Do you suffer from dry skin during the winter months? Whether it’s minor or severe, dry skin can produce some discomforting side effects. You may notice your skin feeling hard and rough, at which point the outer layer begins to peel away. Thankfully, you can prevent your skin from drying out this winter (and future winters) by following some simple steps.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand why dry skin is more prevalent during the winter. Warm indoor air is less dense than cold outdoor air, meaning it’s unable to hold as much moisture vapor (humidity). This low humidity may cause an individual’s skin to dry out, crack, and even irritate existing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Without adequate moisture vapor in the air, the skin’s moisture naturally dries up.
Of course, the windy weather that so many regions experience this time of year may also contribute to dry skin. As the wind blows over your exposed skin, it dries up your skin’s moisture.
The golden rule of preventing dry skin during the winter is to use a daily moisturizing agent. It’s recommended that you stick with a moisturizing “cream” since they are thicker and longer lasting than lotions. Look for a cream made of all-natural ingredients like aloe-vera and coconut oil, as it offers the greatest benefit without exposing your skin to unnecessary additives. Applying a high-quality moisturizing cream once a day can make a world of difference in your skin health.
Going back to the root cause of dry skin during the winter (humidity), conventional wisdom should tell you that installing a humidifier will protect against this condition. Humidifiers work by gradually releasing water vapor into the air. When the humidifier identifies a relative humidity level that’s below the preferred setting, it will automatically spray small particles of water. This moisture raises the surrounding humidity, which subsequently protects against dry skin.
If you frequently experience dry skin during the winter, try taking shorter baths and showers. The longer you expose your skin to hot water, the greater the chance of developing dry skin. Taking shorter showers and baths, and using cooler water, will protect your skin from drying out.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when dealing with dry skin during the winter.
How do you manage dry skin during the winter? Let us know in the comments section below!
