How to Protect Your Skin in Winter
By: Amy Niu
The winter months are quickly approaching. Colder temperatures and low humidity can present problems for your skin, but there are ways to combat them.
Keep skin moisturized during the winter
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the drop in temperature and decreased humidity that is associated with the winter season means it is harder for human skin to retain moisture. University of Utah Health says that as the temperature drops, there is less moisture in the air, so moisture is drawn out of our skin.
People who do not have skin issues such as dry, itchy skin can experience these issues in the winter, and people who already have these issues can see their symptoms exacerbated as the environment grows cooler [2]. It is therefore important to make sure your skin — hands, feet, and face in particular — is protected from the elements and your lips are protected with lip balm [1]. Additionally, keeping the skin barrier tight means it is not as easy for moisture to be drawn out by the air [2].
To keep your skin moisturized, University of Utah Health recommends applying moisturizer on damp skin immediately after washing. Patting your skin dry with a towel helps to retain moisture, as does applying moisturizer more than once a day [2].
When it comes to which type of moisturizer to use, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends moisturizing creams or ointments over lotions, noting that they are more effective and less irritating. Additionally, University of Utah Health states that lotions sold with pump dispensers are liquified with water or alcohol so they can pass through the pump [2].
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests switching to heavier creams for the winter [1]. Moisturizing creams lock in moisture and are good for dry skin and rashes, according to Healthline. Ointments, on the other hand are medicated, which can alleviate skin conditions like eczema, and also trap in moisture [3]. Thus, they can also work well for dry skin
[3]. According to Healthline, ointments are meant for use on patches of skin, whereas creams can be used all over skin. In the winter, creams with ceramides or hyaluronic acid prevent the skin barrier from breaking down [4].
When your skin is dry or sensitive, University of Utah Health suggests using mild cleansers that don’t have fragrances, as harsher cleaning products are designed to strip the skin of natural oils. Shorter, lukewarm showers and baths are less likely than long and hot ones to wash off the skin’s natural oils [2]. According to UC Health, removing the skin’s natural oils causes dryness.
Stay warm and stay moisturized
Indoor heat sources like fireplaces, space heaters, wood-burning stoves, and furnaces decrease the amount of moisture in an indoor space as they create dry heat [1]. Just like with low humidity in the air outside, dry heat causes dry and irritated skin [1]. Thus, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests layering on clothes rather than relying on indoor heating to stay warm.
Using a humidifier is a good way to increase the amount of moisture in the area and can keep skin moisturized [1]. Humidifiers emit a fine mist into the air, achieving an optimal moisture level of between 40 percent and 60 percent [4].
According to University of Utah Health, humidifiers sometimes attach onto furnaces, which can return moisture into the air and prevent your skin from drying out. UC Health suggests placing a humidifier in the areas of the home where you spend the most time, such as the bedroom. Additionally, keeping the thermostat on low or moderate heat helps maintain an optimal moisture level in the home [4].
Works Cited:
[1] https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin#:~:text=(January%2031%2C%202023)%
20%E2%80%94,dry%20skin%20and%20cracked%20lips
[2] https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2019/12/dont-let-winter-zap-your-skin
[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/ointment-vs-cream#comparison
[4] https://www.uchealth.com/en/media-room/articles/winter-skin-care-tips-for-preventing-dry-crack
ing-skin#:~:text=Overly%20long%2C%20hot%20baths%20or,natural%20oils%2C%20leading%
20to%20dryness
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