Winter weather can take its toll on your skin. As temperatures drop, you may notice that it feels drier, tighter, and even more sensitive. This dehydrated state occurs largely because of the combination of cold outdoor air and lack of humidity. Without essential moisture, your skin loses its natural protectant, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness. Luckily, there are ways to refresh your skin care routine during the cold season.

How to Avoid Dry Skin During Winter

1. Use Moisturizer Regularly

Make a habit of using moisturizer as part of your everyday skin care routine. For greatest efficacy, apply it after you’re done showering or bathing. Pat your skin without rubbing, then apply the moisturizer of your choice onto slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. If your skin is naturally dry and even more dehydrated during winter, opt for a thick emollient enriched with nourishing ingredients, such as shea butter and argan oil.

2. Wear Winter Accessories

Exposing your skin to bitterly cold air can also leave it susceptible to cracks, itchiness, and redness. If you experience a condition like psoriasis or eczema, your skin may feel even more irritated when exposed to the chill.

To prevent these issues, wear gloves and a scarf outdoors to shield your skin from the cold. Covering up also protects your skin from potent ultraviolet rays and prevents sun damage that could add to dryness and discomfort.

3. Avoid Hot Showers

Although taking a hot shower or bath feels good at the end of a long day, it’s best to limit your exposure to high-temperature water during winter. Heat breaks down your skin’s lipid barrier and strips away the natural moisture it relies on to stay healthy throughout the year. Opt for shorter showers in warm water, and then follow with your preferred moisturizer.

4. Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can wreak havoc on your skin, especially coupled with the lack of moisture outside. You can mitigate the effect by running a humidifier throughout the season.

The increased humidity in the air will negate the drying effects of your central heating system or space heater, both of which can rob your skin of moisture as they run consistently. Make sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent mold accumulation in the system, which can also affect your skin and cause allergic symptoms in some people.

5. See a Dermatologist

The red spot that won’t quite go away and the itchy patch that seems to grow worse as the season progresses could be a sign of a more significant skin concern, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, or eczema. In these cases, over-the-counter skin care products typically won’t resolve the problem, so your dermatologist may prescribe a cream or ointment to alleviate your discomfort.

The professionals at Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic are committed to your skin care needs. Proudly serving patients throughout High Point, NC, they offer a variety of solutions for your concerns, including dryness, moles, acne, melanoma, and eczema. To find out more about how they can help you, visit the website or call (336) 887-3195 to schedule an appointment.