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How to manage Dry Skin in Winter?
Have you noticed your skin getting drier and more flaky when the weather gets colder?
Cold air and low levels of humidity along with harsh winds cause all your skin to lose its moisture. This causes your skin to be less radiant and dry as well. But there are some steps that can help your skin to look healthy even in this dipping temperature.
But first, discover the hidden treasure further:-
What causes dry skin in winter?
- The air is dry both outside and inside, and trying to stay warm in the cold, can make your skin dry.
- Not only that you are less exposed to sunlight which also causes certain skin problems. Sunlight provides vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory properties for the skin.
- Another reason for the dryness in some people could be genetics. So, some people have drier skin cause their skin can't produce enough protein known as filaggrin. This protein plays an important role in providing hydration to your skin barrier.
What are ways to prevent dry skin in winter?
DO NOT skip moisturizer!
Whenever you are washing your face or body, you naturally strip off your skin’s natural oil. These natural oils are important to lock in moisture. Therefore, moisturizing the skin is crucial to preventing the loss of water.
The winter season causes the skin to become dry, especially after a bath. It's important to moisturize the skin, especially after a shower to see better results. Damp skin will help the moisturizer to penetrate deep into the skin.
Find a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients such as ceramide, Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or jojoba oil.
Exfoliate less
Reduce how often you exfoliate because it helps get rid of dead skin cells on your skin's surface. It can help in keeping the skin looking smooth and vibrant. But it’s sometimes possible that you can over-exfoliate the skin.
Using a physical scrub could exacerbate dry skin, so it's best to use a mild chemical exfoliator like salicylic acid instead.
Physical scrubs can be harsh as they have large particles that could damage the skin barrier. Hence, the skin appears dry and cracked.
Consider a humidifier
A humidifier helps add moisturizer back into the air. Adding more moisturizer can act as a natural hydrating agent which can prevent and reduce skin dryness. According to studies by Harvard Health Publishers, humidifiers can add moisture to the air by up to 60 percent.
Keep yourself hydrated from the inside
Water consumption is another essential to maintaining healthy, radiant skin during the winter. Not taking enough fluid can affect the skin and make it more capable of becoming dry.
Along with that eating meals rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids as well as getting an equal amount of water should be your top priorities. Both nutrients can help protect skin cells from environmental damage.
Adjust your skincare routine
If your skin appears to be sensitive or irritated in the dry winter season. It's important to simply your skincare for that time.
Keep in mind that your skin barrier needs to be healthy in order for the serums and toners to respond better.
Apply Sunscreen daily
If you are thinking the winter days are shorter and there is less sunlight, it is not necessary to apply sunlight. Then think again, even in the winter season the UV rays are harmful and stressful on the moisture barrier.
This causes your skin to become dry and result in flaky skin. So, after moisturizer, sunscreen is the second most important skincare product.
Take Away
Problems with the skin such as flakiness and dryness are frequent. In order to keep your skin nourished during the winter, you must use a moisturizer. Other than that it's really important to wear non-irritating fabrics and also keep yourself hydrated.
P.S.:- It is important to acknowledge the fact that sunscreen is not only meant for the summer season. However, wearing sunscreen during winter is equally important.
FAQs
Q. How to avoid dry skin in winter?
Ans. To prevent dry skin in winter, use a humidifier indoors, limit hot showers, apply a rich moisturizer daily, and wear protective clothing, like scarves and gloves. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding harsh soaps. Exfoliate gently and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to maintain skin's moisture.
Q. How to treat dry skin in winter at home?
Ans. To treat dry skin in winter at home, follow these steps:
- Rehydrate: To keep your skin moisturized from the inside out, drink lots of water.
- Humidify: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air.
- Moisturize: Apply a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer daily to lock in moisture.
- Short, Lukewarm Showers: Avoid taking too many hot showers to avoid overly drying up your skin.
- Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid further irritation.
- Protect: To protect your skin from the cold, wrap up with warm clothes, gloves, and scarves.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to exposed areas to protect against UV damage.
- Avoid Harsh Products: Avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances.
Q. Why is skin dry in winter?
Ans. Skin becomes dry in winter due to lower humidity levels, cold air, hot showers, indoor heating, and reduced sebum production. These factors strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Adequate hydration, moisturizing, and protective measures are essential to combat winter dryness.
