5 Ways to Improve Dry Skin in Winter

Winter is here, and as you step into the cold, your skin feels it, too. Ever feel your skin going all dry and cranky? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost all Americans near age 60 struggle with dry skin in winter. It happens when the cold air outside and warm indoors team up to snatch away moisture. It leaves your skin tight and itchy. But worry not, as this blog is your go-to guide if you're tired of dry winter skin. Let's explore how to keep your skin happy and moisturized this winter.  

Skin Aging and Dryness

Research suggests as time marches on, so does the aging process. Picture this: Your skin, like a fine wine, matures with age. But, unlike wine, it might not always get better. Dryness creeps in, and you start wondering why your skin feels like parchment. Your skin produces less collagen and natural oils as you age, leaving you prone to dryness. And when winter comes around, the situation gets worse. According to “Skin Care for Cold Weather”, when it's cold outside and cozy indoors, your skin faces a tough time. The dropping temperatures make your skin lose moisture faster. It causes fine lines and wrinkles to show up more. Your skin feels tight and dry. Indoor heating makes it worse by taking away your skin's natural hydration. All these things make your skin age faster, making it more likely to get flaky, red, and just not as bright as usual.  Key Takeaway: As you age, skin loses collagen and oils, leading to dryness. Cold weather exacerbates this, causing faster aging, tightness, and dullness.   

Ways To Improve Dry Skin in Winter

According to a research study, you can improve your dry skin from cold weather by following these ways.  

1. Raise the Humidity - To improve your dry skin in winter, consider raising the humidity in your living space. If you don't have a humidifier, you can easily find an inexpensive one at your local drugstore. As another option, place a few small bowls of water on the floor. It can help humidify the air and prevent moisture loss caused by heaters and closed windows. 
2. Staying Hydrated - Stay hydrated throughout the winter to combat the dehydrating effects of cold weather. Make a conscious effort to drink enough water. This is because the dry winter climate promotes dehydration. Your skin will appreciate the extra hydration during the colder months. Along with it, you might find relief from chapped face from cold.
3. Moisturize - After bathing, use an oil-based moisturizer to lock in absorbed moisture. Consider using ointments if your skin is too dry. This is because they contain a higher concentration of oils. This can be beneficial in the winter when your skin needs extra protection.  
4. Outdoor Protection - When heading outdoors, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed areas of your skin. This protects your skin from the sun's rays and helps prevent dryness. Many sunscreens in stores also contain moisturizers, providing dual benefits for your skin.  
5. Take Care of Your Hands and Feet - Take special care of your hands and feet, as they are prone to dryness. Moisturize your hands regularly. Wear gloves when going outside to shield them from the cold. For your feet, use moisturizer. Consider wearing cotton socks to bed to lock in moisture and prevent extreme dryness.

Key Takeaway - Fight winter dryness with indoor humidity, hydration, and oil-based moisturizers. Shield skin with SPF and care for hands and feet. Glow with protection all season.    

Symptoms Of Winter Dry Skin

A study highlights common symptoms of winter dry skin.   

1. Flakiness - Your skin starts shedding tiny, dry flakes, creating an itchy and uncomfortable sensation.  
2. Tightness - The cold air tightens your skin, making it feel stretched and less elastic than usual.  
3. Cracks and Fissures - Fine lines deepen into painful cracks, particularly on exposed areas like the face.  
4. Redness - Winter winds and temperature extremes cause your skin to redden.  
5. Itching - The persistent itch becomes a daily struggle, urging you to scratch. It is among the common symptoms of dryness.  
6. Dullness - Your skin loses its natural glow, appearing lackluster and tired in the winter chill. 

 Key Takeaway - Winter dry skin signals with 1flakiness, tightness, cracks, redness, itching, and dullness. Recognize and address these symptoms for a healthier, radiant complexion. 

 

Preventing Winter Dry Skin

 Here are some winter dry skin remedies to keep your skin supple and moisturized all winter long. The American Academy of Dermatology Association backs these tips. 

1.  Gentle Cleansing - Opt for lukewarm water and a mild cleanser. Research recommends avoiding hot showers to prevent stripping your skin of essential oils. 
2. Choose the Right Fabrics - Opt for skin-friendly fabrics like cotton and silk. Stay away from itchy fabrics such as wool.  
3. Avoid Harsh Products - Check your skincare products for harsh ingredients like alcohol and fragrances. These can irritate your skin, making it more prone to dryness.  
4. Exfoliate Gently - Use a mild exfoliator once or twice weekly to keep your skin smooth. Avoid harsh scrubs to prevent dry face in winter.
5. Lip Balm Love - Keep your lips moisturized with a quality lip balm. Check for ingredients like beeswax or shea butter.  
6. Eat Skin-Friendly Foods - Nourish your skin from the inside by incorporating omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods. It can be anything like salmon, flaxseeds, etc. 

 Key Takeaway - Prevent dry skin using gentle cleansers, wearing soft fabrics, and skipping harsh products. Exfoliate gently, moisturize lips, and eat omega-3-rich foods for healthy winter skin.     

Conclusion

Overall, winter wreaks havoc on your skin, especially as you age. So, try the above-mentioned dry skin tips in winters to avoid dry skin issues. Boosting indoor humidity, stay hydrated, and use oil-based moisturizers. Along with it, don't forget sunscreen outdoors and pamper your hands and feet. Embrace these tips and bid farewell to winter's assault on your skin. After all, your skin deserves care!   

References 

• 2023. DRY SKIN: WHO GETS AND CAUSES. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-causes  
• 2017. Skin Care and Aging. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care/skin-care-and-aging  
• 2019. Skin Care for Cold Weather. Cambridges Scholars. https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/pdfs/978-1-5275-3946-4-sample.pdf  
• 2012. Pathway to Dry Skin Prevention and Treatment. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221895669_Pathway_to_Dry_Skin_Prevention_and_Treatment  

• 2021. Winter Annoyance -A Dry Skin. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356564977_Winter_Annoyance_-A_Dry_Skin  
• 2023. DRY SKIN: TIPS FOR MANAGING. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-self-care  

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