The Dry Skin Blues

Dry skin is in the air. But just because the winter weather is cold, dry, and unappealing, your skin doesn’t need to be. The medical term for this very common ailment is xerosis. Symptoms look different depending on the affected area of your body, and range in severity. As the winter season drones on, there are several reasons that make it more difficult to keep your skin supple. 

Decrease in your body’s natural oils. Thanks to natural oils which function as a protective barrier, your skin traps humidity and essential moisture. Due to additional washing and frequent hand sanitizer use, there is a decrease in these natural oils. Washed away and evaporated, your natural barrier can’t perform well, leaving less moisture for your skin to trap and absorb.  

A perfect storm of environmental conditions. Not only is the winter humidity outside lower, but cold temperatures mean you’re spending more time inside, where you’re exposed to forced air or dry heat. This is not ideal for your skin. Decreases in humidity indoors or outdoors cause dry skin. It doesn’t matter if you heat your home using oil, wood, or electricity, your skin gets dry.  

Less sunlight exposure. Due to the natural ebb and flow of the seasons, you’re exposed to less sunlight in the winter. Sunlight in the right doses is necessary for your body to make vitamin D. Vitamin D is a natural anti-inflammatory, and dermatologists look to Vitamin D to calm many skin conditions.  

Boost your skincare regime. You can be proactive during these colder months. As the seasons change, your skincare routine may need to change too. What works well for your skin in the summer months may not be getting the job done in winter. If you’re over the age of 40, your skin produces less oil. Your skin is naturally drier, so you should be applying moisturizer more often year-round. 

 Change it up. Switching to a thick, oil-based moisturizer rather than a water-based moisturizer can help winter-dry skin. The oil creates that protective layer that retains more moisture. Use deep-hydrating products, and avoid alcohol-based toners or astringents, which contribute to dry skin. Skip the exfoliants and scrubs used in the warmer months. These can be harmful as the days get colder. Look for fragrance-free moisturizers and laundry detergent. The better they smell, typically the more irritating they are for your skin.  

Length and frequency of showers and baths. Long, hot showers may feel good on a chilly day, but they aren’t great for your skin. The heat in the water releases the oils from your skin. The warmer the water, the drier your skin is going to end up.  

Moisturize right after showering. Pat your skin with a towel and immediately apply moisturizer, allowing the skin to absorb the moisture. When moisturizer is applied to very dry skin, it’s not going to be as helpful because there’s no moisture to trap.  

Protect your hands. Dry skin is extremely common on your hands and fingers, even causing cracking and bleeding. The skin on your hands is thinner than most parts of your body and has fewer oil glands, making it harder to keep your hands moist. Wear gloves outside and inside when doing dishes or cleaning. 

Use a humidifier. Humidifiers get moisture in the air. Adding more humidity to the room where you sleep can greatly reduce the effects of spending time in dry and low-humidity spaces.  

Seek a specialist. Standing in front of the shelves in the moisturizer aisle can be intimidating. Asking advice from your primary care provider can be a good investment, even just one time. They can analyze your skin type and give you the best advice on what skin care product is right for you. Your pharmacist may also be able to give you some great advice. 

Just as the clothes in your closet change with the seasons, your skin care routine may also need a change. Give your skin a little love to keep it looking and feeling soft, smooth, and vibrant all winter. 

Heidi Kutz 

Education Specialist, ViaroThrive 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com