The Best Way to Deal With Dry Skin in Winter
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While winter blesses us with beautiful snow and lovely festivities, it can also be tough on your skin, especially when it comes to dryness.
Finding the best way to deal with dry skin during the winter months is crucial for maintaining healthy and hydrated skin. But with so much information online, finding where to start can become a hassle. That is where we come along! Keep on reading to find out more about how to deal with winter dry skin.
What Is Winter Dry Skin?
In winter, dry skin is common due to shifts in humidity and temperature, causing irritation with varying severity. Treatments can restore moisture and ease symptoms, and taking preventive steps can help keep skin from drying out.
What Causes It?
Winter’s fluctuating humidity and temperature create ideal conditions for dry skin or xerosis. The skin’s outermost layer, the epidermis, includes the thin surface known as the stratum corneum, which acts as the skin barrier.
The skin barrier consists of lipids and dead skin cells, providing protection against toxins. Damage to this barrier leads to dry, irritated skin. Winter exacerbates this by reducing skin moisture and lipid levels, increasing dryness and irritation.
In winter, high indoor heating reduces humidity, affecting skin moisture. Simultaneously, cold outdoor weather, harsh winds, and rain can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.
Hot baths or showers can damage skin surfaces, causing dryness, as noted by Baylor College of Medicine. Using harsh soaps and vigorous drying methods can worsen skin damage. Skin moisture levels vary with age, gender, ethnicity, and environment, while certain medical conditions can also contribute to dryness.
Signs of Winter Dry Skin
Damage to the skin barrier during winter can lead to:
- Cracking of the skin
- Rough and red spots
- Flaking
- Rosacea
- Itching and scratching of the skin
- Sensitive skin
These symptoms often occur together, and proper treatment aims to reduce their severity.
Preventing Dry Skin in Winter
To prevent dry winter skin as seasons change, consider these steps:
- Limit exposure to heat. Opt for lukewarm baths/showers over hot ones and avoid prolonged exposure to heaters or fires, which can dehydrate the skin.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration. Omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids from foods or supplements may also be beneficial.
- Protect skin with clothing. Wear gloves in cold weather and during activities like washing dishes to prevent dryness, especially with increased hand washing and sanitizing.
- Adjust your skincare routine. Use a protective moisturizer and reduce the use of exfoliating scrubs, face masks, and steam treatments to protect the skin barrier.
- Use a humidifier. Reintroduce moisture into the air to hydrate the skin’s outer layer. Placing a bowl of water on a radiator can achieve a similar effect.
Should You Wear Sunscreen in Winter?
The short answer is, yes! In colder weather, it’s important to remember that the sun’s UV rays can still be strong. Using sunscreen year-round is crucial for preventing skin cancer and maintaining skin health. Additionally, sunscreen provides added moisture to help prevent dry skin and contributes to youthful-looking skin over time.
What do you usually do to deal with winter dry skin?
Disclaimer: While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content of this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Each person’s skin is unique, and skincare routines should be tailored to personal needs and concerns. Consult with a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your skincare regimen or treating any skin-related issues.
You might also want to read: New Skincare Holy Grail: Is Cold Water Good for Your Skin?
