Most people tend to prioritize facial care but often overlook the importance of body care. In reality, taking care of the body’s skin is equally crucial, especially during the autumn and winter seasons. Due to the dry and cold climate, coupled with the use of heating and air conditioning, the skin on the body is prone to issues such as dryness, peeling, and itching. Today, we will share some simple yet effective methods to help you maintain healthy and moisturized skin during the dry and cold season.
During the autumn and winter seasons, effective body care involves following three steps: gentle cleansing, moderate exfoliation, and moisturizing. By incorporating these three steps, you can meet the basic needs of your skin and reduce dryness and itching.
Gentle Cleansing
Currently, soap and shower gel are the most commonly used cleansing products. Soap belongs to the soap-based cleansing products, with strong cleaning power capable of thoroughly cleansing the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and clear. However, soap-based products can be more irritating to the skin and may cause discomfort. Additionally, many people tend to rub soap directly on their bodies to create lather, which can stretch the skin and potentially lead to the formation of fine lines. As a result, the number of people directly using soap for bathing has decreased.
In contrast, shower gel has become the mainstream product for bathing. The cleansing power and gentleness of shower gel mainly depend on the cleaning ingredients it contains. Due to the larger quantity used, bulk packaging is more common, with many products using surfactants such as SLS/SLES, making them relatively affordable. For non-sensitive or delicate skin, daily cleansing with regular shower gel is generally acceptable. It is recommended to use a bath sponge, apply the shower gel to the sponge, lather it up, and then cleanse the skin.
For sensitive or delicate skin, individuals may opt for shower gels primarily featuring amino acid surfactants as the main cleaning ingredients. Amino acid surfactants are known for their gentle nature and suitability for prolonged use on various skin types, especially for dry and sensitive skin. However, it’s worth noting that products with amino acid surfactants may come at a higher price point.
Moderate Exfoliation
In cold regions during winter, bathing rituals often include scrubbing, where the resulting ‘mud’ consists of a mixture of dirt, sebum, sweat, and aged keratin on the skin. However, this ‘aggressive’ physical exfoliation can potentially harm the skin. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for dedicated exfoliating products.
Compared to facial skin, the skin on our body has a thicker stratum corneum. The thickening of the stratum corneum can hinder the absorption of nutrients and moisture, preventing the skin from receiving adequate nourishment and hydration. Therefore, moderate exfoliation helps maintain the normal metabolism of body skin, allowing it to breathe and absorb nutrients.
Exfoliating scrubs have become a mainstream product for body exfoliation. They achieve exfoliation by rubbing abrasive particles against the skin. Convenient to use, simply massage the scrub gently during a shower and rinse off with water. Due to the thicker stratum corneum of body skin, it is recommended to exfoliate with a scrub every two weeks. Excessive and frequent use may lead to adverse effects on the skin.
Moisturizing and Hydrating
The humidity of the living environment has a significant impact on the skin. The use of heating and air conditioning can make indoor spaces dry, increasing the risk of skin moisture loss. Using a humidifier or placing a basin of water indoors helps increase humidity. Additionally, it is advisable to reduce prolonged exposure to hot water, high-temperature air, and strong winds, which contribute to dry environments, aiding in maintaining skin moisture.
During the dry autumn and winter seasons, taking care of body skin becomes especially important. Applying moisturizing products immediately after a shower helps lock in skin moisture, preventing dryness, peeling, and itching. In exceptionally dry periods, applying moisturizers evenly to the entire body, with extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, and heels, is beneficial.
Choosing a moisturizing product suitable for your skin can effectively alleviate symptoms like dryness, peeling, and itching, leaving the skin hydrated, smooth, and radiant. Common moisturizing ingredients include glycerin and betaine, while panthenol (provitamin B5), niacinamide, and hydrolyzed collagen provide hydration and possess antioxidant, whitening, and firming effects.
In summary, the autumn and winter seasons are crucial periods for body skin care. Using lukewarm water for bathing, choosing mild shower gels, regularly applying moisturizers, exfoliating, and incorporating foods rich in vitamins E and C into the diet can contribute to maintaining healthy and hydrated skin. Remember, protecting the skin is not only for aesthetics but also a form of self-care. Let’s cherish our skin with the utmost gentleness while enjoying the beauty of autumn and winter.
