When the weather gets a little cold and starts to feel dry, you feel changes in your skin, right? Suddenly, your skin becomes dry, flaky, and sometimes itchy. For some people, the skin can even crack and bleed. Imagine how annoying this is. Why does this happen to our skin only during this cold, dry season? Don't worry, today we will talk about the causes of this, as well as some simple things you can do to get rid of this condition and keep your skin healthy.
Why does the skin get dry in this cold weather?
The reason for this is very simple. Simply put, cold air has very little moisture, that is, water vapor . Not only outside, but also the air inside our homes becomes even drier due to things like heaters we use. So this dry air, like a thirsty person, starts sucking the precious moisture from the surface of our skin. This is called 'water loss' in medical terms. When the skin loses moisture in this way, it becomes dry, itchy, and cracked.
Just as a sponge soaked in water dries out when exposed to the sun, our skin loses moisture to dry air.
Is bathing in hot water really bad for the skin?
Yes, that story is absolutely true. We all love to soak in hot water for hours, especially on cold days. While it feels great for our bodies, it can be very damaging to our skin. Water that is too hot can strip away the natural oils that protect our skin and help it retain moisture . This weakens the skin's protective barrier, making it even drier.
So what should you do?
- Reduce bath time: Try to finish your bath within 5 to 10 minutes.
- Reduce the temperature of the water: Use lukewarm water instead of hot water .
- Apply moisturizer immediately: As soon as you finish showering and gently pat your body dry with a towel (while your skin is still slightly damp), it's a must -do to apply a good moisturizer all over your body.
What are the best products for this time of year?
It is better to use a slightly thicker, oily cream or ointment during dry weather like this than a light lotion used on normal days.
It's especially good if you can choose a product that contains ceramides . Ceramides are a type of fatty acid that is naturally found in our skin. They rebuild damaged skin's protective barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Another important thing is to stop or limit your use of soap . The alkaline nature of regular bar soap strips the skin of its natural oils and dries it out even more. Instead, use a non-soap cleanser . These are very gentle on the skin and do not strip it of its moisture.
Why are only my hands extra dry?
This is also a problem for many people. Frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol-based sanitizers can quickly dry out the skin on your hands, causing them to become red, cracked, and even develop a condition called ``hand eczema''.
The best way to prevent this is to apply moisturizer as much as possible . Apply moisturizer every time you wash your hands. It's best to use a cream that contains dimethicone . This creates a protective layer on your hands, like a glove, protecting them from further damage.
For best results: Before going to bed at night, apply a thick moisturizer or something like petroleum jelly to your hands, then put on a pair of cotton gloves and go to bed. You'll notice the difference when you wake up in the morning!
How does this time of year affect people with psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a condition caused by the rapid growth of skin cells. Some people with this condition find relief from UV radiation in the sun. So, since we have less exposure to sunlight during the winter, psoriasis can sometimes flare up. But remember, it is important to control your sun exposure . It is best to talk to your doctor about this and get advice.
Some more tips to protect your skin from drying out
In addition to these key points, add these simple tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to your daily routine.
| Advice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Choose a suitable lip balm. | Use a lip balm that is soothing and soothing to the skin. If some of them irritate your lips or make them feel numb, choose a different type. |
| Banish dry air | Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. Avoid staying near fireplaces and heaters, as the direct heat from them can dry out your skin even more. |
| Wear gloves. | Wear gloves when going out in the cold, washing dishes, gardening, or handling chemicals. |
| Avoid clothes that irritate the skin | Avoid wearing rough clothing like wool directly against your skin. Instead, wear a soft layer of cotton or silk underneath. When washing clothes, use a mild detergent labeled 'hypoallergenic' that won't cause skin irritation. |
If your skin dryness, itching, or cracking does not improve after following these tips, or if it seems to be getting worse, be sure to see a dermatologist . Sometimes this can be a symptom of another medical condition. So, never delay seeking medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Avoid taking long hot baths during cold weather. Instead, take a bath in lukewarm water for no more than 10 minutes.
- As soon as you finish showering, while your body is still damp, apply a good, thick moisturizer all over your body.
- Use a gentle, non-soap cleanser instead of regular soap.
- Choose a cream that contains ingredients that strengthen the skin's protective barrier, such as ceramides.
- If you wash your hands frequently, always apply moisturizer. Wearing cotton gloves at night can achieve good results.
- If you have a severe skin problem that cannot be controlled by these simple things, definitely see a doctor for advice.
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