Winter has its own charm. But have you ever realized the havoc it could wreak on your skin? The cold air robs the natural moisture from your skin, leaving it dry and itchy. It can even cause severe dry skin, eczema, and psoriasis. That’s why you need to take care of it. In this article, we have listed few tips you can follow to keep your skin super happy during winter.
But first,
What causes dry skin?
Dry skin, or more commonly known as dermatitis, can result in scaling, itching and cracking, and it can affect any area of your body. Usually certain weather conditions, like cold temperatures, cause your skin to dry out. Factors like age, medical history, weather and bathing habits put you more at-risk for accumulating that uncomfortable dry skin if you don’t take care of yourself properly.
Below is a list of factors that prompt your dry skin when it’s cold outside:
- Less heat and moisture in the air causes low humidity levels.
- Loss of natural oils on your skin due to the cold temperatures outside.
- Using the wrong type of moisturizer.
- Uncomfortable, itchy fabrics, especially for those with sensitive skin, can rub against your skin, irritating.
- Overdressing can lead to overheating and sweating.
- Using too much soap causes your skin to dry out.
- Your water temperature is too hot when you shower and wash your hands.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals leads to dryness.
- Natural process of aging.
- Chapped lips are a result of the cold air affecting your skin, as they also need to be moisturized.
Good news – Dry skin is preventable and treatable. Follow our steps to get your skin healthy and glowing in no time for the winter season.
1. Use the right cleanser
What kept your skin happy during summers can make it sad during winters. And that’s why you need to change your skin care products accordingly. The key to healthy and glowing winter skin is using mild skin care products. Choose cleansers that contain hydrating formulas to avoid stripping your skin of its natural moisture barrier. You should be cleansing every morning and night to rid your skin of any dirt and dead skin cells that have accumulated. If you have acne or breakouts, use products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, hydration serums, and glycerin to help in repairing the moisture barrier of your skin.
Avoid masks and peels, astringent lotions, and any product that contains alcohol as they make your skin dry during the winter.
2. Moisturize regularly
While keeping skin moisturized during other times of year may seem easy, low humidity and cold weather make this a challenge during the winter. Whether you are spending time outside in the windy, frigid air or inside in a heated environment, both situations dry out skin quickly. It is important to use products that are designed to increase the moisture level of the skin itself. Lotions that contain humectants attract moisture, and products that contain non-clogging oils may also be helpful.
3. Don’t skip sunscreen
Yes, you read it right. Sunscreen in winters. Just because there might be fewer sunny days in the winter, doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t still capable of causing skin damage. Even low levels of UV light exposure add up over a lifetime of skin damage. Choose a sunscreen that has titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
4. Use lukewarm water
While a hot shower may feel relaxing and tempting, it can break down skin barriers and cause dryness. Short, warm showers are best during the winter months. Always remember to apply moisturizer afterward to keep skin hydrated else the dryness creates cracks in skin which results in scaling and itching. Doing so within the first three minutes of bathing is the best time to lock in moisture.
5. Exfoliate your skin—but not too much
Due to cold weather and low humidity, there is more than normal production of dead skin cells. Dead skin cells can prevent moisturizer from effectively soaking into the skin. Gentle exfoliation can clear away these cells, revealing skin underneath that is in need of hydration. One should take care while exfoliating, aggressive exfoliation can damage the underlying healthy skin cells.
6. Stay hydrated
It’s no secret now that hydration is the key to achieve flawless radiant skin. It is important irrespective of any season but winters make it absolutely necessary because of low atmospheric humidity. You could even install a humidifier for regulating the low humidity inside your house.
7. Wear comfortable fabrics
Winter skin is extremely fragile. Sweaters, scarves, and other clothing made of wool and synthetic fibers can irritate and dry out the skin. If you opt for these items, put a layer of a natural material such as cotton between your skin and the irritant.
8. Take care of your lips
Dry, chapped lips can crack and become painful. With few oil glands and thin skin, they require some extra help to stay moisturized. Be sure to keep a lip balm handy which transforms dry and sensitive lips and makes them feel soft and soothed.
9. Don’t forget your hands
The skin on hands also is thin and have fewer oil glands as compared to skin on any other body part, making it susceptible to increased damage during the winter. When you are outside in cold temperatures, gloves are a great way to protect them from becoming dry. Make sure that you remove wet gloves before they become irritating to skin. Hand lotions can be used to keep skin hydrated, but if excessive cracking develops, it is important to consult with a physician.
10. Healthy diet and exercise go a long way
We know it’s hard to leave the warmth and coziness of the blanket behind and get moving on a chilly winter morning. During the winter, the oil and sweat glands in your body and the blood vessels constrict a bit. This makes it hard for your skin to keep itself healthy and glowing naturally, and that’s why it needs your help. These tips are not difficult to follow, and you can easily include them in your daily routine. Exercise will pump up your heart rate, which in turn, pumps more blood to your organs and skin.
Consume a lot of seasonal fruits and veggies. Berries are exceptional sources of vitamins and antioxidants that your skin needs to stay healthy during the cold weather. This will also help in maintaining your hydration levels.
Your winter skin care regimen does not have to involve the most expensive moisturizers. Following these tips and finding products that work best for your skin can go a long way toward preventing the dryness, irritation, and cracking that are common during the cold months.
A professional consultation can help you get a skin care ritual, made just for you and your needs.
Let us take care of your skin this winter.