It’s that time of year again – and while you can’t exactly change the weather, there are things you can do to help your skin stay as fresh and healthy as possible. Five of the most common skin issues you may experience during the winter months are dryness, itchiness, irritation, redness, and chapped lips. Here are some effective solutions for five common winter skin issues.
Dryness
Aside from the usual cold weather and flu, winter brings along a few other skin issues that are not fun to deal with. These include dry skin, flaky skin, rash, itchiness and even cracked skin. The good news is that most of these easily remedied. You can also prevent or at least delay them by making a few simple changes to your routine.
To begin with, you should get into the habit of using moisturizer daily. However, you should avoid lotions with high water content because they tend to dry out your skin. Instead, opt for creams with oils and fatty acids.
It’s also a good idea to use a room humidifier. This will not only keep your skin moist, but will also replenish the top layer of your epidermis.
Another way to combat dry skin is to wear protective clothing. Use gloves when you’re outside, and always wear SPF 30 or higher. In addition, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Showering in warm water will also help. Long steamy showers can also irritate your skin. So if you can’t stand the thought of a hot shower, opt for a lukewarm bath.
If you’re dealing with dry skin, you may also notice your hands are a bit itchy. If so, you can try using a 1% hydrocortisone cream on your hands.
While it’s not the first thing that comes to mind, exfoliating is a great way to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Exfoliating regularly is a great way to remove damaged skin cells and facilitate new skin cell growth.
Finally, don’t forget to drink plenty of water. Drinking a lot of water will keep your body hydrated and help to maintain your skin’s natural glow.
Flaky Skin
Dry winter skin is one of the most common complaints during this time of year. You can keep it in check with some simple changes to your daily routine.
One of the most important things you can do for your skin is drink plenty of water. It is also a good idea to use a moisturizer, particularly if you have a dehydrated or oily complexion.
You’ll want to avoid over-scrubbing your skin, as this can exacerbate dryness. Avoid harsh soaps and lotions, and opt for moisturizing products with natural oils.
The winter months can wreak havoc on your skin, causing red, itchy, and irritated patches. Using a humidifier to add moisture to your indoor air is a great way to keep your complexion smooth.
Taking a warm shower is also a good idea. While hot water might seem soothing, it can also be drying. If possible, try to limit your baths to five or ten minutes.
A good moisturizer is an ideal solution for a winter rash. Use a fragrance-free version, as perfumed products can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Exfoliation is a useful way to get rid of dead skin cells and stimulate new cell growth. It’s best to use an exfoliating scrub rather than a pumice stone, as a gentler exfoliation can be just as effective.
Keeping your hands covered while you are outdoors can reduce the risk of getting a winter rash. However, it is important to note that you may want to consult a dermatologist if your rash persists or gets worse.
Other winter skin problems to watch out for include cracking and sun damage. These are usually not as severe as the more common rashes, but you’ll feel the effects of the cold weather.
Irritation and Redness
Winter itch is a common skin issue that many people experience. While it can be uncomfortable, it also easily treated. If you have a persistent itch, consult with your dermatologist. They can recommend a custom treatment plan.
This condition characterized by red bumps, dry skin, and itching. In the winter, these symptoms can develop on almost any part of the body. Some areas, such as the back, chest, and arms, are particularly prone to rashes.
When a person experiences this type of itch, they should use thick, fragrance-free cream to relieve their irritation. Avoid over-the-counter itch-suppressing creams that contain chemicals that can exacerbate the condition.
Itchy and red skin are not only uncomfortable, but they can also lead to further problems. Constant scratching can make your skin rougher and can even damage your skin. Scratching can also lead to bleeding, which could be a sign of infection.
Many people experience eczema in the winter. These conditions can result from changes in temperature, dry air, and other factors. Wearing lightweight clothing can help prevent eczema from forming.
The skin’s protective outer layer, made up of natural oils, broken down by cold, dry weather. The natural oils can lock in moisture and speed up healing.
The most common cause of winter rashes is dry skin. Overheating can also cause the rash. Use a moisturizer after bathing.
You can also avoid cold air by wearing lightweight, thin clothing. Using a humidifier can also help add moisture to your skin.
Your dermatologist can prescribe medications to expand your arteries and increase blood flow. Additionally, a broad-spectrum sunscreen can help protect you from overheating.
Chapped Lips
Some of the solutions for chapped lips include lip balm, moisturizer, and lifestyle adjustments. A combination of home remedies can help to heal and prevent chapped lips for good.
Chapped lips can cause by several different factors, including wind, dehydration, medications, and extreme weather conditions. In addition, certain ingredients found in certain products can make your lips worse.
One of the best solutions for chapped lips is to apply petroleum jelly to your lips. Petroleum jelly is a natural emollient that seals in moisture and creates a protective barrier. Applying a coat of petroleum jelly can relieve your chapped lips for hours.
Coconut oil is another solution for chapped lips. This natural oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and heal the skin. You can buy coconut oil at most grocery stores.
Another solution for chapped lips is to use beeswax. Beeswax can purchase in health food stores and pharmacies. Honey is also a great natural remedy for chapped lips. It can apply to your lips twice a day.
Wearing a scarf can help to keep your lips from exposed to the elements. Similarly, using a humidifier can also provide extra moisture to your lips.
Getting regular medical checkups can help you to detect chapped lips and other skin issues. You may need to see a dermatologist to diagnose your symptoms and get treatment.
Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help to recharge your skin’s moisture levels. Combined with a lip balm, it can help to keep your lips moist overnight.
Exfoliating your lips can also help to remove dead skin cells. Sugar scrubs are great for buffing away flakiness.
UV Damage
A good skin care routine is a must. However, winter can be an especially harsh time of year for your skin. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet rays reflected off snow, ice, and other cold surfaces.
UV radiation can damage your skin, which can cause wrinkles, dryness, and premature aging. In addition, it can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell. Both types are highly curable when treated early.
One way to prevent UV damage is to wear a hat and sunglasses, which protect the head from the rays. You can also use lip balm to keep your lips moisturized. Lip balm labels should include an SPF number.
Sunscreen is another must-have for your winter skincare regimen. It’s important to wear a sunscreen that is effective on a variety of skin types. If you’re going to be skiing, you’ll want to wear goggles that block 99 percent of UV rays.
UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days. For those living in high altitudes, the risk of exposure is greater.
Some people have no idea how harmful UV rays can be to their health. These rays can damage your eyes and cause mottled pigmentation. They can also flare up connective tissue disease.
Keeping your skin safe from UV rays is a year-round commitment. Wearing a hat, applying sunscreen, and having a family member check your scalp are all effective ways to protect yourself.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the U.S. And although it can be very deadly, it can also be curable when caught in the early stages.