Dry skin in winter is a common issue caused by a combination of environmental factors and lifestyle habits. A drop in temperature and humidity outside causes the air to become cold and dry, which results in the moisture from your skin evaporating and drying out. Here's a breakdown of what causes dry skin and how to prevent and eliminate it:
Causes of Dry Skin in Winter:
Hot showers and baths: as the weather cools down our Showers and Baths warm up. Spending time in hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness.
Harsh soaps and cleansers: as winter approaches so does the fear of winter germs and we tend to use more hand sanitisers. Some soaps and cleansers contain ingredients that can be harsh and drying on the skin, especially in conjunction with frequent washing.
Lack of moisture: Not using moisturisers or using ineffective ones can leave the skin without the protective barrier it needs to retain moisture.
Poor diet: Your skin health is directly connected with your gut health, so it’s important to maintain a diet that supports good skin health. Inadequate intake of water and essential fatty acids can contribute to dry skin. The best foods for maintaining healthy skin are: Fatty fish such as salmon, avocadoes. almonds, sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes.
Prevention and Elimination of Dry Skin can include:
Prepare your home, use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can increase levels of moisture in the air which helps create an environment in where your skin maintains hydration. Humidifiers emit a fine mist into your room to achieve an optimal humidity of between 40 to 60 percent. Place the humidifier in the room where you spend the most time - for most people this is the bedroom. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can help combat the dryness caused by indoor heating systems.
Take shorter, lukewarm showers: take shorter showers or baths with lukewarm water rather than excessively hot water to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils. Swap harsh body washes and irritating soaps with creamy cleansers. Using skincare products with ceramides, lanolin and oil help your skin retain moisture throughout the night. Apply thick moisturiser immediately after a shower or bath to prevent your skin from immediately drying out.
Choose a gentle cleanser and antioxidant oil: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers that are gentle on the skin. Antioxidant serums are among the few skin care products that are useful all year. Regardless of the climate, free-radical oxidative stressors attack the skin and cause premature fine lines, collagen breakdown and sunspots. You can alleviate the damage that free-radical oxidative stressors cause by priming the skin with a vitamin C oil first thing in the morning. Avoid all products with harsh chemicals or alcohol.
Moisturise regularly: Apply moisturiser immediately after showering or washing your hands to lock in moisture. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine or shea butter, which help hydrate and soothe the skin. Add a heavy-duty moisturising balm for your lips, hands and heels to your daily winter skincare routine to ensure your body is protected from head to toe. Don’t forget your cuticles! If your skin feels too dry, consider using a hydrating sheet mask once a week before you go to bed and avoid products with clay or charcoal.
Protective clothing: Wear gloves, scarves and other protective clothing to shield your skin from harsh winds and cold temperatures.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Staying hydrated keeps you refreshed and helps keep your skin elastic. It helps balance your skins pH level, flushes toxins from your body that may otherwise cause skin health problems such as acne and helps tighten up sagging skin.
Healthy diet: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts and flaxseeds to help nourish your skin from within.
Avoid over-exfoliation: Moisturisers and serums are more effective on exfoliated skin as they penetrate the layers of the skin more easily. During winter limit exfoliation to once or twice a week as it can further dry out the skin. If you do exfoliate, use oil-based or gentle exfoliators to not only rejuvenate the skin but also to hydrate. Limit your use of wrinkle-fighting skin products that double as exfoliators as they may worsen dry skin.
Use sunscreen: Even in winter, UV rays can still damage the skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to exposed skin when spending time outdoors.
Visit your local Pharmacy 4 Less: If dry skin persists despite these measures or the itchiness becomes severe, consult a Pharmacist for personalised advice and treatment options. If your symptoms are severe one of our friendly Pharmacists may recommend a visit to the Dermatologist.
Following any one of these tips will help keep your skin hydrated. Adding them all into a healthy winter skincare routine will help prevent your skin from becoming excessively dry in the colder months, keeping your skin hydrated, healthy and comfortable.