The Hydrolipid Barrier – Why It Is Crucial to Restore It After Winter

Winter is a real challenge for our skin – frosty air, wind, heating and frequent temperature changes weaken the hydrolipid barrier, which is responsible for protecting the skin from dehydration, irritation and external factors. What is the result? ​​The skin becomes dry, rough, red and more sensitive. 

Spring is the perfect time to focus on regenerating and rebuilding this natural protective shield! How to take care of your skin after winter to regain its glow, moisture and healthy appearance? You’ll find out in the text below!

 

What is the Hydrolipid Barrier and Why Is It So Important?

The hydrolipid barrier is a thin layer of lipids (fats) and water on the surface of the epidermis, which plays a key role in skin protection. Its most important functions are:

• Protection against water loss – retains moisture in the skin, preventing dehydration and dryness.
• Protective shield against external factors – the hydrolipid barrier protects against pollution, UV radiation, pollen, heavy metals and bacteria.
• Skin pH regulation – helps maintain the appropriate level of acidity (approx. 4.5–5.5), which prevents infections and inflammation.
• Supports regeneration – supports the skin’s natural repair processes, helping to heal irritations and micro-damages.
• Maintaining firmness and elasticity – adequate hydration and lipid protection slow down the skin ageing processes.

When the hydrolipid barrier is damaged, the skin loses its ability to retain moisture and becomes susceptible to irritation.

 

What Factors Damage the Hydrolipid Barrier in Winter?

• Dry air and heating – they dry the skin, causing it to lose moisture.
• Wind and frost – they weaken the lipid layer, leading to dehydration.
• Too hot baths and aggressive cleansing – they remove natural sebum and disturb the skin’s balance.
• UV radiation – it can contribute to the damage of the protective barrier even in winter.

 

Symptoms of a Damaged Hydrolipid Barrier

❌ Dryness and dehydration – the skin loses moisture, becomes dull, flakes and feels tight.
❌ Irritations and redness – the skin overreacts to cosmetics, temperature and other external factors.
❌ Acne and blackheads – a compromised barrier can lead to overproduction of sebum and the appearance of pimples.
❌ Hypersensitivity – the skin becomes more sensitive to previously used cosmetics.
❌ Tendency to infections and inflammation – weakened skin is more susceptible to bacteria and microorganisms.
❌ Earthy tone and loss of elasticity – an imbalance in the hydrolipid barrier causes a tired appearance and faster aging of the skin.

Should you notice these symptoms, it’s time to focus on recovery!

 

How to Rebuild the Hydrolipid Barrier after Winter?

1. Gentle Cleansing

•  Replace strong facial wash gels with gentle milks, oils or emulsions.
• Avoid aggressive exfoliation – opt for enzymatic exfoliation 1-2 times a week instead.

2. Intensive Moisturising and Lipid Regeneration

• Use creams rich in ceramides, squalane, shea butter and vegetable oils that rebuild the skin’s protective layer.
• Reach for hyaluronic acid and panthenol – these ingredients help restore optimal hydration.

3. Sun protection

• Apply SPF 30 or 50 sunscreen every day to protect your skin from UV radiation and photoageing.

4. Support from Within

• Drink plenty of water and include healthy fats in your diet (avocado, nuts, olive oil).
• Use supplements with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and ceramides, which help rebuild the skin’s lipid barrier.

5. Limit Long, Hot baths

• Warm rather than hot water helps avoid excessive drying of the skin.
• After bathing, apply lotions or oils to retain moisture in your skin.

 

What Cosmetics Support the Hydrolipid Barrier?

It is worth choosing products that strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and help balance it after winter. PHLOV cosmetics are an excellent choice since they contain active ingredients that support skin regeneration, such as:

• Squalane and raspberry seed oil – nourish and strengthen the lipid layer.
• Hyaluronic acid and aloe – provide intensive hydration.
• Ceramides and niacinamide – rebuild the protective barrier and protect against irritation.

Thanks to conscious care and proper protection, your skin will quickly regain a healthy look, elasticity and shine after winter! Try the set for dehydrated skin which contains everything you need to properly moisturize your skin and return to balance.

 

Summary – Give Your Skin the Time to Regenerate!

After winter, our skin needs care and regeneration. Rebuilding the hydrolipid barrier is the key to healthy, moisturized and radiant skin. Just a few simple changes in care are enough to enjoy beautiful and resistant skin in spring!

Tips to keep in mind:
✔ Take care of hydration and regeneration.

✔ Avoid aggressive cosmetics and excessive cleansing.

✔ Protect your skin from the sun.

✔ Provide your body with healthy fats and nutrients.

Let us know how your skin feels after winter! Is it dry, or do you have your own tried and tested methods for skin regeneration? 

 

Bibliography:

• De Paepe, K., Houben, E., Adam, R., Hachem, J., Roseeuw, D., & Rogiers, V. (2008). Seasonal Effects on the Nasolabial Skin Condition. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 22, 8 – 14. 
• Schneider, W. (1959). [Skin care in winter].. Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift, 84 2, 61-2 .
• Rogers, J., Harding, C., Mayo, A., Banks, J., & Rawlings, A. (1996). Stratum corneum lipids: the effect of ageing and the seasons. Archives of Dermatological Research, 288, 765-770.