The colder months can wreak havoc on your skin. You may notice your hands are becoming chapped and flaky. Your face may feel tight and dry. We know cold weather causes dry skin, but why? And what are the easiest ways to fix it?
When the temperature drops, so does the humidity level. Warm air holds more moisture than cold air. Consequently, during the winter months, what little moisture remains is quickly sucked into the air. It evaporates from your body, leaving your skin, nose, and throat parched. It’s the same reason you see a cloud of “smoke” or “fog” whenever you exhale.
As a result of the cold weather, you probably crank up the heat in your house. This too can dry out your skin, as well as cause chapped lips, dry nose (which causes nosebleeds), and dry throat. Taking hot showers or baths can also pull the moisture from your skin.
Anyway you look at it, unless you proactively combat this drying out, you’ll be looking at a long few months of chapped and sore skin. Here are some tips we have to keep your skin smooth and healthy:
- Use a mild, fragrance-free soap or use a soapless cleanser such as Cerave cleanser, which you can purchase at Pure Apothecary. After bathing, pat dry with a towel as opposed to rubbing the skin roughly.
- Apply a moisturizing cream (not lotion) twice daily, immediately after bathing and again at some point during the day.
- Avoid all fragranced products such as body lotions, perfumes, and detergent, as they can further irritate dry skin.
- Don’t scratch! Scratching can make things much worse and can lead to a cycle of itching and scratching.
- A humidifier at night will help replenish moisture in the air. Don’t have a humidifier? Leave water in your sink or tub with a towel draped over the edge to act as a wick.
If your dry skin lingers even after temperatures rise, it may be time to see a dermatologist. We would be happy to work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Contact us today to get started!