Dec 3, 2021
Time to Stay Away From Dry Skin in Winter
Stay away from dry skin this and every winter
Only after a few months in the cold, I have learned so much about my skin and how the cold weather has changed it. I recently migrated to the US from a hot & humid country in the Tropics. Growing up there my skin was adapted to the climate and we both have found ways to cope. Now it is a different ball game and my skin has to re-adapt to another climate.
What does the cold weather do to the skin?
When it is cold out the skin becomes rough and dry, contrary to hot weather. During the summer months, the body’s internal temperature is elevated leading to flushing, sweating, and dirt buildup in pores and the skin. In an attempt to prevent the skin from drying out the sebaceous gland secrete sebum to maintain moist glowing skin.
In the cold, it is much different. The majority of the blood vessels to the skin constrict to conserve heat energy. Unfortunately, this doesn’t help the skin either. Less blood gets to the dermis and epidermis, also decreasing water and oxygen delivery. Then the pores of the skin close off, preventing the backup, sebum, and sweat release. The result is dry scaly skin.
Dr. Helen Raynham's blog “How Different Weather Affects Your Complexion” explained more about how cold weather after the skin. Unfortunately, heating the air around you doesn’t help much. The hot air from central units is very low in moisture which contributes to drying the skin and leaves it itchy. If that’s not worse, the dead cells will clog pores leading to acne if you hadn’t already had. And trust me I know!
How to fix this problem?
Fixing a skincare problem is what this Medium page is all about. Since I’m going through the same problem I looked up some professional help to deal with the dilemma. And you’re in luck because I found help. Dr. Helen Raynham advised changing the cleanser and moisturizer. 3 things you should do during winter to keep your skin looking supple and fresh.
- Use a gentle cleanser — switch out your regular cleanser with my personal favorite Soap and Glory Vitamin C facial cleanser.
- Use an exfoliant — These are most useful for removing the cellular buildup, which you need. But remember to be gentle. The skin is already dry and fragile, so the gentle daily exfoliant every 2 days does the trick.
- Use a heavier moisturizer. Try not to get a greasy one, this can cause another problem. I don’t have examples of heavy moisturizers since I believe in the products I already use. There are 2 moisturizers I stand by Aveeno daily moisturizer and the CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 and Hyaluronic Acid. And of course retinol serum for the spots.
Note well: If you have products you trust and they work during the winter then stick with them. Sometimes changing your products can do more harm than good. But If you are looking for skincare tips then you can try the products above.
Conclusion
The winter period can put a toll on the skin, but with just a few changes in the skincare routine, you can fix this problem before it starts. Start on a gentle cleanser, use a mild exfoliant and apply heavier moisturizer and you can do well.
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