Darrick Robles Why does the skin dry out in winter?
Winter is problematic for our skin for two reasons. The combination of low humidity outside and dry heating air inside increases the risk of dryness, itching and other skin irritations. When it’s cold, skin releases more moisture than usual. Wind can wear away the natural layer of fat that protects against environmental influences and moisture loss. The skin then has less blood supply, receives fewer nutrients and can no longer protect itself. This is why proper care is all the more important.
The right care for dry winter skin
Is your skin itchy, does it show red spots, eczema or painful cracks? Med-Healths doctor Dr. Vasiliki Vanky has tips for the most common skin problems in winter.
1. Prevent dehydration
First of all, you should take a closer look at your skin structure. The outer layer of skin, called the epidermis, is made up of tiny cells called keratinocytes, which are constantly dying and being renewed. These cells overlap like bricks on a roof and are held together by a fatty substance called sebum (also called sebum). The sebum forms a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and irritants and allergens out.
When these “bricks” become damaged or slip, the skin loses moisture, leading to dryness and irritation. Maintaining this protective barrier is therefore crucial to avoiding most of the skin problems we commonly suffer during the winter.
Protect your skin from dehydration by staying hydrated, using a humidifier or keeping bowls of water around your home to increase humidity, applying moisturizer immediately after showering or bathing, using hand cream after washing your hands, wearing gloves outside , do not smoke if possible and limit your alcohol consumption, as both dry out the skin.
2. Don’t scratch
Avoid scratching yourself, as this will only increase the damage and could lead to a bacterial infection through your hands.
Any fragrance-free moisturizer will relieve the itch. However, so-called emollients – such as petroleum jelly or paraffin-based creams – are particularly effective because they contain fat and restore the skin’s waterproof barrier.
“The terms emollients and moisturizers are often used interchangeably,” explains Dr. Vanky. “Both are moisturizing. But emollients, often called ointments, are richer and have a moisturizing property, while relatively liquid products are also available as moisturizers.”
“If you use emollients several times a day, you should have fewer skin problems after a few weeks. If there is no improvement, you should probably get a prescription for a cortisone cream,” says Dr. Vanky.
Talk to a doctor if you have recurring or severe skin problems, or if your symptoms don’t improve after 7 to 14 days of self-treatment.
3. Wash less often
Excessive washing strips the skin of sebum and natural oils, which keep the cells of the skin’s outer layer in place. This is especially true with hot water and surfactant-based products. Excessive washing can damage your skin’s protective barrier, leading to dryness and irritation.
To increase the moisture content of your skin, you should limit the duration of your shower or bath to 5 to 10 minutes use warm water rather than hot use only as much shower gel as necessary avoid fragrances in shower gels and soaps
4. Increase humidity
Central heating reduces humidity, which damages the skin barrier and can lead to dry, itchy skin. Alternating between the cold, dry air outside and the warm indoor air can put additional strain on the skin.
Humidifiers are helpful for some winter skin sufferers because they increase the relative humidity. However, there is no clear evidence that they reduce skin dryness. In addition, they can increase the concentration of dust mites, which also cause irritation. If you want to try this tip, first place a water bowl in each room. This has essentially the same effect without having to buy a humidifier right away.
5. Gentle on dry skin
Repeated rubbing and scratching of dry skin can result in thickened, often red patches. These occur most commonly on the hands and feet and can lead to painful cracks.
Some studies also suggest that low temperatures and low humidity boost inflammatory responses in your skin. This may make the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens.
If these patches of skin don’t go away after using a moisturizer, you may want to apply a cortisone cream daily for up to 2 weeks.
6. Protect from windburn
Wind dries out the skin, which can lead to roughness and tiny cracks. This accelerates the loss of natural moisture and reduces the elasticity of the skin. It also allows damaged skin cells to shed faster—and with it, any sunscreen or moisturizer you’ve applied. Over time, this combination of wind and sun damage accelerates skin aging.
Prevent skin problems by wearing protective clothing, using a rich, moisturizing sunscreen when outdoors on windy days, and applying sunscreen regularly.
7. Prevent eczema flare-ups
Cold, dry weather can be troublesome for people with eczema. It can promote atopic eczema. dr Vanky explains, “The best defense against dry skin and eczema is to use moisturizer every day.”
Dry Skin: When to See a Doctor?
If you’ve already followed the advice above and the eczema still doesn’t go away, make an appointment with Med-Healths. Before your appointment, you can send the doctor photos of the affected skin areas, which you can take at your leisure at home.
The doctor will help you to identify the cause of your skin complaints and, if necessary, prescribe a medication to help against dry skin.
