It’s not a pleasant feeling when the frigid, cold winter air hits your face for the first time. But in addition to feeling uncomfortable, the cold air might also take a toll on your skin. That’s right, winter weather can wreak havoc on your skin, causing a number of problems that didn’t exist before. Your normal skincare routine from the warmer months may no longer cut it.
When the temperatures are cooler and the air is dryer, it’s likely that your skin will suffer. Or, at the very least, you’ll notice some changes. Here are five ways the winter weather affects your skin and solutions to combat each of them.
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1.Skin Breakouts
You may start experiencing more breakouts in the winter months and wonder why. If you’re using the same products that have always worked and haven’t made any significant lifestyle changes, then what’s up? It could be the cold weather. When your skin is exposed to cold air, it can cause dryness. A natural reaction is for our body to produce an excess amount of sebum. Since sebum is oily and waxy, it can seep into your pores and cause breakouts.
Fortunately, there are solutions available for treating winter acne. Whether you’re looking to prevent winter breakouts or treat breakouts that already exist, an acne treatment can be a great solution. Taking time to perfect your skincare routine is also important, but it may not treat an underlying issue. With the help of an acne treatment, you can say goodbye to zits for good.
2.Extremely Dry Skin
One of the most common skin problems in the winter is dryness. The dry environment can quickly strip your skin of its natural moisture. The harsh weather can strip the skin of its protective barrier causing the skin to become dehydrated. Furthermore, since humidity is lower in the winter, your skin won’t get as much moisture from the air. The low moisture levels in the air will inevitably cause the skin to dry out.
To combat dry skin, use an excellent moisturizer rich in ingredients intended to treat dry skin. A good, high-quality moisturizer for dry skin is key in the wintertime. Look for ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. You should also moisturize at least twice a day. Dry skin, when not treated properly, can lead to numerous other skin issues (like cracked or even bleeding skin).
3.Skin Sensitivity
All of the harsh weather you experience in the winter can also make your skin more sensitive. Think about it, when strong winds destroy your skin’s protective barrier, more foreign substances can get in. Plus, dryness from cold air and constant temperature fluctuations can irritate the skin. When your skin is already irritated, the smallest thing can provoke even more problems.
In the winter, be sure to use a very gentle cleanser, use a thick moisturizer, and apply sunscreen every day. There are also other things to take into consideration regarding your environment. Using a humidifier can combat the dryness of the air. Taking showers that aren’t as hot will ensure that your skin isn’t stripped of moisture. Don’t keep the temperature in your home too hot, either. This can cause the skin to dry out even more.
4.Rashes, Irritation, and Inflammation
If your skin loses too much moisture, it may result in itching, inflammation, and flaky patches of skin. This is what is known as a winter rash, and they’re very common during the colder months. They can form on your hands, arms, face, or really anywhere on the body.
Taking all measures to ensure that your skin doesn’t become excessively dry will help prevent rashes and redness. Use gentle cleansers and body washes. Moisturize multiple times a day. Use serums or oils to reduce inflammation. Avoid any skincare products with harsh chemicals. By paying attention to everything in your environment and keeping the skin moisturized, you can avoid winter rashes.
5.Eczema or Psoriasis May Worsen
Eczema is a skin condition in which the skin appears red, irritated, and bumpy. It also becomes itchy and inflamed. Psoriasis is another skin condition in which skin cells build up on the surface of the skin. This forms scales and itchy, dry patches all over. For people who have these skin conditions already, they may worsen in the wintertime.
Again, take extra care to keep your skin moisturized in the winter if you have these conditions. Also, try keeping your heater at a low setting. This will only make dryness worse. Phototherapy can help with psoriasis, but the lack of natural sunlight in the winter means alternative treatments may be required.
No doubt about it, the arrival of winter brings many changes. Your skin might take a hit during the colder months. But if you’re proactive, you can make the necessary changes to your skincare routine before it’s too late. Don’t let the winter weather get you (or your skin) down. There are treatments available, and if you take preventative measures now, your skin won’t suffer.
