During the winter months our skin is subject to the damaging and drying effects of cold, windy weather and the low humidity of dry indoor heating.
Our efforts to stay warm with long, hot showers and internal heating tend to suck the moisture from our body, leaving skin dry, itchy and prone to cracking.
Those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea are particularly affected.
Severely dry skin can crack and bleed, creating sites that can be further irritated by soaps and clothing, and also making you more vulnerable to infection.
Therefore, it is just as important to take extra care of your skin during this season as it is in the summertime.
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Do you know one of its main functions?
It is to act as a protective barrier against the external environment, as well as prevent water loss. The outermost layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum (SC), plays an instrumental role in protecting skin against moisture loss.
The SC consists of a layer of cells surrounded by lipids (oils) such as ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids.These lipids determine the moisturisation levels of the skin.
The skin produces less lipids during the winter months, thus making the skin more susceptible to abnormal dryness, also known as winter xerosis or winter itch. The main symptoms of Xerosis is rough, itchy, scaly and flaking skin.
Here are my Top Tips to help your Skin this Winter:
1 - Cut down on long, hot baths....
Hot water removes the skin's natural oils very quickly, so having a long, hot shower can really deplete the skin of its natural moisture and leave it extremely dry. Use warm water instead, and reduce the time spent in the bath or shower to a maximum of 10-15 minutes.
2 - Moisturise Regularly....
This is one of the most effective ways of managing dry skin. Moisturisers bind and retain water, and act as a seal that traps moisture in and prevents water loss. Moisturise liberally several times a day, preferably with an oil-based cream. The oilier and thicker the moisturiser, the better it protects the skin from losing moisture.
3 - Use a Humidifier in your home/office....
This helps to add moisture to the air. Humidity levels of 30-40% are ideal for keeping moisture in your skin and preventing itching and cracking. Use humidifiers in rooms where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom and office.
4 - Choose Friendly Fabrics....
Although woolly jumpers keep you nice and warm, they can be very irritating and can exacerbate dry, itchy skin. Instead, try to wear layers of other natural fibres (e.g. cotton or silk) which allow the skin to breathe and avoid overheating and sweating. In addition, try to avoid washing your clothes with detergents containing perfumes.
5 - Turn down the Heat....
Hot air causes the blood vessels to dilate, which can stimulate itchiness. Cool air is more skin friendly, so turn down your heating and give your skin a break.
6 - Hydrate from the Inside....
Drinking water is beneficial for those who are dehydrated but if you are not dehydrated, drinking water most probably won't have an effect on your skin's moisture levels.
Healthy skin can be encouraged by including certain foods in your diet, such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and plums, and foods containing essential fatty acids such as salmon, walnuts and canola oil.
7 - Don't forget the Sunscreen...
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can forget about the sun. The sun remains powerful all year round and is particularly glaring around snowy areas, so use at least an SPF 30+ sun lotion on exposed skin before you go out.
The key to preventing dry skin is to keep the moisture locked in. There are several things you can do to avoid dry, itchy winter skin and maintain soft moist skin during the cold season.
Need help with your dry/winter skin?
Book a Free Consultation with me today via https://calendly.com/naturalskinbylynne
Let me help you find your perfect skincare routine this winter & ensure you maintain healthy skin throughout....
Your Skin Will Thank You!
For more information, help or advice on your skin please get in touch –
Your skin will thank you!
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