Dryness and cracks: how to take care of skin in winter

Frost, harsh winds and dry air – the winter months can be quite harsh on our skin. Importantly, you need to switch up your skincare approach at this time of year if you want a minimum of problems with it. If you don’t, it’s likely that your skin will become dry and cracked, which can be quite uncomfortable and even painful. “Championship” consulted with dermatologist Maria Vasilieva and found out what you need to do to look and feel your best, even in winter.

What problems can occur with the skin in winter?

Dry skin on the face and hands. When winter comes, the air becomes drier, which spoils the skin. To combat this, you need to replace your regular moisturizers with more “heavy” moisturizers. A thick moisturizer should be applied daily to heal and prevent dry skin. Apply it in the morning within minutes of getting out of the shower to maximize absorption. If dry skin is slowly leaving you, here’s another great tip to keep it in shape: use a moisturizer. A humidifier is a great preventative measure, as it increases the humidity of dry air in your home again.

Dry hands are one of the most common problems we face during the cold winter months. The weather often leaves them chapped and irritated. Always protect your hands from the cold air by wearing gloves when you go outside. Another tip: moisturize your hands after washing them. Soap removes the grease from your skin. This is what helps keep your hands soft. So always have some sort of moisturizer on hand.

Cracked lips. To keep your lips soft and supple, protect them with a lip balm with beeswax or lanolin for extra moisturizing. The skin on our lips is very delicate and can dry out quickly if not cared for!

Rough skin on the feet. Yes, even feet can suffer during winter. The cold, dry air makes them rough and cracked. Rough, dry feet should be exfoliated and moisturized regularly so that they can stay soft too. You can use a pumice stone in the shower to remove dead particles. Then, as soon as you get out of the shower, apply moisturizer.

And this is just a small list of problems that arise due to the cold. There can even appear quite unpleasant diagnoses that will not once make you visit a dermatologist.

Maria: In winter, the skin needs special care, as it experiences aggressive environmental factors (heating, which dries out the skin, temperature difference after leaving a warm room and the frost itself), so we may encounter diseases such as dyshidrotic eczema or xerosis of the skin. Special attention should be paid to protecting the skin from the sun, especially when there is snow outside, because reflecting from the snow, the sun’s rays easily penetrate the skin, aggravating pigmentation or other sun-dependent dermatoses.

How can you help your skin stay beautiful even in winter?

Drink plenty of water. It may seem like such a trivial tip, but it’s so universal. When it’s cold outside, we often forget to drink enough water throughout the day, causing low humidity to definitely rob our poor skin of moisture. Enjoy warm winter teas, such as a blend of natural ginger and lemon, as this is a great way to keep your water balance in winter.

Choose your cleanser carefully. Many makeup removers and moisturizers contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful rather than nourishing. Ingredients such as alcohol and any fragrances are not good for dry, cracked skin because they remove natural oils. Cream-based cleansers will help retain moisture while removing the day’s dirt and makeup.

Maria: Skin needs extra moisturizing, make sure to apply moisturizer 15-20 minutes before going outdoors (as much as your skin needs), also do not forget about home care (moisturizing masks 1-2 times a week). In case of dryness or tightness, use washing gels with moisturizing component and toning solutions (according to your skin’s needs).

Don’t get carried away in the shower. When it’s cold outside, it’s tempting to warm up and take a long, hot shower or bath. However, this is a big problem. Excessively hot water not only dehydrates you, but it also removes all the essential oils from your body. If you step out of the shower and your skin is irritatingly red and itchy, it’s a sign that you’ve overdone it.

Use a natural moisturizer and apply it immediately after washing. Apply moisturizer to your face and lotion to your body. We recommend oil-based rather than water-based products to keep important moisturizers in your skin.

Protect yourself from the weather. Winter is undoubtedly tougher on the skin than summer. We may have a pocket-sized essential lip balm to take care of dry, chapped lips, but it’s not enough. The combination of low humidity and strong, penetrating winds can lead to terribly dry skin, so be sure to bundle up. A scarf and gloves are essential to protect your hands and the delicate skin on your neck.

And remember that sunscreen can (and even should!) be used not only in summer! Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The Skin Cancer Institute recommends reapplying it every two hours and immediately after heavy sweating.

Do not forget about vitamins. In winter, the body is deficient in vitamins, which are vital for good health and, among other things, healthy skin.

One of the most important vitamins in winter is vitamin D. It is formed in our skin after exposure to sunlight and is also found in fatty fish (mackerel, tuna and sardines), mushrooms, vitaminized dairy and non-dairy substitutes. The body needs vitamin D to stay healthy and fight infections. The irony is that in the winter, when people need this substance most, most of us don’t get it.

Maria: Before you start taking the vitamin, you should take a blood test and find out its level, then consult with your doctor and choose the optimal dosage based on the results. I also recommend vitamins such as Omega-3 and Aevit for patients with dry skin.