial vasoconstriction causes less blood flow and less good elimination of toxins. The skin is therefore less hydrated, with more toxins not eliminated.


Now you know everything about how your skin reacts in winter! In the next article, we will give you the routine to adopt to best experience these temperature variations.

Should you protect your skin from UV rays in winter?