<p>Where exactly does the fine line between &quot;enough&quot; and &quot;too much&quot; lie?</p>

<p data-start="188" data-end="574" style="text-align: left;">In dermatology, winter is always considered the time when skin is most prone to problems. Cold air contains very little moisture, and when temperatures drop, humidity almost disappears. The surrounding environment becomes so dry that it can directly draw moisture from the skin. The human body then has to divert energy to keep warm, so the amount of oil and blood nourishing the skin decreases. The natural protective barrier is therefore weakened. This phenomenon is also known as <em data-start="976" data-end="989">cold stress &ndash;</em> water on the skin's surface evaporates faster than normal, the skin barrier cracks, and the vicious cycle of dryness, peeling, and dehydration repeats itself.</p>

<p data-start="1128" data-end="1167"><strong data-start="1128" data-end="1167">How does cold stress develop?</strong></p>

<div class="flex flex-col text-sm @w-xl/main:pt-header-height pb-25"><article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:a2e55d8f-4490-4e72-a784-52d799902aad-23" data-testid="conversation-turn-48" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant" tabindex="-1"><div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)"><div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="24e43ceb-4467-4dd6-9d87-4e67eb8637e2" dir="auto" class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-1"><div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]"><div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling"><p data-start="164" data-end="590" style="text-align: justify;"> Cold stress comes not only from the cold but also from biting winds and prolonged low humidity. When the skin is dehydrated, the enzymes responsible for lipid production and natural moisturizing factors begin to slow down. The protective barrier therefore weakens little by little. The skin tries to defend itself by thickening the stratum corneum to retain moisture, but as the stratum corneum thickens, the surface immediately becomes rough, tight, and highly reactive to any minor weather changes. </p><p data-start="592" data-end="944" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" style="text-align: justify;"> The most obvious signs are flaky, rough patches of skin, cheeks that feel tight as if they&#39;re about to crack, or a tingling sensation when stepping from outdoors into a warm room. Such subtle changes warn us that the skin barrier has begun to become overloaded and needs gentler care.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></div>

<p data-start="1923" data-end="2288" style="text-align: left;">The ultimate solution is still moisturising, but moisturising effectively is another matter. We often assume that moisturiser is an "absolutely harmless" step in skincare. If it's not enough, we apply more; if we're still not satisfied, we apply a thicker layer; and if we're still worried, we apply another layer just to be sure. But skin doesn't operate according to that kind of storage mindset. Skin isn't like a dry piece of bread that tastes better with more butter. It's a living organism with its own absorption limits.</p>

<p data-start="834" data-end="881"><strong data-start="838" data-end="881">So what is the appropriate amount of moisturizer?</strong></p>

<p data-start="122" data-end="578" style="text-align: left;">Actually, there's no absolute number to tell you how much cream you should use each day. Many people apply it based on feeling; if their skin feels slightly dry, they add another layer, or if it feels a little tight, they apply a thicker layer. The problem is that sometimes your skin doesn't need that much.</p>
<p data-start="580" data-end="848" style="text-align: left;">A study published in <em>the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology</em> showed that skin retains moisture best when you apply cream immediately after showering and use about one to two milligrams per square centimetre of skin in the morning and evening. This is a much smaller amount than most of us are used to.</p>

<div class="flex flex-col text-sm @w-xl/main:pt-header-height pb-25"><article class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-693d2884-5f90-8325-8ff2-27f10fc6a854-18" data-testid="conversation-turn-262" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant" tabindex="-1"><div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)"><div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" tabindex="-1"><div class="flex max-w-full flex-col grow"><div data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="5219dd13-8cb4-4548-a1c0-3506046b2e80" dir="auto" class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-2"><div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]"><div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words light markdown-new-styling"><p data-start="0" data-end="470" style="text-align: justify;"> In addition, when choosing a moisturizer, you still need to consider your skin age and condition. In your twenties, skin usually has enough oil and elasticity, so a basic moisturizing cream is sufficient. In your thirties, skin starts to become drier and more prone to dehydration; at this point, you can alternate a moisturizer with a cream that contains additional nourishing ingredients and offers mild anti-aging benefits. For oily skin, gel-based creams that are lightweight and breathable are a more comfortable choice than thick creams. </p><p data-start="472" data-end="917" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" style="text-align: justify;"> Each area of the face is &quot;fussy&quot; in its own way, so it&#39;s not necessary to apply the same type of product to the entire face. Combination skin can be a bit more flexible; for example, the T-zone only needs a light lotion or cream, while the drier U-zone requires a richer moisturizer. When applying products, you should gently press and pat slowly to allow the skin to absorb them, then wait about twenty to thirty seconds before moving on to the next step, so that the layers of skincare products don&#39;t overlap hastily. <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;"></span></p><p data-start="472" data-end="917" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0px;">Your skin also has its own ways of signaling when you&#39;re over-moisturizing. The most common signs include:</span> </p></div></div></div></div></div></div></article></div><ul><li data-start="1025" data-end="1292" style="text-align: justify;"> Pores are starting to get clogged.</li><li data-start="1025" data-end="1292" style="text-align: justify;"> Tiny pimples or whiteheads appear on the forehead and cheeks.</li><li data-start="1025" data-end="1292" style="text-align: justify;"> The skin gradually loses its ability to produce natural oils.</li><li data-start="1025" data-end="1292" style="text-align: justify;"> Your skin becomes dull despite your best care.</li></ul>

<p><strong>How to use moisturizer correctly?</strong></p>

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<p data-start="125" data-end="375" style="text-align: left;">The simplest way is to apply the cream right after washing your face, while your skin is still slightly damp. Just dot the cream onto your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin, then gently blend it in. Many people tend to apply a thick layer to be "sure," but in reality, a thin, even layer allows the skin to absorb it better.</p>
<p data-start="377" data-end="722" style="text-align: left;">Some experts argue that not everyone needs to moisturise daily. If your skin isn't peeling, tight, or itchy, you can reduce the frequency without worrying about your skin's condition deteriorating. Oily or acne-prone skin suits lightweight lotions, while dry skin needs thicker creams for longer-lasting hydration. Skipping moisturiser just because your skin is oily is a common misconception. When dehydrated, the skin will produce more oil to compensate, and this cycle only makes it harder to control oiliness.</p>
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<p><strong>Here are some basic principles to help keep your skin hydrated and healthy during winter.</strong></p>

<p data-start="714" data-end="756" style="text-align: left;"><strong data-start="714" data-end="756">1. How much face washing is enough in winter?</strong></p>
<p data-start="758" data-end="1268" style="text-align: left;">For dry skin, the problem isn't just a lack of water, but also a lack of oil. In this case, harsh foaming cleansers or hot water will only make the situation worse. The safer approach is to use a milk, cream, or oil-based makeup remover to cleanse first, then use a pre-foamed cleanser and gently massage for about half a minute.</p>
<p data-start="1270" data-end="1622" style="text-align: left;">Oily skin, on the other hand, doesn't need to skip the cleansing step just because it's winter. Cleansing water or a gentle gel is sufficient as the first step, followed by a facial cleanser. Occasionally, once or twice a week, you can deep cleanse with a warm towel and a fine-grained scrub, as long as you don't turn face washing into a torture.</p>
<p data-start="1979" data-end="2307" style="text-align: left;">For sensitive skin, excessive care is even more important. If you don't wear heavy makeup, simply washing your face with water in the morning is sufficient. In the evening, use products specifically designed for sensitive skin, lathering well and applying gently. This skin type doesn't need fragrance, scrubs, or that "squeaky clean" feeling to prove effectiveness.</p>

<p data-start="2309" data-end="2361" style="text-align: left;"><strong data-start="2309" data-end="2361">2. Exfoliation isn't always better the stronger the better.</strong></p>
<p data-start="2363" data-end="2847" style="text-align: left;">Toner, gel, mask, scrub, serum&hellip; exfoliants come in so many forms that you might think your skin needs them all. In reality, it doesn't. Exfoliating scrubs can quickly smooth skin, but they can also easily dry out and make it more sensitive. Dry and sensitive skin types are better suited to exfoliating toners that also provide hydration. When skin is visibly flaking, exfoliating masks can be a gentler solution, as long as you don't leave them on for too long.</p>
<p data-start="2849" data-end="2904" style="text-align: left;"><strong data-start="2849" data-end="2904">3. Winter foundation isn't a "who's more moisturizing" contest.</strong></p>
<p data-start="2906" data-end="3422" style="text-align: left;">Just because it's cold doesn't mean you need a dewy foundation. Normal and slightly dry skin types can benefit from tinted moisturisers if you prefer a sheer finish. Oily skin should still opt for liquid foundations with moderate coverage that don't feel heavy or clog pores. Oily, acne-prone skin should prioritise oil-free foundations, but don't forget to moisturise beforehand, as foundation doesn't adhere well to dry skin. Dry skin can use cream foundations or add a drop of oil if the skin is severely dehydrated. Stick foundations offer good coverage, but aren't suitable for oily skin unless you want to test the tolerance of your pores.</p>

<p data-start="201" data-end="240" style="text-align: left;"><strong data-start="201" data-end="240">4. Should you use a humidifier?</strong></p>
<p data-start="242" data-end="1114" style="text-align: left;">Whenever the humidity drops below 60 percent, the skin reacts as if it's been abandoned in a desert. At this point, humidifiers are naturally hailed as saviours. But like any other solution, humidifiers are only truly useful if you don't turn them into a mobile breeding ground for bacteria. The water must be changed daily, and the reservoir cleaned regularly. Disinfectants of unknown origin should be left on the shelf; instead, coarse salt or diluted vinegar are sufficient for safe cleaning. At least once a week, the humidifier needs thorough cleaning with a neutral detergent. The vibrating part is a favourite breeding ground for bacteria, so it needs to be wiped carefully and allowed to dry completely. And no matter how thirsty your skin is, don't hold the humidifier too close to your face. A distance of one to two meters and the habit of opening windows for ventilation every hour is a reasonable limit for both skin and lungs.</p>

<p data-start="1116" data-end="1192" style="text-align: justify;"><strong data-start="1116" data-end="1192">5. Can other products with different functions and ingredients be used together?</strong></p><p data-start="1194" data-end="1420" style="text-align: justify;"> Having more bottles of cosmetics doesn&#39;t necessarily mean better skin. Cosmetics are like people; they have compatible relationships and encounters that should be avoided. Some pairs complement each other, but others create conflict the moment they meet.</p><p data-start="1422" data-end="2077" style="text-align: justify;"> These &quot;harmonious&quot; combinations are often quite predictable. Vitamin C paired with a moisturizer is a familiar example. Vitamin C brightens the skin and provides antioxidant benefits, but it can easily dry out the skin. When combined with a moisturizer containing tocopherol, the effects last longer. Exfoliating before using a whitening product is also a logical step, as no one wants precious nutrients to just sit on the surface of the skin and evaporate. Collagen combined with retinol is another perfect match, with one supporting cell bonding and the other stimulating regeneration from within. Similarly, pore-care products and skin-firming products can be used together to control oil and improve elasticity.</p><p data-start="2079" data-end="2563" style="text-align: justify;"> Conversely, there are certain combinations to avoid. Using retinol and AHA or BHA together often overloads the skin, especially at high concentrations. Oil-controlling products used with oil-rich anti-aging creams can also counteract each other, with one product trying to control sebum while the other adds more oil. Acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, when combined with harsh exfoliants, can easily irritate the skin. And using moisturizers with lifting products containing caffeine is like watering a plant while simultaneously using a dehumidifier.</p>

Winter Skin: Can Too Much Moisturiser Harm Your Skin?

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