As the old get colder, our skin gets drier and chapped. The air during the winter in dry which strips the skin of the oils that help to moisturize. This can then result in severely dry skin and flare ups of other skin conditions. It is important to understand the skin, to better understand how to take care of it.

What causes skin to become dry

Our skin is made up of 3 major layers (Epidermis, Dermis, and Subcutaneous). The stratum corneum is the outer layer of skin. Water, held in by oils, is what helps to keep this layer of skin smooth.

When there is not sufficient water retained by this layer of skin, dry skin occurs.

Caring for Dry Skin

It is important to be aware of what things contribute to dry skin. Understanding what contributed to dried out skin, helps one to better formulate how they can take care of their skin.

Showers and baths should be keep relatively short to avoid harshness to the skin. About 10 minutes every day using warm water, with a minimal amount of soap. When the bathing is finished moisturize! This helps to retain the water into the skin.

“As soon as the weather gets dry, I tell my patients to start a regular regime of moisturizing. The best time to do it is right after they bathe,” – Dr. Menter

Stress, clothing, and lifestyle are also areas to take into consideration when dealing with skin and various skin conditions. Some skin conditions are triggered by stress. Reducing stress and using managing your skin care routine can help keep your stress levels and dry skin in check.

Clothes while very stylish, may not always be the best materials for our skin to breathe in. Loose, breathable fabrics help to reduce chafing and irritants that may cause a flare up.

Lastly, lifestyle. Really lifestyle is all inclusive. Exercise, diet, hygiene all play a part in your health of your skin. Remaining around all around healthy and aware of what issues may be occuring with your skin in part to how you are living is imperative.

Fight the Cold!

Do not let the dry air of winter mess with your skin. Combat the cold with moisturizing, comfy clothing, and a lifestyle that takes care of your overall general well-being!

References

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (2017. Winter Dry Skin. Retrieved from

https://uihc.org/health-library/winter-dry-skin

Health. How to Care for Problem Skin in The Winter. Retrieved from

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20307071,00.html#bathe-briefly-0