Winter is here and with it often comes skin dryness, tightness and sensitivity. So, what can you do about it?
To find out the answer, we reached out to Dr Lauren Thomas, a doctor at Software.
In this article, she explains how winter can affect your skin and scalp, and what you can do to keep both healthy and hydrated, no matter how cold it gets.
How can winter impact your skin and scalp health?
According to Dr Thomas, several weather changes that happen in winter can impact your skin.
These include colder temperatures, reduced humidity, indoor heating (which increases dry heat and takes moisture out of the air), hotter showers (which can result in dryness and increased histamine, leading to itching), and an increase in wind.
“Because of these changes in winter, the skin can struggle to retain moisture. This can lead not only to dry skin but also cracked and flaky lips,” Dr Thomas said.
Does winter impact everyone’s skin?
While anyone can experience dry skin, a dry scalp and cracked lips as a result of the cooler temperatures, for people with certain skin conditions, the impact can be greater.
“Individuals with eczema will often experience worsening of their eczema in the winter months because of the reduced moisture in the air – inside and outside,” Dr Thomas said.
“Switching to warmer fabrics such as wool and polyester can also contribute to irritation in eczema.
“Raynaud’s phenomenon is another condition, however much less well known compared to eczema, which also worsens in the cold. For some, it actually occurs exclusively in winter.
“In this condition, when certain areas of the body get cold, they become frozen or numb because of poor blood circulation. This then results in colour changes (including white, red and blue) and can be associated with pain. The areas at risk include fingers, toes, ears and the nose.
“Chilblains can also occur in the winter. These are small itchy or sore lumps that develop on the skin as an abnormal response to cold weather because of poor blood circulation, most commonly on the fingers and toes.
“Raynaud’s and chilblains can occur together, but also separately. To avoid winter flare-ups, keeping your hands and feet warm with thick socks and gloves is essential. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking and limiting caffeine can also help with improving your circulation.”
Lastly, Dr Thomas mentions that people on Roaccutane are also more likely to feel the impacts of winter on their skin.
“One of Roaccutane’s most common side effects is lip dryness. In some individuals, this side effect may be more extensive resulting in a dry nose, eyes and/or skin. Wearing moisturising lip balms and moisturiser will help prevent running into any issues.”
Dr Lauren Thomas.
Tips for keeping your skin and scalp hydrated
Whether you have one of the skin conditions mentioned above, or simply want to prevent winter skin dryness, Dr Thomas recommends you:
- Apply moisturiser immediately after washing your face or showering, as having your skin be ever so slightly damp to the touch can help trap water and moisturiser into the skin
- Have warm showers instead of excessively hot ones
- If having hot baths or using heated spas, limit the time spent inside
- Use gentle skincare products
- Use ointment or thicker cream-based products
- Cut back on the frequency of active products, if you are getting dryness and irritation
- Consider not washing your hair as often.
As for which skincare ingredients to prioritise in winter, Dr Thomas highlights urea, ceramides, glycerine and hyaluronic acid as good options. Also be sure to apply SPF every single day!