Some tips for protecting your skin in the cold weather

        Not all winter flakes come from snow. The cold season, characterized by low relative humidity, takes a toll on our skin, leaving it dry and flaky. Outside of the cold air, indoor heating causes the skin to lose moisture, commonly known as winter itch.

The importance of skin health extends beyond mere aesthetics; It plays an important role in performing essential bodily functions. Among its Countless functions, the skin acts as a shelter against viruses, bacteria, and harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Maintaining healthy skin helps it respond effectively to stimuli such as pain or stress. However, the winter months pose a considerable threat to skin health, contributing to conditions such as xerosis (dry skin) and eczema (itchy, dry, red patches or lesions) of varying severity.

Here are some tips for winter-proof skin

Moisturize daily:

 Choose a petroleum or cream-based moisturizer, especially if you have normal-to-dry skin. Fragrance-free or lanolin-free options are preferable for sensitive skin. Apply moisturizer to damp skin after bathing to lock in surface moisture. 

Gentle Cleansing:

 Cleanse your skin without over-cleansing, as over-cleansing strips away natural moisturizers. Wash your face, hands, feet, and skin folds once a day. For the trunk, arms, and legs, daily washing without soap or cleanser is sufficient.

Limit hot water and soap:

To combat winter itchiness, take short, lukewarm showers with a non-abrasive cleanser. Follow with a thick cream or petroleum jelly-type moisturizer. Gently pat your skin dry. 

Moisturize:

Combat dry air by using a home humidifier, ensuring regular cleaning and water changes per manufacturer's instructions to prevent mold and fungal growth. 

Wind Protection:

Shield your face and use a petroleum-based lip balm. Contains effective skin protectant petroleum and ceramide.

 Avoid overcooling:

Cold temperatures can cause skin diseases or chill. If you notice discoloration, pain, or ulcers on your hands or feet, seek medical attention immediately. Excessive pain and loss of sensation may indicate frostbite.

Protection from the sun:

Winter sun can still damage your skin. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher for extended outdoor exposure. Overexposure to winter sunlight can contribute to incomplete aging and skin cancer.

Avoid winter tanning:

Tanning beds and artificial sun lamps are harmful to the skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Maintain that summer glow with a self-tanner with extra moisturizer to combat potential dryness.

Vitamin D Supplements:

Since natural vitamin D production decreases due to reduced sun exposure in the winter, consider taking supplements to ensure year-round sufficiency.

Consult a dermatologist:

If you experience persistent dryness, scaling, itching, rashes or anything related to skin growth, consult a dermatologist all year round, not just in winter. Skin health requires constant attention and care.