Learn how to prevent cold weather dry skin
Winter is here, and so are the conditions for uncomfortable dry and itchy skin. Use these tips to help alleviate your symptoms:
As weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. Look for a moisturizer that is oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil acts as a protective layer to retain moisture.
Sunscreen isn’t just for summer; the winter sun can still damage your skin. Apply sunscreen to your exposed skin about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply it frequently if you stay outside for extended periods.
The skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands than most of your body. This means the hands are the hardest to keep moist in cold weather, leading to itchiness and cracking. Remember to wear gloves when you go outside to keep your hands warm and protect the skin.
Wet gloves and socks can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, and soreness, which contributes to eczema . Change into dry clothes when you can.
Central heating systems and space heaters blow hot, dry air around your home. Humidifiers, on the other hand, add moisture to the air to help prevent skin from drying out. When possible, place humidifiers throughout your home to increase the humidity level.
A hot bath or shower may feel great on a cold day; however, hot water breaks down the lipid barriers in skin and leads to moisture loss. Keep your skin moist by using warm water, limiting your time while bathing, and applying a moisturizing lotion while the skin is still damp.
Some facial cleansers contain rubbing alcohol and other skin drying chemicals. Replace these with a milder, skin-friendly product during winter to combat dry skin.
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