Human Dermatology Clinic, Seoul National University Branch

In winter, many people say that their face in the mirror
looks different.
The skin looks overall dull,
and even though it feels fine when smiling,
many people feel that
its elasticity has decreased even at rest.
There are also quite a few cases where
fine lines or sagging that were not very noticeable in summer
become especially prominent in winter,
causing concern.
In fact, a decline in skin elasticity during winter is a change that
can naturally occur for anyone.
This is because the temperature and humidity drop sharply,
changing the skin environment itself.
How you manage this period can greatly affect
the condition of your skin in spring.

Why skin elasticity decreases in winter
In winter, cold winds and
dry air cause moisture in the skin to evaporate quickly.
When moisture is lacking,
the skin naturally loses elasticity,
and as the surface becomes rougher,
wrinkles become more visible.
When indoor heating is added on top of this,
the skin is exposed to a dry environment
throughout the day.
Another important reason is
changes in blood circulation.
In cold weather, blood vessels constrict,
which can reduce the supply of nutrients and oxygen
sent to the skin.
As a result, collagen and
elastin production slow down,
and skin recovery also becomes slower,
so the loss of elasticity may feel even more pronounced.

If winter skin elasticity decline is left untreated, what changes can occur
If a loss of elasticity is
left as it is, it can go beyond simply
looking dry and may cause skin aging
to progress more quickly.
Fine lines gradually deepen,
and as facial contours become less defined,
sagging may become more visible.
In particular, areas with thin skin,
such as around the eyes and mouth,
may show changes more quickly.
If proper care is not taken during this period,
there are many cases where the skin condition does not easily recover
even when spring arrives.
That is why winter can be seen not as a season for letting the skin rest,
but rather as an important time when elasticity care should be started
more actively.

Basic care methods for winter skin elasticity management
In winter, hydration is
above all essential.
Rather than simply applying a lot of cream,
care that replenishes moisture deep within the skin
is important.
After washing your face, before moisture escapes,
it is best to quickly follow with moisturizing steps,
and to avoid excessive exfoliation.
Lifestyle habits should also
be checked together.
Getting enough sleep, maintaining regular eating habits,
and controlling indoor humidity are all very helpful in preserving skin elasticity.
When these basic care measures are in place,
the effects of dermatological procedures can also be maintained longer.

Dermatology procedures for elasticity in winter
Winter is known as a relatively good season
to receive dermatological procedures.
This is because there is less exposure to ultraviolet rays,
and it is a period when focus can be placed on skin recovery.
Depending on the skin condition,
radiofrequency or ultrasound lifting procedures,
and skin booster procedures that induce collagen production
may help improve elasticity.
A dermatologist
will comprehensively assess the individual’s skin thickness, degree of sagging,
and the progression of aging
to choose the procedure.
Rather than choosing a procedure that is simply strong,
it is important to apply methods that suit the skin
step by step, and in winter,
procedure plans that consider both hydration and regeneration
are often effective.

A decline in winter skin elasticity can
come naturally to anyone,
but the results can vary greatly
depending on how it is managed.
Rather than simply enduring dryness,
it is important to accurately understand the skin condition
and provide the care it needs.
Along with basic at-home
hydration care, if necessary,
it is also a good idea to consider personalized procedures
through consultation with a dermatologist.
If you take care of your skin steadily
over the winter, by spring
it can return looking much healthier and more elastic.
The small care you start now
can become a reliable preparation that protects
your skin in the future.
Human Dermatology Clinic Seoul National University Branch
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