Introduction
During the winter months, dry skin is extremely common due to fluctuations in humidity and temperature that can irritate the skin. This season accompanies many concerns, people suffer from dry skin, eczema flares, flaky skin, to name a few. Various treatments are taken to help rehydrate the skin and alleviate the symptoms. People can also take preventative measures to keep their skin from drying out.
Why Skin Gets Dry In Winter
Winter accompanies changes in humidity and temperature, producing an optimal condition for dry skin, also referred to as xerosis
The skin barrier is made up of a mixture of lipids and skin cells.The skin barrier provides a layer of defense against hazardous pollutants entering the body. The skin seems dry or itchy when the skin barrier is damaged. The skin barrier requires moisture to function correctly. It’s always important to know how to take care of dry skin in winter. People frequently turn up their interior heating during the winter months, reducing humidity and reducing the amount of moisture available to the skin. Simultaneously, the cold, severe winds and rain can deplete the skin's natural moisturizing oils. Bathing or showering with hot water can harm the skin's surface, causing it to become dry. Skin damage can be exacerbated by using harsh soaps and excessively massaging the skin after drying. Age, gender, ethnicity, and environmental factors all influence the amount of moisture in the skin. Other medical issues might also cause dry skin.
How Winter Affects Dry Skin
•Humidity: Low humidity can cause our skin to dry out by sucking moisture from the top layers. The effects range from minor roughness to peeling and even skin splitting.
•Wind: Windburn is a condition that refers to the burning and redness that your skin may experience after spending time outside in the cold, windy air during the winter.
•Sun: In the winter, the sun's destructive rays are equally as intense and devastating. And, because people spend so much time in the sun during the winter, UVA radiation can have a long-term effect on their skin.
•Atmospheric pressure: Cold air sinks and has a higher pressure than warm air because it is denser. The average air pressure during the winter months is higher than during the summer months, which causes the skin to dry.
• Internal Heating in the home: Dry indoor air dries out not only your skin but also your mucous membranes, resulting in chapped lips, dry noses, and hoarseness.
•Showers and baths that are both long and hot: After being out in the cold, a long hot bath or shower may seem appealing, but the combination of heated water and immersing can strip your skin of its protective oils leaving you looking extremely scaly.
•Lack of Body lotion: Moisturizing is just as necessary in the winter as it is in the summer, even if your arms and legs aren't visible. If you don't apply the proper lotion, your dry skin might become itchy, flaky, and irritating
•Deficiency in fluids: In the winter, you may not be as thirsty as during the summer, when you are hot and humid. Water makes up 70% of our body, keeping our cells hydrated and healthy. Your body becomes dehydrated if you don't drink enough, making you look and feel shriveled.
How To Take Care Of Dry Skin In Winter
Keep the following five things in mind while creating a skincare routine for dry skin:
- Cleanse - The first thing you should do is pick a moisturizing cleanser. You want a cleaner that will remove debris and oil without irritating your skin's outer layer.
- Tone - Alcohol is a common element in toners, which dries up the skin. Look for an alcohol-free toner with active components that will help your skin's pH balance such as hyalurnoc acid or aloe or rose.
- Spot treatment - This phase aids in the treatment of various skin problems. Target areas that require extra care with a pure hyaluronic acid serum, concentrate on hydration.
- Moisturize - A decent moisturizer helps seal the serum's advantages. Use a moisturizer made exclusively for the face daily.
- Protect -The usage of sunscreen daily protects the skin from dangerous UV radiation.
Winter Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
6 Dry Skin Home Remedies
-
Liquid petroleum- Lathering petroleum jelly over areas that require extra attention may help in lesser Transepidermal water loss.
- Baths in oatmeal- Oat meal is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which also treats dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats also contain compounds called saponins, which are natural cleansers.
- Antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids- Fatty acids acts as emollients which help protect and nourish the skin’s moisture barrier
- Change the temperature of your shower- Hotter and steamy showers tend to dry up all the natural oils present in our skin, which will leave the skin scaly
- Make use of a humidifier- A humidifier in your home or office will help keep your skin hydrated by adding moisture to the dry winter air. In the places where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom, use a humidifier.
- Make Seasonal Changes to Your Facial Skin-Care Routine- Choose cream-based cleansers throughout the winter months, and use toners and astringents sparingly, if at all. Many makeup removers contain alcohol, which can cause your skin to become even drier. Apply a thicker moisturizer on your face every night. You can also wash with a face wash for dry skin in winter before applying moisture.
Conclusion
Winter skin that is dry is not an unavoidable side effect of the coldest season. Being aware of the skin barrier and what it requires to keep healthy might assist people in taking the essential precautions to avoid this unpleasant condition.
- 2 Sources
Biocule has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.