Dry skin throughout the winter is not a given. You may be able to maintain your skin soft, smooth, and bright all winter long if you make some modifications to your skincare routine and habits and use the right products. Your skin doesn’t have to match the weather outside to combat dry skin and improve your winter skincare routine.
12 Best Tips For Dry Skin in Winter
Has your skin ever changed in response to the seasons? When the weather becomes cooler, your skin is likely to become more dry and flaky. Winter’s dry, cold air may take a toll on your skin, but there are things you can do to keep it looking healthy.
1. Use sunscreen every day
It may be tempting to skip sunscreen during the winter months because of the shorter days and less sunshine, but you should reconsider. Sunlight may damage your skin’s moisture barrier, which is essential for keeping it healthy and hydrated, even in the winter months.
2. Make changes to your skincare routine
Consider streamlining your skincare regimen for the time being if your face is particularly sensitive or bothered by the dry winter air. Your skin’s moisture barrier must be in good working condition to get the most out of serums, toners, and other cosmetic treatments. You may be more sensitive to elements like scent and alcohol when your skin is inflamed. If this is the case, items that ordinarily feel amazing on your face may become irritating.
3. Use overnight treatments if needed
Dry skin may be alleviated or prevented with overnight treatments. Emollients are excellent in hydrating the skin. However, they might take longer to sink into your skin since they are a thicker kind of cream. For best results, use an emollient before bedtime so that your skin has the opportunity to absorb and replace itself with the moisture and oils it needs. Use a plastic bag or gloves to keep the emollient from getting on your linens or bed covers if you’re applying it to your hands or feet.
4. Limit the time and temperature of your shower
Taking a lengthy, steaming shower may be enticing, but the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a 5- to 10-minute lukewarm shower (or bath). If the water causes your skin to become red when you wash your hands, it’s too hot and should be avoided. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands with colder water seems equally efficient at eradicating germs as warm water and less irritating to the skin (CDC). When using an air hand-dryer in a bathroom, use it just until your hands are moist, not completely dry.
5. Remember to eat healthily and drink plenty of water
Fish oil and flaxseed oil, which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, may help treat dry skin, “a dermatologist in private practise at Denver Skin Clinic, Dr. Barbara R. Reed explains. “When it comes to keeping your skin hydrated, it’s best to do it from the outside.
6. Seek the help of an expert
You’ll have a difficult time finding a knowledgeable salesperson at your local pharmacy. A single visit to an esthetician or dermatologist may pay dividends. With the help of an expert, you will be able to figure out what kind of skincare products you need and how to use them effectively.
7. Avoid itchy skin by changing clothes quickly
In addition to irritating your skin, damp clothing and shoes may cause itching. Make careful to remove wet gloves, socks, and trousers as quickly as possible. After following these healthy skin guidelines, Stein Gold recommends using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone lotion with 1% hydrocortisone. Stein Gold advises patients to consult their doctor if they don’t experience improvement within a few days. To combat the drying effects of winter on your skin, you may need a prescription-strength moisturizer.
8. Choose non-irritating textiles
You should avoid wearing abrasive materials while dealing with any skin ailment. Dry skin isn’t the only skin type that suffers from this. Avoid irritating your skin by wearing loose, soft, natural materials if your skin is very dry. Avoid using normal detergents when you wash your clothing as well. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for detergents that don’t include harsh chemicals or perfumes.
9. It would help if you used exfoliants and scrubs sparingly
Keeps your skin looking its best by exfoliating regularly, which removes dead cells from its surface? It is, however, possible to over-exfoliate your skin if you do it too often or with the incorrect product. Rather than a physical scrub, a chemical exfoliation may be preferable if your skin seems dry or flaky. Larger particles in harsher scrubs may do greater harm to your skin’s moisture barrier. You may want to avoid exfoliating if your skin is inflamed, cracked, or otherwise damaged.
10. Hydrate your body from the inside
Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day to maintain your skin healthily and bright. Lack of hydration may alter your skin’s look and make it more vulnerable to drying out. Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial. You can protect your skin cells from environmental harm by taking in both of these nutrients.
11. Wear gloves
It is impossible to protect your hands from the drying effects of the environment unless you wear gloves. When it’s freezing outside, put on a pair of gloves to keep your hands warm, and use silicone gloves to wash the dishes. Keep your hands soft and moisturized by limiting exposure to dry air and hot water.
12. Stay warm
Whether inside or out, warm is the last and most important technique for dealing with dry skin. However, fighting the winter cold by sitting in front of a fireplace or other heat source is a bad idea. It is because cuddling close to a fireplace may exacerbate dry skin conditions already present. To keep warm, wear many layers of clothing, preferably made of cotton. You should wear cotton beneath your woollen clothes to avoid irritating the skin since woollens are known to cause allergic reactions.
Conclusion
If you have dry, flaky skin this time of year, it doesn’t only impact your face; it may also affect your hands and feet. Moisturizing your skin regularly with the correct products is the best way to maintain it healthy. You should avoid exfoliating scrubs, hot water, and other skincare procedures as well. You may also keep your skin healthy by using a humidifier, dressing in non-irritating textiles, and wearing gloves. If your dry skin isn’t improving with at-home therapies, you may want to see your doctor for the best treatment.
References:
- 11 Tips to Prevent Dry Winter Skin
https://www.healthline.com/health/winter-dry-skin -
What to do about dry skin in winter
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-dry-skin-in-winter - 10 Winter Skin Care Tips
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/ten-winter-skin-care-tips#1 - 5 Tips for Avoiding Dry Skin This Winter
https://www.muhealth.org/our-stories/5-tips-avoiding-dry-skin-winter