The first cool October mornings arrive, the heating comes back on, and the skin changes mood. It feels tight after the shower, foundation clings unevenly, cheeks redden in the wind. We immediately think “dry skin” and reach for the richest cream in the cupboard. That is not always the right answer: skin that feels tight may lack lipids, water, or both at once. And the right care is not the same.

Two deficits, two answers

Dry skin — a lack of lipids

Skin naturally produces lipids which, together with water, form a fine protective film on its surface. Dry skin produces fewer of them. It is a skin type: dry in summer as in winter, often with a fine texture, a rough feel and sometimes small flaking areas. What it lacks is fats: it needs to be nourished. To take stock, our guide helps you identify your skin type.

Dehydrated skin — a lack of water

Dehydration is a state, not a skin type. It can affect normal, combination and even oily skin: the skin shines on the T-zone yet feels tight on the cheeks. It happens when the skin loses more water than it retains: cold, wind, heating, very hot showers, lack of sleep. It shows as a dull complexion, skin that “drinks” its cream within minutes, and fine lines that fade once hydrated. What it lacks is water: it needs to be hydrated.

The mirror test, in five signs

Look at your skin one hour after cleansing, with no product applied. The signs that come up most often point the way.

Many skins tick both columns in winter: dry skin can also become dehydrated. In that case, combine both steps, water first, lipids second.

What the cold really changes

Cold air holds little moisture, and heated indoor air even less. Wind speeds up evaporation from the skin's surface. Between outdoors and indoors, the skin spends its days in dry air: it loses water faster than in summer. That is why combination skin, perfectly comfortable in July, starts to feel tight in October. A few habits help: a lukewarm rather than scalding shower, patting the skin dry, applying care to skin that is still slightly damp, and not overheating your home. For cleansing, choose a gentle facial cleanser, foam or toner, which does not dry the skin out before your care.

Which care for which skin

For dehydrated skin — hydrate without heaviness

The 24-hour Ultra-Hydrating Cream L'Hydralpine is formulated to hydrate the skin for 24 hours: +44% hydration after 8 hours (efficacy test on 10 women). Swiss glacier water combined with organic masterwort rehydrates the skin; wheat and a combination of active ingredients help preserve its hydration while improving its appearance. Its ultra-melting, refreshing texture suits all skin types, including combination, oily and sensitive skin: the answer for skin that shines and feels tight at the same time. 16.9% active ingredients, 95% ingredients of natural origin. It is part of L'Hydralpine, our hydrating range with Swiss glacier water.

Dehydrated skin

24-hour Ultra-Hydrating Cream L'Hydralpine

50 ml · Swiss glacier water · all skin types

+44% hydration after 8 h — efficacy test on 10 women

CHF 55.95Discover

For dry skin — deep nourishment

The Mielicime collection, our nourishing organic honey care for dry skin, is designed for normal to very dry skin. Organic honey and apricot kernel oil nourish the skin intensely; a natural complex of organic masterwort, willowherb, organic musk rose and vitamin E helps nourish and hydrate the skin. The Ultra-Nourishing & Repairing Serum (26.5% active ingredients) adds a complex based on natural hyaluronic acid that hydrates the skin: the care for skin that is both dry and dehydrated. The Ultra-Nourishing & Repairing Cream takes over with its ultra-creamy texture that melts on contact with the skin.

Ultra-Nourishing & Repairing Serum Mielicime30 ml · organic honey, natural hyaluronic acidCHF 58.95Discover Ultra-Nourishing & Repairing Cream Mielicime50 ml · organic honey, apricot kernel oilCHF 58.95Discover

The right routine, in four steps

1. 01
   Cleanse gently
   Lukewarm water, a mild cleanser, no rubbing. Our guide to choosing your facial cleanser.
2. 02
   Apply to damp skin
   Pat your skin dry and apply your care within a minute.
3. 03
   Water first, lipids second
   Dry and dehydrated skin: serum first, then cream. Why this order: the difference between a serum and a cream.
4. 04
   One mask a week
   Dry skin: the nourishing Mielicime Luxurious Butter face mask, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with water.

Frequently asked questions