Our skin never stops defending our bodies, but it works extra hard in the winter to keep its elasticity levelled up, and preserves moisture.
Let’s go over why it’s so important to pay extra attention to our winter skin, and look over some of the most frequent issues that can arise for skin in cold and dry weather.
The Importance of Taking Care of Your Skin During the Winter
Winter skin care becomes more important as the temperature drops. Long-term exposure to cold air can cause dry, flaky skin as well as other problems. These skin problems can become irritating or uncomfortable, and have a detrimental impact on your appearance, if you don’t apply additional moisturisers and protect yourself from the weather.
Typical Winter Skin Problems:
- Xerosis (Dry Skin)This condition is also called ‘winter itch,’ which is basically dry skin caused by the cold weather. Skin peeling, red or pink discoloration on regions of skin, or areas so raw that they become painful are all signs of this.
- Chapped LipsExcessive dryness usually shows itself as flaky, peeling skin on the lips’ surface. The skin on the surface of the lips cracks because of excessive dryness during winters.
- Urticaria (Cold Urticaria)This condition causes red welts and hives all over the body and appears immediately after exposure to cold. Lightheadedness, a swelling in the throat, and a burning feeling on the skin’s surface are all possible symptoms. It is especially noticeable in teenagers and young adults.
- EczemaEczema comes under a chronic dry skin condition. For the ones who suffer through it, the winter weather is a major cause for flare-ups, and triggering of the condition.Prevention:
- Preserve the moisture that you have. Your skin’s natural oils also aid to protect and maintain its health. It’s best to avoid taking long baths or showers, and you shouldn’t wash your body too often. When doing so, use warm rather than hot water.
- Increase the amount of moisture in your home. We recommend using a humidifier to combat the drying effects of indoor heat. Your skin will absorb moisture from the air.
- Increasing your water intake will aid in skin hydration.
- Remember to use sunscreen. Even if it’s freezing outdoors, the sun still has an impact on your skin. UV rays are striking you from more angles because of the sun bouncing off the snow.
- Apply a thick layer of moisturiser on your skin. In the winter, switch to an oil-based moisturiser; your skin will thank you. Consider using an overnight deep moisturiser to relieve dry areas including your hands, feet, elbows, knees, and lips.
- Change the cleanser you’re using. In the winter, it’s a good idea to switch out your body wash for a more moisturising hydrating cleanser, especially if it contains drying compounds like glycolic or salicylic acid. To avoid further dehydration, tone and moisturise within 30 seconds of finishing cleaning.
- Take extra precautions. If you have a skin problem like eczema or psoriasis, avoid any irritants or allergens that you know can worsen your condition in the winter.
