Cold Weather Skin Woes: Managing Dryness in Winter
Winter brings a change in the air, a chill that seeps into our bones and – unfortunately – our skin. It’s a time when many of us face a common foe: dry, itchy skin that stems from the colder air and reduced humidity levels from our home heating. The cold air outside and the toasty warmth indoors create a perfect storm for skin dryness. Add in those long, hot showers we love to take, and it's a recipe for parched skin. Dryness leads to irritation, redness, and that incessant itch which requires scratching and creates rashes.
The hero in this battle against dry skin? Moisturization! Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides in skin creams and lotions that lock in moisture, and steer clear of products with alcohol, fragrances, and harsh chemicals that can worsen the issue. By understanding the causes and implementing simple but effective skin care practices, you can combat the winter dry skin and rashes to keep your skin happy and healthy.
As always, building a simple yet effective routine is key:
Use gentle soaps or cleansers to avoid stripping away natural oils
Apply moisturizer generously to seal in hydration immediately after each shower or bath
Reapply throughout the day, especially on exposed areas like your face and hands
Extra measures to help protect your skin through the colder months:
Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated
Consider adding a humidifier to your indoor spaces for air moisture.
Avoid hot showers as it strips away natural oils and also triggers itching.
Need recommendations for moisturization?
Silky Hands by Yen MD– Our patients love this formula for their dry cracking hands!! This product was created during the pandemic when everyone’s hands were so dry from all the handwashing and hand sanitizers!
Green Tea Moisturizer by Yen MD– Our #1 moisturizer for anywhere on your body to soothe, combats skin damage, and locks in nourishing hydration with green tea extract. Enjoy the health benefits of green tea while keeping your skin soft. Read about the power of antioxidants here
Phyto Serum by Yen MD– Our best-selling serum for your face packs a plethora of health-boosting effects with hyaluronic acid and natural, green chlorophyll. This super-serum does more than moisturizing – read about the extra benefits of chlorophyll here