Winter Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common condition in the winter, as the weather turns colder. The changes in humidity and temperature at this time of the year can irritate the skin. The symptoms can vary significantly, but the most often reported include flaking, rough patches, cracks, redness, and itching. The thin outer surface of the skin, […]

Woman looking at her dry skin with cracks and with first wrinkles. Circles increase the skin like a magnifying magnifier

Dry skin is a common condition in the winter, as the weather turns colder. The changes in humidity and temperature at this time of the year can irritate the skin.

The symptoms can vary significantly, but the most often reported include flaking, rough patches, cracks, redness, and itching.

The thin outer surface of the skin, known as the skin barrier, contains lipids and dead skin cells and requires moisture to perform well, but in the winter less moisture is retained as there are fewer lipids in it, so the skin appears dry or irritated. During the winter months, people often turn their indoor heating up high, which reduces humidity and affects how much moisture is available to the skin. At the same time, the cold outdoor weather, harsh winds, and rain can strip the skin of its natural, moisturizing oils. Taking hot baths or showers can also damage the surface of the skin, leading to dryness.

Moisture replenishment is the best way to treat dry skin, as well as keeping skin care regimen as simple as possible. The use of a moisturizer will rehydrate the skin and prevent from water loss. Thick, greasy moisturizers, containing emollients which include linoleic, linolenic, and lauric acids, can help smooth the surface of the skin, as they fill the spaces between skin cells where there has been a loss of moisture.

It is very important to apply the moisturizer as soon as possible after patting the skin dry following a shower or bath. This approach will seal in as much moisture as possible.

Other tips that will help you are the following:

Limit the length and frequency of your showers: Additionally, try to use lukewarm water, as the hot water can lead to dryness.

Stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water boosts skin hydration, which helps it stay smooth. Eating foods or taking supplements rich in omega-3/ or -6 fatty acids might also help.

Limit heat exposure: avoiding sitting in front of a fire or heater. Excessive heat can draw vital moisture away from the skin.

Adjust your skincare regimen: different treatment is needed during cold weather. Apart from using a protective moisturizer, try cutting back on exfoliating scrubs, face masks, and steam treatments as their excess use will also lead to damage to the skin barrier.

Protect skin with clothing: regular hand washing, and sanitizing have become more commonplace. Wearing gloves in cold temperatures and when washing dishes will help prevent the skin from drying out.

Source:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com

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