Outside the wind is whistling, inside the heating is on – as soon as the cold season begins, many people feel their skin tighten, itch or flake. Dry skin in heated air is a typical winter problem. While the warm air in our rooms makes us feel cozy, it deprives the skin of much-needed moisture. An unpleasant feeling of tightness, rough patches and sometimes fine cracks spread. But your skin doesn’t have to suffer. With a conscious approach to the heating air and the right care, you can keep your skin supple and healthy even in the cold season.
Why does heating air dry out the skin?
Warm air is difficult to store moisture – especially in closed rooms with intensive heating, the relative humidity often drops to below 30 %. This is significantly less than the skin needs to maintain its natural protective barrier. Added to this is the constant change between cold outside air and dry heated air: the skin loses water, its lipid barrier is weakened and it reacts more sensitively to irritation.
Long showers with hot water or aggressive cleansing products also intensify the effect. This creates a vicious circle in which the skin dries out more and more – especially on the cheeks, shins and hands.
Typical signs of dry skin due to heating air
Dry skin usually only becomes noticeable when it becomes tight, rough or itchy – a clear sign that it lacks moisture.
Common symptoms are
- Feeling of tightness after washing or showering
- Fine flakes or rough patches
- Redness and itching
- Sensitivity to cold or friction
The good news: with targeted care, the skin barrier can be stabilized again and the natural balance returns.
How to protect your skin during the heating season
A few simple habits can go a long way:
- Increase humidity: A humidifier or a bowl of water on the radiator helps to improve the indoor climate. Houseplants also contribute to this.
- Gentle cleansing: Use mild, pH-neutral cleansing lotions without alcohol or perfume.
- Take a lukewarm shower: Hot water dissolves fats from the skin. Short, lukewarm showers are gentler on the skin.
- Drink enough: The skin also needs moisture from the inside – water and unsweetened teas are ideal.
- Care directly after showering: The skin absorbs moisture best when it is still slightly damp.
The power of algae: natural support for dry skin
When the air is icy outside and dry inside, the skin not only loses moisture more quickly, it also looks pale and tight. Now it needs one thing above all: care that moisturizes and protects it at the same time. Regular, rich moisturizing care helps the skin to stabilize its natural barrier and retain moisture better – keeping it soft, smooth and resilient. This is where Ocean Parma relies on the power of algae: in skincare products, Spiralin® supports the regeneration of the skin and strengthens its natural protective barrier. The active ingredient forms a fine, breathable micro-layer on the skin, protecting it from external influences and helping to retain moisture – gentle but effective protection against the typical effects of dry skin caused by heating air.
The Spirularin® HF Mousse is particularly suitable for dry, sensitive skin: the light texture is quickly absorbed without being greasy and helps the skin to maintain its barrier function – a practical care product for everyday use during the heating season. The
Conclusion
The heating period doesn’t have to be a burden for your skin. If you focus on gentle cleansing, sufficient moisture and protective active ingredients, you can enjoy the cold season without any worries. Just as the soil blossoms again after rain, dry skin also recovers when it receives sufficient care and attention. With the right routine, it remains supple and balanced even in dry, heated air.
FAQ
Why does my skin dry out so much in winter?
Because cold air outside and warm heated air inside draw out moisture. The skin loses water and its protective barrier becomes more permeable.
How can I prevent dry skin in hot air?
Make sure you are sufficiently hydrated, drink enough and use moisturizing care products directly after showering.
Which care is particularly suitable?
Care products with natural active ingredients such as Spiralin® support skin regeneration and help to retain moisture. Spirularin® HF Mousse is particularly suitable here – it provides intensive moisture, strengthens the skin barrier and leaves the skin feeling pleasantly light without being greasy.
Can heating air further irritate sensitive skin?
Yes, if you already have sensitive skin, you should use mild, fragrance-free products and avoid very hot water.
How long does it take for dry skin to recover?
This depends on the individual skin condition. The complexion usually improves after just a few days of consistent care if the skin is regularly supplied with moisture and lipids. In the case of more stressed or very dry skin, it may take a little longer for the natural protective barrier to fully regenerate.
Experten-Tipp entstand in Zusammenarbeit mit:
Patrick Günther
Patrick Günther completed his pharmacy studies in Hamburg and, after obtaining his licence to practise, worked for several years in marketing and sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2003, he took over ocean pharma, the company founded by his father in Reinbek near Hamburg in 1978. Together with his business partner, he patented the important processing and standardisation process for the microalgae active ingredient Spiralin® and developed a wide range of medical cosmetics and foot care products based on Spiralin®.