It’s no coincidence that you start feeling a slight tightness to your skin right around the same time you bring out those chunky sweaters. Along with the cooler temperatures and cozy clothes comes tight, dry skin that never seems to go away. It’s uncomfortable, inconvenient and can sometimes be uncomfortable. Why does the cool weather also mean drier skin?
You’ll be happy to know that it’s common to have dry, dehydrated skin once the weather starts getting cooler. And by common we mean that virtually everyone experiences it to some degree. The lower the temperature drops the more dry, dull and parched your skin may feel. But what causes this and how do you keep your skin healthy? There are several reasons this occurs and perhaps that’s why it can be hard to manage. That dryness is coming from a change in climate but it’s also coming from other elements. Let’s take a look below for more.
Dry Air
During the winter months, the humidity levels drop making the air very dry. This driness makes the water in your skin evaporate more quickly leaving you desperate for industrial-strength lotions. Not to mention the cold gusts of wind that tend to tag along making winters more bitter and skin more vulnerable to a loss of natural oils. If you are prone to eczema or psoriasis you probably also experience flare-ups during this time of the year as well. It irritates the skin and can leave you more sensitive to products such as soaps, cosmetics or fragrances.
Fast Fact: During the winter months, the skin looses up to 25% of its natural ability to retain moisture
Heating
Since it’s so cold outside you’ll probably want to turn the heat on in your house or car. The warmth might feel like a sanctuary during the bitter cold winter but it also dries out your skin. Sorry to say it but it’s true. The heat in your house and car have a tendency to dry out your skin and also your mucous membranes. So your skin will feel itchy but also your nose, throat, eyes, mouth, and lips will become much drier.
Hot Showers
While it’s true that you can take a hot shower anytime during the year you are more likely to take ones during the winter months. Not only are you more likely to take hot showers but you’ll probably have a tendency to stay in for longer amounts of time. Heat placed directly on the skin will strip you of natural oils and evaporate water levels of the skin. This will leave you more prone to a feeling of dryness and overall skin dehydration. Taking a long hot shower on a cold day feels comforting but it also contributes to winter skin ailments.
How to Find Relief
Unless you have plans of running away to a tropical climate to wait out the winter you are forced to face it head-on. There isn’t too much you can do to control the weather but you can navigate it in ways that will make you more comfortable and less likely to experience dry, patchy skin. Our top 8 tips are below to help you feel more comfortable and confident this winter.
1.) Cover as much of your skin as possible when going outside. This will limit the amount of exposure your skin has to the dry air and reduce water evaporation.
2.) Switch to gentle or sensitive body and face washes. Normal washes often contain strong chemicals or other ingredients that strip the skin of its natural oils leaving it drier than necessary.
3.) Always follow up washes with hydration. Use lotions, creams, or oils to replenish, hydrate and nourish the skin. Get in the habit of using a moisturizer at least 2 times a day and more often if you feel like you need it.
4.) Keep chapstick with you at all times and try not to lick your lips too much. Saliva actually dries out the lips which ultimately just makes things worse. Keeping your lips moistened will also prevent chapping, windburn, and cracking.
5.) Try to place space heaters as far away from you as possible and avoid cranking the heat to max if possible.
6.) Avoid excessively hot showers that go on for obscene amounts of time. We all love a good long shower from time to time but that heat directly on your skin sucks out moisture and can really add to normal winter skin discomforts.
7.) Drinking enough water seems to be a common struggle for most of us. This is especially true when all you really feel like drinking is coffee, hot chocolate, and warm tea. While a portion of these beverages can count toward your water intake it’s always best to consume pure water as often as possible. It will help keep your skin more nourished and you’ll be less likely to feel the effects of the harsh winter on your skin.
8.) Try reducing the frequency of your showers and face washing. Opt for a shower once a day and only wash your face at night before going to bed. This will help the skin balance its production of oil and prevent unnecessary dryness.
