7 Tips To Soothe Dry Skin in the Winter
Winter is here, and for many of us, that means dealing with dry, flaky skin. In the winter, your skin is more prone to drying out due to lower humidity levels and the impact of harsher weather conditions. Dry skin may cause itching, irritation, and a lack of overall comfort. Fortunately, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help you soothe and hydrate your dry skin this winter. So, grab your favorite moisturizer, and let’s explore how you can keep your skin glowing all winter long.
7 Ways to Achieve Healthy Skin in Winter
Whether you are looking to prevent or treat the effects of dry winter skin, these seven tips are sure to help. To make the most of these tips, we recommend mixing and matching them to find the perfect combination for you. Remember, everyone’s skin is different, so it may take some trial and error before you find the right soothing routine.
1. Limit Your Time in Hot Water to Avoid Dry Skin
Long, hot showers or baths can feel relaxing, but they may actually strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Try to keep your showers or baths at a lukewarm temperature, and avoid staying in the water for too long. Moreover, oatmeal baths are a great option for naturally soothing and moisturizing dry skin. If you want to indulge in a long soak in hot water, use a moisturizing body wash to replenish your skin’s natural moisture.
2. Moisturize Often
One of the best ways to combat dry, flaky skin during the winter is to keep your skin moisturized. Apply a good quality moisturizer to your skin immediately after showering or bathing while your skin is still damp. This will help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated throughout the day. You can also apply a thicker moisturizer before bed to give your skin extra hydration overnight.
3. Exfoliate Dry Skin Gently
A build-up of dead skin cells often causes flaky and dry skin. Exfoliating may get rid of any dead skin cells that are lingering on the surface of your skin. However, it is essential to be gentle when exfoliating. Over-exfoliating may further irritate your skin and make matters worse.
Therefore, we recommend exfoliating a few times a week, using a gentle exfoliant such as a scrub with fine granules or a soothing chemical exfoliant like lactic acid. Before choosing an exfoliant, consult with a dermatologist to make sure it is suitable for your skin type.
4. Use Gentle, Fragrance-free Products
Many skincare products, soaps, and lotions contain harsh chemicals and detergents that may irritate dry, sensitive skin during the winter. To avoid further dryness and irritation, opt for products that are labeled as gentle, fragrance-free, or for sensitive skin. This may help keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and soothed during the winter months.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is crucial for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out. During the winter months, our skin tends to lose moisture due to the dry air. Therefore, it’s important to drink enough water to replenish the lost hydration. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, or more, if you’re exercising or spending time outside in cold weather. Consuming water-rich fruits and vegetables may also help keep your skin from drying out. In addition, herbal teas and warm water with lemon can be beneficial for your overall hydration.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Elements
When you’re spending time outside this winter, make sure to protect your skin from the cold, wind, and sun. Cover up with a scarf, gloves, and a hat, and use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. The cold, dry winter air may be harsh on your skin, causing dryness, irritation, and even chapping. Covering up and protecting your skin may assist in keeping it moisturized and healthy.
Additionally, using sunscreen, even during the winter, will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays that may cause damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
7. Seek an Expert Opinion from a Dermatologist
If you suffer from dry skin that is red and itchy, or if you have patches of scaly skin, rash-like bumps, or any other symptoms, it may be a sign of an underlying skin condition. If this is the case, it is best to seek professional help from a dermatologist. At Zebra Telehealth, we can provide fast, convenient virtual care to diagnose and treat your skin condition from the comfort of your home.
Our dermatologists are available online to answer any questions and provide the best course of treatment. With Zebra Telehealth, you can get the help you need to soothe and nourish your dry skin this winter.
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