We are often told that skin needs change with age. If you adapt to these changes in your body, there is a chance to postpone aging and achieve youthful skin without surgery. This is reported by WomanEL with reference to “NewDay Kherson”. But you need to consider not only age, but also external circumstances, such as weather changes. All of them can also negatively affect your health. Don't know how to moisturize your skin in winter?
ContentSigns of dry skinHow to moisturize your skin in winter?How to treat dry skin if peeling has already become a problem
We will share with you useful advice from dermatologists who know how to protect your skin at this time of year.
Symptoms of dry skin
According to dermatologist Shari Marchbein, as the air temperature drops, so does the humidity level, which, in turn, deprives the skin of moisture. In combination with piercing wind and indoor heat (both destroy the protective barrier, and it becomes more difficult for the skin to retain moisture), the risk of dryness, redness and peeling increases. And if you're prone to eczema or rosacea, winter weather can make these conditions worse.
It doesn't matter what your skin type is, even oily skin feels the effects when you turn on the heat. “When it's cold, your skin tries to conserve heat by constricting blood vessels, which in turn dries out the outer layers of your skin,” explains dermatologist Debra Jaliman. The result is dry, dull-looking skin.”
There are a few signs that you may need to add an extra layer of moisturizer to your routine. “Dry skin feels tight, itchy, and may look red or pink, especially right after cleansing,” says dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi. “You may also notice flaking, more pronounced wrinkles, and a dull appearance.”
Dry skin is also more prone to irritation and inflammation, which can lead to cracks and splits in the skin, especially on the hands and lips, Shirazi says.
How to Moisturize Your Skin in Winter?
While you may enjoy taking a hot bath in the winter, doing so is bad for your skin, Source: freepik.com
- Buy a humidifier. Dr. Jaliman says it can help keep moisture in the air and prevent conditions that lead to dry, flaky skin. Sleeping with one on at night is especially helpful, when your skin is doing its deepest repair work.
- Keep your skin covered when you're out in the cold. This includes scarves, hats, gloves, and more. Wind combined with cold temperatures can quickly dry out exposed skin. It's best to wear clothes made from natural materials, like cotton—synthetic fabrics can be itchy and irritating to sensitive skin, drying it out in the process.
- Avoid long hot showers and baths. They deplete the skin's lipid layer. The water temperature should be warm, and the duration should not exceed five minutes. Pat the skin dry with a cotton towel and immediately apply body cream while the skin is still damp to allow maximum absorption.
- Limit your use of skin care products with harsh active ingredients. Acne products and anti-aging serums with powerful ingredients like retinol can have drying side effects. Limiting your use to once a day can help reduce flaking. If retinol seems too drying for you, you can opt for a retinol alternative, such as bakuchiol or vitamin C.
- Stock up on products with the right active ingredients. Ceramides help create a strong barrier and lock in essential moisture. Probiotics and prebiotics can increase the natural production of ceramides and balance the skin’s pH (which is essential for a healthy barrier), says dermatologist Whitney Bowe.
How to treat dry skin if peeling has already become a problem
- Change your moisturizer. Swap your light moisturizer for one that contains ingredients like shea butter, which provides hydration.
- …And swap your foaming face wash for a lotion. Foaming face washes often contain drying ingredients called surfactants that disrupt your skin’s barrier.
- Apply moisturizer to damp skin. Ideally, within a minute of getting out of the shower to lock in moisture. And if you have sensitive skin, skip fragranced products, as they can dry out your skin.
- For your body, look for a rich cream.
- Treat your hands with ingredients like glycerin and chamomile. These are some of the hardest areas to treat, but these ingredients will get the job done. Glycerin is a humectant that draws water from the air to the outer layer of your skin and acts as a protective layer to prevent moisture loss. Chamomile, in turn, is great for dry skin and eczema due to its anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties.
Unfortunately, hormonal imbalance can also have a negative impact on your skin. We wrote about how to deal with it here.
