Have you noticed your skin becoming drier as temperatures start to drop? You aren’t alone. Many individuals experience issues with dry, irritated skin during the wintertime. In fact, winter weather is one of the most common causes of dry skin. Changes in humidity and temperature can have a real effect on our skin, but that doesn’t mean we can’t maintain healthy skin during the winter months. Follow these tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to see healthier, moisturized skin during this colder season.
Why does our skin get dry during the winter?
Low outdoor humidity combined with drier indoor conditions due to central heating systems, space heaters, and fireplaces lower moisture levels in the air around us. When the air itself lacks moisture, our skin cannot receive adequate hydration, leading to dry, cracked, and irritated skin.
How can I fix my dry skin?
If your dry skin is a result of winter weather conditions, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends you try the following steps to reduce dryness and increase moisture:
1. Moisturize daily.
Make sure you’re moisturizing every time you cleanse your skin. When we bathe, we often wash off existing moisture in addition to germs and dirt. Moisturizers such as ointments or creams can replenish lost moisture.
2. Use ointments or creams.
While it may sound like a good idea to use lotions to moisturize your skin, ointments or creams are often more effective at moisturizing and result in less skin irritation.
3. Bathe using warm water.
Unfortunately, hot showers or baths can wash away the skin’s natural oils. Instead, try lukewarm showers to prevent further trauma to the skin.
4. Use fragrance-free, gentle skincare.
Avoid perfumed soaps and lotions, deodorant soaps, and products containing alcohol that strip away necessary natural oils from your skin.
5. Consult a board-certified dermatologist.
Sometimes dry skin isn’t caused by the weather. If you’re still experiencing dry skin after following the above steps, consult a TPMG board-certified dermatologist to pinpoint the cause of your dry skin.
Dry Skin Treatment in Newport News, VA
While cold weather can impact dry skin, other factors can also cause your skin to lose moisture, including:
- Frequent bathing/over-cleansing
- Aging
- Using harsh soaps/laundry detergents
- Sun damage
- Other medical conditions
Dry skin isn’t often life-threatening, but it can affect your confidence and quality of life. If you cannot find relief from dry skin, consult a TPMG board-certified dermatologist in Newport News, VA to learn more about how you can attain healthy, moisturized skin.
The information shared is not intended to be medical advice nor is it meant to replace a professional consultation with a healthcare provider. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of TPMG or its providers and physicians.
