With winter season slowly creeping its way, you may notice that problems with skin dryness are also starting to surface. At a point when you wish to get back the moisture that your skin has lost, you’d want to know a winter skin care regimen that can protect you from the unsightly weather and effectively relieve the feelings of tightness and dryness.
To give you a clear picture of your problem and understand how you can deal with it, we’re sharing with you an article that presents 9 solutions to a very common winter season skin dilemma–skin dryness.
Skin Dryness Explained
The winter season is not just all about getting a rosy glow. In fact, there could be an ugly side to it particularly when people start to feel the discomfort brought by skin dryness–usually affecting the face, hands, and feet.
Wondering what its causes are? Enumerated below are some of the factors that contribute and even worsen skin dryness.
WHAT CAUSES SKIN DRYNESS?
- Dehydration – Insufficient fluid intake can lead to skin dryness.
- Hot Shower – While it may feel soothing, a hot shower bath actually strips off the skin’s natural oils.
- Smoking & Pollution – 2 harmful elements that can damage vitamin A in the body and interrupt with tissue repair.
- Alcohol-Based Products – Alcohol, particularly the one used in sanitizers can worsen dry skin conditions and may even cause brittle nails.
- Harmful Ingredients in Cosmetics – Surfactants common in high-lathering soaps are some of the ingredients to avoid.
- Sun Exposure – When done excessively, overexposure can lead to photoaging–a condition when the skin becomes dry and flaky.
- Cold Weather – It is during the cold season when your skin’s natural moisture is very susceptible from being stripped off.
9 TIPS TO COMBAT DRY AND FLAKY SKIN
1. UPDATE YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE
What worked well for you in summer wouldn’t be as effective when used in winter. Along with season changes, you should also follow a skincare routine that can address the harsh elements that come with the weather.
2. MOISTURISE RIGHT
It’s not enough to just moisturise. You have to do it right and at the perfect time. Moisturise after a shower. Apply on damp skin as this will help seal in and retain moisture better.
TIP: (glycerine, sorbitol, AHA) are ideal to use as these ingredients can attract moisture to the skin.
3. APPLY SUNSCREEN
There’s no excuse to not use sunscreen even during winter. Keep in mind that skin damage may still occur due to winter sun and snow glare. Use sunscreen at least half an hour before heading outside and reapply as needed.
FROM OUR SHELVES:
- CIRC-CELL – Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum Serum
- Oskia Skincare Adaptive Tan Drops
- MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser
- Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance
4. GIVE YOUR HANDS SOME TLC
Unlike the skin on the other parts of the body, there are fewer oil glands in your hands making them more difficult to keep moist, particularly when the weather is cold and dry. Add a layer of protection by wearing gloves before going out.
REMEMBER: Never use wet gloves as these can cause irritation, itching, sores, and cracked skin.
5. DON’T FORGET YOUR FEET!
Your feet can also use some attention. Choose lotions that can provide the added hydration your feet require. Also, don’t forget to get rid of dead skin regularly to allow better absorption.
6. GO GENTLE WITH FACE PEELS
Dry facial skin can only worsen when harsh peels or masks are used. Choose mild cleansers, face toner, and masks that can provide deep skin hydration without stripping your skin’s natural oils.
TIP: Avoid alcohol-based products and clay-based masks which may draw out moisture from your skin.
7. TURN THE HUMIDIFIER ON
Beat dry air by using humidifiers that can add more moisture in the atmosphere and disperse it evenly to prevent your skin from getting all dried out.
8. AVOID HOT BATHS
No matter how tempting it is to soak yourself in a hot bath, you should be aware that it can actually damage your skin’s lipid barriers and eventually lead to moisture loss. To prevent such, use warm water and cut your shower time.
9. STAY HYDRATED
As cliche as it may sound, drinking water remains essential not only in maintaining a youthful vibe but in preserving overall wellness as well. Water not only keeps skin hydrated but also carries nutrients to your cells. Ideally, you should drink not less than 2 litres of water a day.
DID YOU KNOW: Fruits and vegetables with high water content can also keep you hydrated.
FINAL NOTE:
Skin dryness can cause serious discomfort. The good news is, there are simple measures that you can take to find relief and revive your plump and smooth skin. However, in conditions when skin dryness is very severe and may be associated with an underlying disease such as Kawasaki disease, hyperthyroidism, contact dermatitis, and others, medical attention is advised.
Did you find this article useful? Share it with a friend who may be looking for solutions to relieve skin dryness brought by the cold and dry weather. You can also check out this infographic that features tips on skin hydration.
