Chilly climate is cozy… till your pores and skin begins itching, cracking, and begging for moisture. If winter leaves you coping with dry, irritated, or flaky pores and skin, you’re not alone. Dry pores and skin is extraordinarily widespread throughout colder months — however the excellent news is, it’s additionally preventable and treatable.
Right here’s what winter actually does to your pores and skin and our dermatologist-backed tricks to soothe and defend all of it season lengthy.
Why Pores and skin Will get Drier in Winter
Winter delivers a one-two punch to your pores and skin, chilly, dry out of doors air attracts moisture out of your pores and skin, whereas heated indoor air drops humidity even additional, worsening water loss. Different measures to guard towards sickness comparable to frequent handwashing (which don’t get us mistaken, is an efficient factor!) additionally provides to dryness. The end result? Itchy, tough, flaky, irritated pores and skin.
Learn how to Stop Winter Dryness by Locking in Moisture
The perfect protection towards itchy pores and skin is preserving the pores and skin barrier robust and hydrated.
Listed below are our tricks to maintain your pores and skin hydrated in the course of the chilly winter months:
- Use a thick, fragrance-free cream (not lotion!) day by day. Lotions include extra oils and create a protecting barrier that locks in moisture.
- Apply moisturizer instantly after bathing whereas pores and skin remains to be barely damp.
- Hold a travel-size cream helpful for after handwashing.
- Don’t overlook lip balm — lips lose moisture rapidly in chilly climate.
- Run a humidifier at dwelling to replenish moisture misplaced as a consequence of indoor heating techniques.
Prioritize Lotions over Lotions
Not all physique lotions are made equal! In truth, “lotions” are literally product of largely water, which doesn’t assist lock in moisture. Search for skincare merchandise which might be labeled “moisturizer” or “cream” for merchandise which might be oil based mostly.
Select Pores and skin-Pleasant Merchandise
Some widespread family merchandise will be irritating on our pores and skin. Attempt to use alcohol-free soaps and sanitizers and fragrance-free laundry detergents should you’re coping with sensitivity. Moreover, some heat materials, together with wool and synthetics, can irritate dry or delicate pores and skin. Attempt to put on breathable cotton or bamboo as a base layer and keep away from clothes that rub or scratch irritated areas.
When to Search Assist
It is best to contact a dermatologist should you expertise:
- Persistent itching
- Cracked or bleeding pores and skin
- Painful rashes
- Indicators of eczema or an infection
Wholesome hydration habits and the suitable winter routine could make all of the distinction and most dryness will be managed at dwelling. Nevertheless, should you discover any of the above, please don’t hesitate to achieve out to us.
The knowledge offered on this weblog is for informational functions solely and shouldn’t be taken as medical recommendation. If in case you have questions or considerations, please name our workplace or make an appointment with a medical skilled. Savannah River Dermatology is positioned at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our workplace will be reached at 706-691-7079.
