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Iowa winters can wreak havoc on a number of things, including your skin. Our cold climate combined with the dry, indoor air can damage skin, leaving it itchy, flaky, and even uncomfortably raw. While not a serious health problem, it can produce serious complications, such as chronic eczema (red patches). Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do to relieve winter dry skin.
The top layer of your skin is called the epidermis. It is the skin’s main protective barrier and it’s where drying occurs. It consists of stacked layers of cells that are constantly in transition. Younger, living cells rise from the lower part of the epidermis and eventually die and fall off after reaching the surface. This continuous cycle completely renews the skin about once a month.
Dry skin becomes much more common with age. Production of natural oils within the skin slows with age. In women, this is usually due in part to the postmenopausal drop in hormones that stimulate oil and sweat glands. If your arms, legs, hands, or the middle of your upper back seem more prone to dryness, it’s because these areas have fewer sebaceous (or oil) glands. Another contributing factor is cumulative sun damage. Sun damage leaves skin thinner, and less able to retain moisture.
How you wash is important.
Try not to wash away your skin’s natural oils any more than is necessary by avoiding long baths and showers or washing too frequently. Your skin naturally produces these oils to help protect it and keep it healthy. It’s also better for your skin to use warm water than hot. Choose a soap that adds moisture like Dove, Olay, or Basis. Consider soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil, Oilatum-Ad, and Aquanil as well. Stay away from deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and products with alcohol. It’s also helpful to avoid bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths. If you must use one of these, be sure to use with very little pressure. When shaving, use a shaving cream or gel and leave it on your skin for several minutes before starting. Finally, hand sanitizer contains alcohol that can exasperate dry skin. Choose to wash your hands with a gentle soap and water for proper hygiene instead.
Add moisture where you can.
After you’re done washing, pat or blot (don’t rub) your skin dry with a towel and always moisturize your damp skin. This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp. An oil-based moisturizer works best during Midwest winters. Consider overnight deep-moisturizing treatments that can help particularly dry areas like hands, feet, elbows, knees, and lips. Cover those areas with cotton gloves or socks to hold the moisture in all night long. When outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen. It may be winter, but the sun’s harmful UV rays are still present. In fact, they hit from even more angles when reflecting off the winter snow.
Next, drink plenty of water. This will help hydrate your skin from the inside out. In your home, you can combat the dry winter air by using a humidifier. Moisture in the air will be absorbed by your skin. Set it to around 60%. This level should be sufficient to replenish the top layer of the epidermis.
Be mindful of everything you put on your body.
The skincare and beauty products you use on your body matter, but your skin is also covered in clothes all winter long. Avoid wearing wool and other fabrics that can irritate the skin. Allow your skin to breathe by avoiding clothing that is too tight. It’s also a good idea to use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners, as these can also irritate the skin.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It has many functions and is very important. And when it’s irritated, you know it. Take a little extra time and effort to keep it in tip-top shape this winter with these tips. And if you need further recommendations on the best moisturizing products or ingredients for your skin type, stop by The Aesthetics Center to ask one of our experts. We offer a complete line of clinical-grade skincare products. We are located at 1605 Associates Drive, Suite 102E in Dubuque, Iowa. You can also reach us by calling 563-584-3444.
Sources:
Health.harvard.edu
MUhealth.org
UIHC.org