The cold has well and truly set in, and the drop in temperature is bad news for our skin, triggering complications for our complexion. Blotching is a common symptom that particularly affects those with sensitive skin. Although purely an aesthetic problem, dermatologists recommend taking precautions as soon as the first signs appear. Why? Because at around 35 or 40 years of age, what started as subtle blotching could result in rosacea, a much more serious dermatological complaint.
HELLO! Online gives you all the essential information you need to know about this unsightly cold weather annoyance.
The consequences of the cold
Cold temperatures cause the skin's capillaries to contract, thereby reducing drainage, limiting sufficient oxygen and nutrients from reaching the epidermis and leaving your skin dull. The cell regeneration cycle slows down, causing a build-up of dead cells and consequently, an uncomfortable tight sensation in the skin. This layer of dead cells prevents the skin's natural sebaceous secretions from reaching the surface to lubricate and nourish the epidermis, leaving it feeling dry and sensitive.
How to prevent blotching
By using serums and moisturising creams specifically designed for blotches, we can protect and strengthen the skin's capillaries to prevent their appearance. Such products may contain hawthorn and peony extracts, which can reduce blotches and coat the walls of the capillaries with collagen in order to strengthen them and make them less permeable.
Susceptible skin types
Dry, delicate and pale skin types tend to be more susceptible to reddening because they have fewer sebaceous glands, meaning they also have a weaker protective barrier. And as they are finer, the veins are more visible at the skin's surface.
Aggravating factors
Over time, changes in temperature weaken the skin's capillaries. Heat causes them to dilate, and the cold causes them to contract. If the capillaries are weakened, they end up being more permeable and easily seen.
Sensitive skincare routine
People with sensitive skin need to select their cosmetic products very carefully. It is essential to cleanse and moisturise, but always with the appropriate products for their particular type.
Cosmetics
Those with sensitive skin should use adequate moisturising products, essential in creating a protective barrier against external factors such as changes in temperature.