Skin Care: How to Combat Dry Skin In The Winter

Dry skin is an ailment that many people have to deal with. For some people with aging skin, dry skin is an every day occurrence. However, there many external factors that can contribute to dry skin.

What external factors cause dry skin?

Cold air carries less moisture, with ambient temperature having a direct influence when it comes to your skin’s condition. Soaps that are made with heavy sulphates strips the acid mantle on the skin, exposing it to the elements. Sulphates can also alter the pH on the skin, lending for the dryness. Excessive use of chemical exfoliants can also create dry skin that will have difficulty healing itself. Also, hot showers can rob the skin of its natural oils.

Is my dry skin caused by infections?

The most common symptom of dry skin is tight, flaky skin. Many people think that they are experiencing an infection. Even though this is a possibility, dry skin is sometimes a symptom of something benign and easily controllable, like poor skincare regimens. Dry skin should not be met with boils, crusting, excessive itchiness, or discoloration. If you are experiencing this, then it is important that you visit a dermatologist to underline the cause, since it may be more than just dry skin. Dramatic symptoms can stem from eczema, an allergic reaction, or even hormonal fluctuations. While some cases of excessively dry skin can be linked to liver or diabetes, most cases are due to external or environmental factors that compromise your skin’s ability to regulate its sebum production.

Why do I have dry skin in the winter?

Winters in the UK can be harsh and long, and they can wreck havoc on your skin. Heaters remove moisture from the skin, increasing the chance of you experiencing bouts of scaly skin. Also, constantly entering warm buildings and exiting them just to be met with temperatures that are on the opposite spectrum, can also cause the skin to dry out. The physical action of strong winds, snow, and sleet, can also dry the skin due to the physical action of it constantly rubbing against it.

Skin Care Regimen That Can Help with Dry Skin

Many people use facial cleansers that a full of sulphates and exfoliants like salicylic acid. Even though these are highly effective against acne or premature aging, it is a viable idea to switch out your cleanser for one that is a bit more forgiving. Oil-based cleansers can be effective at preserving the sebum on the skin. You can purchase actual cleansers that are formulated with an oil or simply use an oil like sesame or jojoba oil as a prewash. Some also use petroleum-based products that are approved by dermatologists, like Ponds cream cleansers, to help preserve moisture levels. Try to sway away from physical and chemical exfoliators, or using them sparingly.

Invest in a quality moisturizer. There are moisturizers that are rich in emollients that will not only prevent water from evaporating from the skin, but will be able to attract water molecules in the air. Note that there is no right or wrong way to apply moisturizer, that there is an effective and ineffective way of applying it. For the best moisturization, apply your moisturizer immediately after patting the clean with a towel. You do not want to apply your moisturizer on dripping wet skin as this can dilute the active ingredients in your moisturizer. Applying it on skin that is too dry will not help preserve the small amount of moisture that is in your skin after you wash it. For chronic dryness, invest in a rich night cream to circumvent the exposure of external aggressors like high winds, snow, or large temperature differences.

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