Winter arrives with all its beauty and carries everyone in its grace. However, it is also known to be a silent and invisible thief of our skin’s comfort. Skin starts to feel dull, and in some cases, you also see dry patches. This can be quite bad. After all, winter dry skin is not a minor inconvenience at all. It is a full-on rebellion that the body’s largest organ, that is, skin, goes through. Not getting it? Well, think of your skin as a garden full of flowers. Its lush green leaves spread in all the places, and it looks good everywhere. However, soon, the dryness of winter sets in. Now, what was green and lush starts to dry up. Much like the leaf that crumbles even under slight pressure. This is the reason why understanding the causes of dry skin in winter is important. All of this is essential to bring back your skin’s natural pink glow and, of course, comfort.
Understanding Why Skin Gets Dry in Winter
As stated earlier, your skin is the largest organ of the body. However, this barrier is not at all alone by itself. Meaning, it is protected by a delicate and natural barrier. Well, you can think of it like the wax coating that you get on a fresh apple. This very barrier is important on many levels. One of them being to lock in the correct level of moisture so that your skin does not get dry. However, if you are thinking that winters are only about dry skin, then you are wrong. This is because this season launches a double two-dose attack. It hits you from the inside and the outside, too. All of this compromises the most important shield. Now, let us break down the main problems. Why does it happen?
Low Humidity Levels and Indoor Heating
Imagine you have a really wet sponge. It is dripping off water every second. Now, the real task follows up. Leave it in a humid room without thinking much. What happens next? Well, it stays soft. Now, put on your merciless mood, and shove it inside an oven. Mind you, the oven must be dry. Slowly and gradually, you will find that the same sponge that was soft has now become dry. It is overly brittle, with some of its ends coming out. This is exactly what happens on your skin. Believe it or not, but what you seem to think of as comfort, that is, entering into your warm home after the chilling weather, is damaging your skin. All of this blasts out the much-needed moisture for your skin. The main culprit here is indoor heating, and it is responsible for those dry flakes.
Hot Baths and Their Impact on Skin
Imagine staying most of the time out on a wintry day. What is the first thing that you would think of during this time that would relieve you? Of course, a warm and, in fact, long shower. But wait! What seems like comfort to you might be doing you a lot of harm. Now, you may ask, how? Well, the hot water you so much adore for your shower is devilishly scraping away your skin’s sebum. Sebum is defined to be the skin’s natural oil. The warm water does it expertly than lukewarm water ever could. To gain more understanding, it is like using hot water on a greasy pan. You will notice that the grease goes away instantly. This is great for dishes, and you can try it out too. However, for your skin, you must have some mercy.
Clothing Choices That Irritate Skin
Who doesn’t love woolly jumpers? Everybody does. It is a fashion statement, plus it feels so cozy. Almost like the hug you give to a loved one and you receive one back too. However, its fibers are very, very rough. Plus, if you have dry and sensitive skin, then rest in peace. This is because the dry, coarse material, when rubbed against your skin gives a lot of pain to you. You might even bleed, and that is the worst part. Think of it as a sweet, and lively leaf being brushed with rough sandpaper. Gosh! The luster will be gone. Plus, if you continue it everyday, your skin will be crying. So, take care to not do this at all.
Dehydration and Lack of Water Intake
Many people underestimate the dehydration part. However, it plays a major role in dry skin. This is why you should never overlook it, especially in the colder months. Now, in winter, your throat might not be parched. You might not feel thirsty, either. However, you should still drink water, and make sure you do it in a good amount too. Why? Well, in winter, your body pulls out moisture from your body through your skin. This is a process that is defined to be transepidermal water loss. So, if you are not drinking water, your skin, the last organ to receive hydration, will dry out. You can never water a plant from the top if the roots are about to die.
Underlying Medical Conditions
To some people, winter might be the most beautiful season ever. The warm soup and warm blankets are loved a lot. However, to some people, it brings in a lot of pain. Why? Well, some people cry out in pain due to skin diseases. This mostly hints at the conditions of eczema or psoriasis. This is why you must make a note. If your skin is very, very dry, and with it, you have intense inflammation too. Then, you must go to the doctor. Only a medical practitioner can treat the root cause and help you out. Never mistake these to be seasonal symptoms. You never know when it may go wrong.
Common Symptoms of Dry Skin
Your skin might be screaming out for help, but you might not know. However, there is one symptom that has gone through it all and is still not giving up. This is the dry skin in full bloom.
Cracks and Flakiness
The first and dangerous sign of all are cracks and flakiness. Your skin may look like the dry riverbed from which even the plant refuses to grow up. So, do not let it happen further and even more dangerously. Instead, take care of it properly. This is because the skin’s outer barrier has already been compromised. Its moisture reserves have already gone out of scope. So, you must give proper attention of it.
Itching, Redness, and Rough Patches
When your skin feels tight, do not think of it as being stubborn. This is because it is just the victim of dry skin. That’s right! And it is not just dry skin. Because, added on to it, the skin has already become rough and is unbearably and quietly itchy. Of course, the itchiness is the result of skin cells shrinking. Plus, the worst part is that they are pulling away from each other. Add on scratching, and it creates a lot of micro tears that may not be visible to you. This will turn your skin into a desert where rain never falls.
Increased Sensitivity
Healthy skin is the best of all. It is like that shield that keeps a lot of things that irritate your skin. Dry and crumbled-up skin is quite dangerous. It allows a lot of bacteria and allergens to come up. Plus, if the products are harsh, then they might get into your skin easily. This will bring in a lot of pain. It will also lead you to feel added sensitivity. Even normal products like your favourite moisturiser may feel heavy to you. Why? All because your skin is dried up.
How to Pamper and Protect Your Skin in Winter
Fighting back against the rage of winter does not require you to call a battle. It can be done gently and sweetly. This can be done with your simple winter skincare routine. It can simply bring in simple cleansing, and you may actively get into protecting your skin. You will also add to its nourishment, and your skin will bless you unconditionally. Want to do it smoothly? Here are some of the tips that will be a blessing to you.
Limit Use of Harsh Makeup Products
Think that your dry skin is a painting canvas. In order to keep it properly, you cannot use sandpaper at all. Similarly, you cannot even use a lot of heavy, matte, or full-coverage foundations either. What should you do then? Well, you can be you. You look beautiful even without makeup. Your skin will thank you later because the makeup items may affect your skin a lot. It might cling to dry skin, and your skin will not look smooth but flaky. You can heavily moisturise, though. So, opt for good creams and let your skin breathe.
Use Moisturisers That Rehydrate and Lock in Moisture
This is the best way which you can treat dry winter skin. After all, what better way is there than moisturising your skin? However, you have to be careful. After all, you cannot use any type of moisturizer at all. You will have to be careful and choose the right cream for your face. So, this means that you will have to look for creams that have hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. Apply them to your damp skin and watch the magic unfold.
Stay Hydrated: Increase Water Intake
If you want to keep your skin hydrated, then it should always start from inside. So, you must always make a conscious effort to drink lots of water. In this regard, you can try out herbal teas. These are great to increase fluid intake. Always remember, hydrating your body is important. It is the first step towards which you can stop the dry skin from developing.
Maintain a Balanced, Vitamin-Rich Diet
What you eat reflects on your skin. This is why you must make your diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids This can be gotten through a lot of fish and nuts. This is because it helps to bring in your skin’s lipid barrier strongly. Plus, the antioxidants from berries and leafy greens are the best. It fights in a lot of damage. Never forget vitamin D for skin health. Sunlight production in winter drops drastically. This is why the natural production of vitamin D goes down very low. This can impact the metabolism of your skin. So, take a note of foods rich in vitamin D and consult your doctor too.
Consult a Dermatologist for Persistent Dryness
If your best DIY skincare routine for winter isn’t cutting it, it’s time to call in the experts. Seeking professional dermatologist advice for dry skin can provide you with prescription-strength solutions and a personalized plan that over-the-counter products cannot match.
DIY skincare is the best. However, it might not be enough for the shackles of winter to be cut off from your skin. What should you do in this regard then? Well, call in the experts. Seek out help from the doctors and take the advice of a professional dermatologist. They are the best, as they will help you out with prescription strength solutions. They will also give you a personalized plan that you can use thoroughly. This will help you in the long run.
Summing Up: Your Path to Healthy Winter Skin
Going through the colder months in winter is never a curse. You never have to face it with a lot of discomfort. This is because once you get into understanding the causes of dry skin it will be good for you. Why? Well, you will start to prioritize your sin. You will moisturize it, and your skin will transform magically, thanks to your efforts. So, embrace these skincare tips today. Do not let time go by, and enjoy the season too to its fullest.
Also Read: Winter Skin Care Routine: Tips for Healthy and Radiant Skin
