Online Reporter
THE colder months can take a toll on our skin, often leaving it dry, rough, chapped and flaky.
And this can affect all areas of the body, including the face, hands, stomach and legs.
Ever wondered what causes skin to become dry, especially in the colder months?
Or what you can do to prevent this from happening?
Here is the lowdown on dry skin in winter what causes it, how to care for it at home and when to seek medical advice.
Why does skin get dry in winter?
As the icy, cold weather arrives and dry skin starts to appear, you may find yourself asking why is my skin so dry in winter?
When temperatures plummet, there is less moisture in the air, causing our skin to become dry more easily.
Plus, while having the heating or fireplace on in the winter can make indoor spaces feel cozy, heating devices can also reduce humidity levels in the air causing the skin to dry out.
Symptoms of dry skin in winter
The most common symptoms of dry skin are irritation, flakiness, roughness, itchiness, stinging and cracks or scales that appear on the surface.
Dryness can affect different parts of the body in various ways, for example dry hands can feel itchy with noticeable fine lines, the skin on the face can feel tight and uncomfortable, and the feet can feel rough and cracked.
How to combat dry skin in winter
Face:
Do: Moisturise every day
Wondering how to cure dry skin in the winter?
Using a good moisturiser is essential.
Ideally, moisturise twice a day (in the morning and evening).
This boosts your skin’s hydration, helping it seal in moisture, and softens dry, flaky skin.
To help seal in moisture overnight, try slugging.
Once you have applied your usual skincare products, apply a thin layer of Vaseline® Original Healing Jelly.
This helps to lock in your other skincare goodies as you sleep, so you can start the day with moisturised skin.
Body:
Do: Apply lotion before bed
Here is a hack for dry skin in winter: Slather your body with lotion before you snooze, allowing your skin to lap up some much-needed moisture overnight.
Lips:
Do: Always keep a lip balm handy
Your lips can become chapped and dry in winter quicker than the rest of your body.
This is primarily because the skin on your lip is thinner than on the rest of your body, and it also do not contain sweat or oil glands (meaning it cannot self-replenish with moisture).
Investing in a lip balm you love is always a good idea. It provides dry lips with essential hydration while locking in moisture and instantly soothing skin and is easy to reapply when you are on-the-go.
Don’t: Lick your lips
We understand the urge to lick your lips when they feel dry, but it will only make matters worse.
Saliva contains digestive enzymes that can damage the delicate skin of the lips, leaving it drier than it was before.
Takeaway:
Vaseline, or petroleum jelly, can help to keep you warm in cold weather by providing a barrier on your skin that locks in moisture and protects against wind and cold.
It can prevent wind chill from affecting your skin and help reduce the risk of frostbite by creating a protective layer.
However, while it can provide some insulation and hydration, it is not a substitute for appropriate clothing or other forms of insulation.
For best results in cold weather, it’s advisable to wear layered clothing. — Online.
