Winter Skin: The Best Ways to Soothe Your Dryness
As the days grow colder and shorter, there's one thing that tends to suffer the most - our skin. The harsh winter weather can leave us with dryness, flakiness, and even a dull complexion.
In this blog post, we have rounded up the best ways to soothe your winter skin woes and maintain a glow year-round.
Why DOES winter weather cause dry skin?
As the temperature drops and the air becomes drier, many experience dryness and irritation in their skin. You may notice that your hands feel rough and cracked, or that your face feels tight and itchy. This is because winter weather can be harsh on our skin, causing it to become dry and dehydrated.
So why exactly does winter weather cause dry skin? There are a few key factors at play here:
1. Low humidity levels: During the colder months, the humidity levels drop significantly. Cold air isn’t able to hold in as much moisture as warm air can. When we spend long periods in low-humidity environments, moisture on the skin quickly evaporates back into the air, which leaves it feeling drier.
2. Cold temperatures: Cold temperatures can also contribute to dry skin during winter. Cold weather makes our skin's blood vessels narrow. This reduces blood flow and limits moisture and nutrients from reaching our skin cells. This makes it difficult for our skin to retain its natural moisture, leading to dryness.
2. Exposure to harsh elements: Winter also brings harsh elements like cold winds and snow. These winds not only make us feel colder but can also damage our skin. Strong winds can break down the skin's protective barrier and cause moisture loss. Wind also carries dust, dirt, and other pollutants that can irritate the skin and further contribute to dryness.
3. Hot showers and baths: There's nothing quite like a hot shower or bath on a cold day to warm us up. However, these hot water treatments can actually contribute to dryness in our skin during the winter. The hot water can strip our skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and tight.
4. Indoor heating: We tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months in heated spaces. While this keeps us warm and comfortable, it also dries out the air inside our homes and offices. This dry air can cause our skin to lose moisture more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
Tips for preventing dry skin during winter
1. Hydrate from within: One of the best ways to combat dry skin is by hydrating from within. This means drinking plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that your skin stays moisturized. During the colder months, we tend to drink less water as we don't feel as thirsty as we do in warmer weather. However, it's essential to maintain a good intake of fluids to keep our bodies and skin well-hydrated.
In addition to drinking water, you can also increase your intake of foods that are high in water content such as fruits and vegetables. Foods like celery and cucumbers contain a significant amount of water that can keep your body hydrated.
2. Use a humidifier: Another effective way to prevent dry skin during winter is by using a humidifier in your home or office. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air by releasing a fine mist or steam, helping to combat the dryness caused by central heating. It can also provide relief for symptoms such as dry throat, stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. Running a humidifier will help achieve an indoor humidity level of 30 to 50%, which is ideal for preventing dry skin.
3. Protect your skin from the elements: The cold, windy weather during winter can be harsh on our skin. To prevent dryness, it's essential to protect your skin from the elements when you're outside. Wear gloves, scarves, and hats to cover exposed areas of skin and prevent moisture loss.
It's also crucial to use a good quality moisturizer on your face and body before going outside. Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to help lock in moisture.
4. Shower with caution: Take a short bath or shower (no more than 10 minutes) only once in a 24-hour period to avoid worsening dry skin. Bathing should be in warm rather than hot water. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing your skin to avoid further irritation. Additionally, you can apply a layer of moisturizer after to seal the water into the skin before it evaporates.
Best products for soothing dry skin
Moisturizers: It's important to choose a moisturizing product that's rich in emollients and humectants. Emollients help soften and smooth the surface of the skin while humectants attract moisture from the environment into the skin.
One highly moisturizer for dry skin that we love is the Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream. This non-greasy formula is dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin. It provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin.
Another great option is the Aveeno Oat Repairing Lotion for Sensitive Skin & Dry Skin. Oats have anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe dryness and irritation on the skin.
Serums: Serums are lightweight, concentrated formulas that are designed to deliver potent ingredients deep into the skin. Look for serums that contain hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and antioxidants to help hydrate and nourish dry skin.
One highly recommended serum for dry skin is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. This serum contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to provide intense hydration and plumpness to the skin. It also includes vitamin B5 which helps to improve skin barrier function.
Face oils: Face oils can be a great addition to your skincare routine if you have dry skin. They not only moisturize but also protect the skin from free radicals and environmental damage.
One popular face oil for dry skin is Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This lightweight oil contains evening primrose oil and lavender essential oil that work together to restore moisture and radiance to the skin overnight.
Another option is The Body Shop's Oils of Life™ Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil. This product combines black cumin seed oil, camellia seed oil, and rosehip seed oil to provide intense hydration.
Hydrating face wash: Using a hydrating face wash is essential for those with dry skin, as it helps to cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Look for gentle, non-foaming cleansers that contain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
One great option is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. This cleanser contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier while effectively cleansing.
Another top pick is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. Formulated with La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal spring water, niacinamide, and ceramide-3, this face wash gently cleanses skin while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH.
Conclusion
As the winter season approaches, it's important to take extra care of our skin. Dryness can cause discomfort and irritation, but with these tips for soothing dry winter skin, you'll be able to keep your skin healthy and glowing all season long.