How to deal with dry skin this winter
As temperatures drop and winter settles in, we welcome back chunky sweaters, cute berets and steaming bubble baths. Unfortunately it also means the return of dry skin and chapped lips.
While most people may think the best way to treat dry skin is to slather on any type of moisturizer, being ignorant of what’s happening to our skin can make it worse.
From dry itchy skin to dandruff, our bodies need to adapt to the drop in temperature and humidity. Staying hydrated with water, taking vitamins, using a humidifier and moisture-infused products are key to preventing flare-ups.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation – most often on the knees, elbows or scalp. It occurs when new skin cells are produced before we shed the old ones. The build-up creates scaly patches of red skin that can be both itchy and painful. If they get too dry they can crack and bleed. Depending on its severity, treatments range from topical creams to prescription medication.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. It’s similar to psoriasis in that patches of dry skin become red and itchy. The irritated skin can even become crusted. Eczema is linked to a person’s DNA and dry air can trigger flare-ups. The chronic condition requires prescription topical steroids that can hide the condition. A good thick moisturizer can also subdue the frequency of flare-ups.
Rosacea is an inflammation of the skin, commonly affecting the face. Heat often brings on symptoms, meaning it can be triggered by wearing a lot of layers, a hot bath or overly heated rooms. The skin condition isn’t curable, but can be controlled with medical prescriptions or laser treatment. Certain cosmetics can also reduce the appearance of rosacea.
Chapped and cracked skin can be a real pain to deal with. Applying a hydrocortisone cream after bathing can help soothe the skin. If it’s cracked on your hands or feet, putting on stockings or gloves will help trap in the moisture. However, if the skin is severely cracked and irritated, you’ll most likely need something stronger from a doctor.
Dandruff is a condition that causes flakes of dead skin to build-up on your scalp. Cold winters and overheated rooms can trigger the skin inflammation and make it worse. People with dry skin, psoriasis or eczema are more prone to the itchy, flaking skin. Mild cases can be controlled with a delicate cleanser, while more extreme cases will require a medicated shampoo.
Chapped lips can occur anytime of the year, but you may notice it’s more frequent during the winter months. Our lips don’t have a lot of moisture to begin with and they tend to dry quicker when it’s cold. The best way to prevent this from happening is applying a lip cream or balm with ingredients like petrolatum, which locks in moisture, shea butter, natural waxes and sunscreen.
It may seem like a lot to deal with, but keeping your skin hydrated and healthy is important. And fortunately for us Canadians, we only have the cold for a few months of the year!
