While some of us are welcoming the change of scenery that winter brings, it can be hard on your skin. According to Harvard Medical School, “the water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it.” This means the cold, dry conditions cause moisture to evaporate from your skin at a higher rate than other times of the year. Simply put: you’ll get dry skin.
What is the cause of dry skin in the winter?
How to get rid of dry skin in the winter
Since you can’t avoid the cold weather, you’ll need to do other things to help you get rid of dry skin. Yes, moisturizing regularly will help. Make sure to use thick moisturizers that contain oils to help hydrate. You’ll want to moisturize several times a day.
Some other things you can do to help with winter dry skin include:
- Use a humidifier indoors
- Lower thermostat levels
- Limit baths to no more than 10 minutes to prevent stripping away the skin’s oily layer
- Bath in lukewarm water, not hot water to retain natural oils
- Minimize soap use or use moisturizing soaps or soap-free cleansers
- Avoid alcohol cleansing products
- Use bath oils
- Limit the use of bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths that can damage the skin
- Don’t scratch
- Use shaving cream or gel, letting it soak in for several minutes before shaving
- Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and refrain from using fabric softeners
- Avoid fabrics such as wool that can irritate the skin
And while you’re taking care of your own skin, make sure your kid’s skin is protected as well. Of course, they are younger and generally have fewer issues but you may notice a rash from dry winter skin, especially with babies. Use the same remedies as you would for yourself to help provide them with relief (but check with your pediatrician first before applying creams and lotions to babies and young children.) It may be helpful to have a humidifier in each bedroom and main living areas to put much-needed moisture back in the air.
If the rash is severe or the skin is so chapped that it bleeds, you may want to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to find a prescription-based solution.
