Why does Winter Dry out Skin?
As the temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, many of us find ourselves battling an all-too-common winter woe: dry, flaky skin. If you've ever looked in the mirror and wondered why your complexion seems to lose it's luster during the colder months, you're not alone. The harsh winter weather, combined with indoor heating, can wreak havoc on our skin's natural moisture balance. But fear not! In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind winter skin dryness and share firsthand testimonials from individuals who have discovered effective strategies to combat this seasonal struggle.
Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or simply looking for practical tips to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, we hope this will help you navigate the winter months with confidence.
Causes of Dry Skin in Winter
Winter often leads to dry skin due to several environmental and physiological factors. Here’s a breakdown of why this occurs and suggestions of how to manage it effectively.
- Low Humidity: Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, leading to lower humidity levels outdoors. This can cause the moisture in your skin to evaporate more rapidly, resulting in dryness.
- Indoor Heating: The use of central heating, fireplaces, and space heaters during winter further reduces indoor humidity, exacerbating skin dryness. The warm air circulated indoors can be very dry, stripping moisture from the skin.
- Sebum Production: Cold weather can slow down the production of sebum, the natural oil that helps keep skin hydrated. When the body prioritises blood flow to vital organs, the skin may receive less attention, leading to decreased oil production.
- Hot Showers and Baths: While they might feel good in cold weather, long and hot showers can wash away natural oils from the skin, leading to increased dryness.
- Harsh Soaps and Detergents: Many soaps are designed to remove oils from the skin, which can lead to further drying out during winter months when moisture levels are already low.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
Dry skin in winter can manifest through various symptoms:
- Rough texture
- Tightness after bathing
- Peeling or flaking
- Itching or redness
- Deep cracks and potential bleeding.
What do people use, and what worked?
We scoured the web to find some first hand experience in combating these winter months skin-issues, and we've compiled a number of customer experiences of what worked for them:
One customer had this to say about CeraVe Moisturising Cream:
"I absolutely love this moisturiser – it puts expensive brands to shame. It's brilliant for dry skin as it has a thick texture that absorbs quickly."
Another customer said this about Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion:
"I love this! I use it more in the winter when my skin needs some extra moisture. It's such a gentle formula and doesn't feel greasy at all – your skin just feels hydrated and soft."
One customer said this about Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream:
"I'm a little bit in love with this hand cream – the tiniest amount goes such a long way. My hands are so soft and smooth."
While another person talks about the importance of a humidifier:
"Since low humidity is a major trigger for dry skin, I made peace with the fact that a humidifier would be my ride-or-die through the winter."
Pamela Marshall, Dermatologist, tells Women's health:
"Cold air and wind cause excessive dryness which can increase capillary dilation and more stubborn acne spots. Hydration is key both topically and internally. Make sure you're still drinking plenty of water and taking daily doses of omegas to keep the skin hydrated inside and out"
Many people have also shared that they often forget to drink enough water during winter months, leading to increased dryness. They emphasise that staying hydrated internally helps maintain skin moisture levels alongside topical treatments.
Prevention and Treatment
So to summarise, here is a list of things to combat dry skin during winter.
If you are suffering in the winter months, consider the following strategies:
- Moisturize Regularly: Use rich creams or balms designed for winter conditions. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
- Adjust Water Temperature: Use lukewarm water for showers and baths instead of hot water to minimize oil loss from the skin.
- Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to indoor air can help counteract the drying effects of heating systems.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in essential fatty acids to support skin hydration from within.
- Limit Soap Use: Opt for gentle, moisturizing cleansers instead of harsh soaps that strip natural oils from your skin.
- Dress Appropriately: Protect your skin from cold winds by wearing gloves and scarves when outdoors.
Good luck in the winter months. Stay warm and hydrated! And remember that medino is here to help.
