• Cream or Not in the Freezing Cold

Should You Use Cream or Not in the Freezing Cold?

I read in a travel book that it is best not to use a cream in extremely cold regions due to the freezing risk. This is slightly contradictory, because your skin becomes more dry in winter and therefore you do need to use a moisturizing cream. A good reason to delve into this topic!

Risk of freezing?

Indeed the advice is that in winter, you can maintain your skin’s condition with a cream (see my last blog). There is, however, a transition point. If it becomes too cold, then it is best not to use any cream. The reason for this is that there is an increased risk of the skin freezing.

How does it work?

It seems that a cream gives a sense of security, while in reality the risk of the skin freezing increases. It was clearly seen in an experiment where volunteers were put into a room at a temperature of -5 °C, for one hour. The temperature of the skin dropped between 1 and 3 degrees (measured objectively). But the observed temperature (felt air temperature) of the participants differed somewhat from the measured temperature. The skin cooled down just as quickly with or without cream on it, but the cream made the skin feel as though it was warmer. The danger here is that if you have a Moisturizer on, your skin may freeze without you realising it. (abstract)

What should you do then?

If you are going to be in cold temperatures for a long period (for example on skiing holiday) and want to protect your skin, then you can. Clothing can help ensure that less moisture ‘evaporates’ from the skin. A good scarf or hat can help with this. A decent balaclava can work wonders, though I myself would choose something a little more flattering….

Regards Jetske.

(Dr. Jetske Ultee-Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)

You can read more about the perfect cream and whether an
 expensive Moisturizer is better.

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