Our weather changes throughout the year, and this can affect how our skin responds to both the air temperature and the amount of moisture in the air. Therefore, our skin care routine and the products we use must change, too. What works well during the summer months may not work well in the winter. Are you prepared for the coming winter months?
How winter affects our skin
As we move through the year, it is important to make sure our skin care routine fits with the conditions of each season. We should be aware of how cold temperatures and dry winter air affect our skin, that harsh winter winds can strip away moisture from our skin, and how snow and ice can increase damage from the sun’s harmful UVB rays.
While it isn’t necessary to change every product we use each season, it is important to understand what effects winter weather can have on our skin and what we can do to protect our skin when it is more vulnerable. Studies have shown that colder temperatures in the winter and the decreased amount of moisture in the air cause our skin to become drier, itchier, and more easily irritated. Additionally, the increased use of indoor heaters and fireplaces can cause our skin to lose even more moisture. Our body tries to protect itself from these changes by increasing the thickness of the top layer of our skin to reduce the amount of water loss. In addition, when we are exposed to extreme cold temperatures, the blood vessels in our skin constrict, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in our skin.
While many people associate winter weather with problems such as coughs and colds, often the first place we notice the effect that cold weather has on our bodies is on our skin. Dry, chapped lips and cracked skin on exposed areas such as our hands and fingers can occur very quickly during the winter. While dry skin can vary significantly in how it affects people, common signs include cracks, flaking, itching, redness, rough patches, stinging, and being especially sensitive to touch.
Keeping skin hydrated is essential in preventing dry skin damage. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect our skin from these harsh winter conditions. Here are some suggestions:
- Adding moisture to your indoor air with a humidifier can help.
- Choose gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers that don’t contain harsh chemicals.
- Using an ointment or a cream to moisturize your skin is often a better choice than a lotion, because these thicker products can be more effective and less irritating.
- Limit showers and baths to less than 15 minutes, wash in warm not hot water, and moisturize your body immediately after washing to keep the moisture on your skin.
- Wear sunscreen all year long, even in winter. Snow and ice can cause the sun’s rays to reflect back on your skin, hitting it from additional directions.
- Don’t forget to moisturize your lips.
If you need help selecting appropriate products or understanding how to use them, speak with our London Drugs Pharmacists. Or if shopping in the cosmetics department, ask one of our Beauty Advisors for assistance. We are here to help you.
