Articles

Managing Dry Winter Skin

Erin Luyendyk, RHN

Central heating, fluctuating humidity and colder temperatures all contribute to the number one skin complaint of the winter: dry skin. Dryness can manifest itself in a number of ways: tight, flaky skin, dull and lack-lustre skin, itchiness, redness, irritation and even to the point of developing inflammations like eczema and dermatitis. Fortunately, a number of strategies can help soothe parched skin quite quickly.

Cleansers and Toners

The first step is to avoid harsh or stripping cleansers and choose non-irritating creamy or gel-cream types of cleanser and body wash instead. Some people with very dry skin even prefer cleansing oil. The same rule applies to toners, ensure all toners are alcohol-free and pH balanced to soothe and hydrate your skin.
Exfoliation

Regular, gentle exfoliation of wet skin using a mesh shower puff or soft loofah (body only) and regular facial microdermabrasion help to remove the layer of hard dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, allowing moisturizing and anti-aging products to penetrate deeper into the skin and work more effectively. Exfoliation also helps keep skin smoother, softer and helps reduce signs of aging which are worsened by dry skin. Most people can exfoliate gently in the shower every day or so, while microdermabrasion can be performed approximately every two-eight weeks depending on skin type.

Moisturizing Products

Moisturizing is such a key component to soft smooth skin yet it is often overlooked. After moisturizing, skin should feel hydrated and comfortable but should not feel heavy or greasy. Hyaluronic acid, a sugar that naturally occurs in our skin and contributes to youthful skin’s plump fullness is an excellent topical moisturizer that does not cause breakouts. Collagen containing creams tend to be richer and deliver a significant amount of moisture into the skin making it a great choice as a night cream or for extremely dry skin. While they are very effective anti-aging treatments, retinol and acids such as glycolic acid or alpha hydroxy acid can be irritating and contribute to dryness and flakiness. Many people find using these products a little less often or on top of a buffering moisturizing cream relieves this problem during the winter months. Even in the winter, the sun’s harmful UV rays still penetrate through clouds and windows leading to aging and potentially deadly skin damage. Ensure you wear a SPF of a minimum of 30 on a daily basis on your face, neck, décolleté, hands and any on any other visible skin.

It is important not to forget to moisturize the rest of your body too. Immediately moisturizing with a rich body cream or oil after showers, baths and hand washing while the skin is still damp is an excellent way to lock moisture in and prevent its loss. If dry hands and feet are a problem, consider applying a rich hand cream or balm to hands and feet at bedtime, cover with cotton gloves or socks and go to bed. You will wake up with silky smooth hands and feet. Take care to reduce exposure of your hands to cold weather, prolonged water contact and other irritants. Wear warm gloves outside, rubber or polyurethane gloves when cleaning and apply hand cream after washing your hands.

Diet and Lifestyle

Essential fatty acids, such as wild oily fish and raw nuts and seeds are critical as they work to moisturize from within and reduce inflammation. Probiotics have also been found to be helpful for those suffering from eczema or psoriasis. If dry itchy skin or eczema persists, food sensitivities can be the culprit and symptoms relieved once the offending foods have been removed from the diet.

Long, hot showers or baths, although they feel great when it is cold outside do increase moisture losses and worsen dry or itchy skin. It is better to have shorter, warm showers or baths instead to minimize these losses.

There is no reason why anyone should have to suffer through this common but uncomfortable condition every winter. Give some of these simple strategies a try, and please feel free to contact us with any further questions or concerns.