Overview

The winter months bring cold, dry air that can leave your skin dry, cracked, red and irritated. Hot water feels great on a cold day, but removes the skin from natural oils that can contribute to dryness.

Dermatologists have found that the principal reason for dry skin is a simple lack of moisture, which means that it is easy to prevent and treat with the correct knowledge and care. 

So how can you prevent  dry skin?

What is dry skin?

Dry skin, also known as xerosis, is a very common problem in today's society, affecting people of all ages, including babies. People with skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or psoriasis tend to have dry skin. Other diseases, such as psoriasis and type 2 diabetes, can also cause dry skin.

Dry skin is not only painful, unpleasant and irritating, it can also lead to skin diseases such as eczema, which can lead to itchy, red, bumpy patches of skin. 

Why is my skin so dry every winter?

The winter season presents challenges to our skin, as heaters stimulate low humidity. The air is colder and drier than before winter, and it is this cold air that evaporates moisture on the skin.

The cold air, low humidity, dry room warmth and severe winter winds draw moisture from our skin. Winter conditions can make your skin feel raw, cracked and irritated, and the heat indoors can wreak havoc and steal the little moisture you have left. If you are a winter sports enthusiast who spends the season in the fireplace, the low humidity, bitter wind and dry heat in the house, combined with cold weather, can exhaust your skin from natural moisture.

Sunburns can cause severe dryness, premature skin aging and skin cancer.  Also lipolysis and dehydration can lead to dry, firmer skin, prone to wrinkles and your skin becomes prone to accelerated aging.

How to avoid dry skin in winter?

Moisture before bathing or showering can help to provide the skin with natural moisture and make moisturizers last longer. In winter, replacing the moisturizing lotion with a moisturizing cream can help soothe dry skin.

Moisture is an important part of skin care ,also there are many other ways to increase the natural moisture of your skin and prevent dry, itchy, flaky, white skin.For example, changing the temperature of your bath water so that your clothes do not dry out and using moisturizers can help keep your skin hydrated and comfortable. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day ensures that the body produces enough natural oils and water to keep skin well hydrated.

If your skin feels dry, use a moisturizing sheet mask once a week before bed - but be sure not to use products like clay and charcoal. 

For those who have no problems with dry skin, taking care of the skin in winter is a good idea, as the cold air can be hard on the skin. The facial skin, especially the underlying skin, needs a strong moisturizer every day, especially in the winter months. Weather can aggravate dry skin at night, so a cream that moisturizes and makes dry skin smooth is beneficial in the morning, especially if you live in a cold, dry climate. 

Takeaway

Remember that if your skin is dry for many different reasons, regular application of a moisturizer can do much to prevent and combat it before it dries out.

Soaps and detergents containing harsh chemicals and fragrances can irritate your skin, and it is your skin that is damaged by dry weather. Oils such as vitamin E and oils that help maintain the moisture barrier do not work well on dry skin. If you find that frequent hand washing or the use of hand sanitizers will dry your hands, a dermatologist may bring tips to alleviate dry skin  with hand washing.

DISCLAIMER                

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.