You know the drill—once the temperature starts to drop, your skin starts drying out. This can lead to itchiness, irritation, chapped lips, and rashes. The dermatological term for this is Xerosis, and it affects many people each year when winter arrives. If you’re tired of the discomfort that dry, itchy skin brings, learn more about why skin dries out during the winter and what can be done to help prevent and treat this issue.
Why Does Winter Air Dry Our Skin?
The main cause of skin dryness in the winter is lower humidity. When paired with the use of indoor heating, the water in your skin evaporates more quickly in the dry air. As a result, you lose the moisture that keeps your skin comfortable and healthy.
This loss of moisture can worsen as the skin works to keep the body warm. When it’s cold, your body channels blood away from the surface of your skin to help you maintain a healthy internal temperature. This loss of blood flow affects the sebaceous glands, which reduces the production of sebum, the oil that helps keep skin moist and hydrated.
The Basics of Moisturizing
The best way to avoid skin dryness during the winter is by moisturizing with high-quality products. However, there are certain best practices to follow to get the most out of your moisturizer:
– Use the right product. You want to use a moisturizer that retains as much water as possible. Hyaluronic acid is commonly found in effective moisturizers because it can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This helps to add moisture to your skin and keep it there.
– Use gentle cleansers. Harsh soaps can strip your skin of the oil and moisture that you regenerate during the warm months. Try to stick to mild, unscented skin products.
– Moisturize at the right time. Moisturizers spread and absorb best on damp skin. That’s why we recommend applying moisturizer after you’ve patted your skin dry after a bath or shower.
What Else Can You Do to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During Winter?
Apart from moisturizing, there are other measures you can take to keep your skin hydrated during chilly weather.
– Using a humidifier helps to reintroduce moisture to the air indoors, allowing you to crank the heater up worry-free.
– Avoid hot showers and opt for warm ones. Hot water washes away the oils that keep you moisturized.
Dry, flaky skin can make you dread winter, but The Dermatology Clinic is equipped to help you stay moisturized year-round. Our Baton Rouge skincare clinic offers a wide range of services that include everything you need to help your skin remain healthy during the winter. Contact our team to request an appointment today.
