How to Take Care of Skin in Cool Climates

When the temperature grows cooler, people frequently experience dry skin and hair. As the weather turns colder and dryer, many individuals generate less sebum (oil) to naturally moisturize their skin. Less vitamin D from sun exposure and discomfort from cold wind in the face are other contributing causes. As the heat turns on, the air inside becomes drier, and a closed-off house can result in mold growth and toxin exposure, both of which can worsen skin conditions.

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Dandruff, chapped lips, and eczema flare-ups are a few more issues that might appear in the winter. Scaling, dull skin and hair, and even breaking and painful skin might occur in certain people. The usual skin barrier is disrupted in many cases, causing dry skin to suffer greater harm and making it easier for irritants and allergens to enter.

You may guard your skin in a number of ways against the harm that chilly temperatures can do to it. These treatments comprise both internal and exterior actions:

1. Apply the Proper Moisturizer

After bathing, it's important to moisturize damp skin with lotions or oils. Whatever product you choose, it's crucial to apply it when the skin is still damp or wet in order to seal in moisture. It's crucial to consider the contents of a cream before purchasing one to soothe your skin. All creams contain a preservative to prevent the growth of germs and fungus as well as a surfactant to keep water and oil from segregating. Some people may experience adverse responses to these chemicals, fragrance, and other compounds, especially if they are applied to skin that is already sensitive or inflamed. Finding out what your skin can and cannot handle may need some background research because many creams have the same chemicals. In general, the following ingredients should be avoided in creams such as, Formaldehyde releasers, like DMDM hydantoin, Imidazolidinyl urea, Quaternium-15 and Parabens.

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Using pure oil rather of a cream formulation may be a preferable option for people with sensitive skin to hydrate without causing irritation. To keep skin moisturized, you'll need to reapply every few hours. The longer the oil stays on and continues to operate, the thicker the oil must be. Shea butter and beeswax-thickened olive oil are two examples of applications that last longer. You can try a different oil if one causes your skin to respond poorly. Antibodies can cause acute allergic reactions, or lymphocytes might cause delayed allergic reactions. 

2. In the Winter, Take Fewer Baths

Spending less time, less frequently, and with less hot water and soap in the shower or bath may be the most crucial step in preventing dryness. To leave moisture on the skin's surface after bathing, use a cleansing bar that has additional oils incorporated.

3. Drinking enough of water, the right vitamins, and other nutrients

The best way to prevent dry skin in cold weather is to drink extra water—at least four glasses daily in addition to the amount you take with meals. Additionally, consuming more omega-3 fatty acids helps support healthy skin hydration.

Overwashing your hair may leave it dry, especially in the colder months when your skin produces less oil. Scaling may get worse for people with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff at this time. Both eating flaxseed and taking omega-3 fish oils can help with dry skin and hair. Omega 3 essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and preserve the skin barrier; as a result, they may assist to treat a variety of inflammatory skin conditions.

It can be difficult to take care of your skin in the cold since it requires adjusting your routine and because some products might irritate skin that has already been compromised. By maintaining the proper ratio of internal and external products, you can both improve your look during the autumn and winter and stop the cycle of inflammatory changes that results from a damaged skin barrier.

Reference: National Library of Medicine