It’s easy to take our skin for granted, but as the largest organ in our body, we must take care of it. When the seasons change, our skin also changes. Winter brings not only freezing temperatures but dry skin too. Understanding what makes our skin dry and the steps we can take to protect it are an important part of a healthy body.
How winter affects our skin
As the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Humidity levels give us an idea of how much water vapor is in the air around us. Low humidity combined with cold and icy wind quickly dehydrates your skin. But so do the warm central air and hot showers you use to counter the cold. This means that whether we’re inside or outside, our skin is fighting to stay hydrated.
Signs of dry skin
You can identify dry skin by the following signs. Dry skin will:
- Look dry and flaky
- Feel tight
- Itch more often
- Cause worsening symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Cause worsening inflammation for acne and pimples
How to treat dry skin
Many dermatologists recommend that you get ahead of dry winter skin by increasing how much you moisturize before the weather gets too cold. It’s easier to start and keep a routine going through the winter than to fix dehydrated skin late in the game.
The following tips can help you prevent and treat your dry winter skin:
- Regularly moisturize
- Shorten your showers as both warm water and soap remove hydrating oils from your skin
- Use humidifiers indoors to help add moisture to the air
- Use vitamin D supplements to replace lost nutrients you usually get from the summer sun
Keep an eye out for painful or extremely red areas that don’t improve, as you might need to consult with your doctor or dermatologist. Ask us about our dermatologist-recommended skin care products that will be your best friend during the winter months!