Holding your pores and skin moisturized in chilly, dry climate

Dry pores and skin is a standard companion throughout end-of-year festivities, however why is our pores and skin extra liable to shedding hydration throughout this time? A dermatologist with Baylor Faculty of Drugs breaks down the causes of dry pores and skin in chilly climate and habits to maintain your pores and skin wholesome.

“Dry pores and skin happens when stratum corneum lipid content material is decreased, resulting in decreased water-binding capability,” stated Dr. Vicky Zhen Ren, a dermatologist and assistant professor at Baylor. “Pores and skin tends to be drier when the climate is much less humid, so people ought to moisturize at the very least twice a day, if no more typically.”

In case you are experiencing seasonal dry pores and skin, moisture is the important thing to combating it. Ren suggests a couple of methods:

• Moisturize your pores and skin with an ointment or cream moisturizer versus a lotion, as lotions have increased water content material and don’t comprise as a lot of the vital brokers required for stopping dry pores and skin
• Use a humidifier within the house throughout the dry season
• Put on clothes that adequately protects the pores and skin from the wind and chilly
• After a bathe or bathtub, gently pat dry and apply a moisturizer to damp pores and skin to lock in moisture
• If dry pores and skin begins presenting as thick or scaly, topical brokers that comprise urea, lactic acid, ammonium lactate or alpha hydroxy acids could also be helpful however will be irritating if fissuring or cracking is current
• Keep away from sizzling, frequent showers or baths longer than 5 to 10 minutes and go for lukewarm water temperatures as an alternative

“Keep in mind, not moisturizing will at all times result in dry pores and skin,” Ren stated.

Dry pores and skin can influence anybody; nevertheless, individuals affected by eczema could also be particularly prone to climate adjustments. People with eczema are inclined to have extra water move from the dermis by way of the dermis and evaporate, inflicting dry pores and skin. This affliction is extra generally seen in youngsters underneath 5 but additionally happens in adults.

Ren additionally warns people to pay attention to their pores and skin habits, as dry pores and skin will be as a consequence of underlying points, resembling thyroid illness, kidney illness, liver illness or most cancers. If diligent adherence to good dry skincare habits isn’t serving to or if the pores and skin is severely infected, fissured and/or crusted, Ren advises in search of out a dermatologist for steerage.