Your skin will respond differently as per the changing seasons. This is why your skin will become flakier, duller, and drier in the cold winter months.
Dry indoor heat, cold air, winter winds, and low humidity levels will soak all the moisture from your skin.
Not to mention, the healthy skin oils will also be damaged during the cold winter months.
As a result, your skin will look pale and lifeless. Your face and your feet, hands, and other portions of your body will be damaged due to the cold winter winds.
Therefore, you need to know some crucial processes to keep your skin healthy and natural during the cold winter months, even when the temperature is shallow and the air is dry and hard.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Skin?
Here are some common symptoms of dry skin:
- Rough texture
- Scaliness and flakiness
- Itchiness
- Cracks on the surface of the skin
- Irritated, raw skin
- Burning or stinging
- Redness
The medical name of dry skin is known as xerosis. These symptoms of dry skin can vary from person to person and on the type of skin.
How To Prevent Dry Skin Problems In Winter
You cannot avoid dry skin problems in the cold winter months. However, if you change your skincare habits and regimens and use the relevant skincare products, you will be able to keep your skin smooth, soft, and fresh all winter long.
Here are the top 8 tips to help you prevent dry skin problems in the cold winter months.
Moisturize Your Skin After Washing
When you wash your hands, face, or body, you will remove all the natural oils from the skin.
Since these oils are essential to keep your skin moisturized, you need to replace them at any cost.
This is why you need to use a moisturizer after washing your skin, especially during the cold winter months.
While going out, you should also carry a small bottle of moisturizer so that you can prevent your skin from getting dry.
Don’t forget to wear full-sleeve clothes and jackets. These outfits will protect you from the cold while also protecting your skin.
You should also purchase high-quality cotton hats from American hat co to protect your hair and face.
Apply Sunscreen Everyday
As there will be less sunlight during the cold winter days, you might remove the sunscreen from your skincare routine.
However, this is where most people make mistakes. Even in the winter, the radiation of harmful UV rays can affect the moisture barrier of your skin.
Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain the hydration and health of the skin.
Besides sunscreen, hats will also protect you from UV rays. Most winter hats are made of high-quality fabrics that will block excess UV rays from exposing your skin.
Make sure you apply sunscreen after moisturizing your skin. While purchasing sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests choosing something with at least SPF 30.
Implement Overnight Treatments
Overnight treatments are one of the most effective ways to prevent skin dryness. Emollients are highly effective at preventing dry skin-related issues.
However, they are heavier cream. Therefore, your skin would take a long time to absorb them.
When you apply emollient on your skin overnight, your skin will get enough time to absorb the chemical.
This way, the emollient will nourish your skin and restore the necessary oils.
If you’re planning to apply the emollient on your feet or hands, make sure you wrap them with gloves or plastic bags.
This way the emollient won’t spread on your bed covers and sheets.
Revamp Your Skin Care Routine
If your face’s skin is exceptionally irritated during the cold winter months, this means that your skin is sensitive to cold. In such cases, you need to rethink your skincare routine.
Remember that the moisture barrier of the skin should stay healthy to respond ideally to the toners, serums, and other types of chemically treated beauty products.
Additionally, if you have sensitive skin, your skin will also be sensitive towards ingredients like alcohol or fragrance.
This means that the products designed to feel great will irritate your skin.
Make sure you follow a simple skincare routine. Use sunscreen and moisturizer before going out.
Don’t remove your hat as the cold can damage your hair. Once you’re confident about the moisture barrier of your skin, you can include other treatments in your skincare routine.
Decrease The Temperature
A hot shower at the end of a cold winter day is undoubtedly soothing and relaxing. However, if you want your skin to stay nourished, you need to decrease water temperature.
Instead of showering in boiling water, use lukewarm water for your shower time. As per Myheatworks, a hot shower will lower blood pressure levels.
As per various studies, hot water can remove the natural oil from your skin faster compared to lukewarm water. Not to mention, hot water can cause additional damages.
Don’t forget to take care of your skin after showering or bathing. Instead of rubbing your skin with a towel, gently pat down your skin.
This way, the moisture on the surface of your skin will rehydrate.
Go Easy With Scrubs And Exfoliates
Exfoliation is a great way to remove the dead skin cells from your body. This process will help you keep your skin vibrant and smooth.
However, you might end up over-exfoliate your skin if you use the wrong products or apply the process multiple times.
If your skin looks lifeless and dry, you need to choose a gentle chemical to exfoliate instead of a physical scrub.
Harsher scrubs come with large particles. These scrubs will break down the moisture barrier of your skin. As a result, your skin will become more vulnerable to damage.
If your skin is raw, cracked, or irritated, it’s suggested to avoid the exfoliation process until your skin is healed completely.
Conclusion
These are the top 6 tips you should know to prevent your skin from becoming drier in the cold winter months.
If you have sensitive skin or developing severe skin issues, make sure you visit a doctor. Don’t take any medicine without consulting the doctor.