Introduction:
Skin, the largest and the most attractive organ of the body faces a lot of challenges during winters. Cold, dry winters tend to steal the moisture from the skin making it appear flaky, dry, and dull. There are also a few diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis that have an increased incidence in this season. Therefore, little extra care is required to protect the skin from harsh weather condition that leaves the skin uneven, thus losing its original shape.
What Are the Few Tips for 'WOW' Skin During Winters?
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Avoid excessive cleansing of the skin. Use soap or facewash not more than two to three times a day. Plain water can be used to cleanse whenever required. Pat dry the skin after washing it.
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Keeping the skin moisturized is the key to healthy-looking skin in winter. Pick a moisturizer with SPF (Sun Protection Formula) for the mornings. Keep the lips happy and healthy with a generous application of lip balm.
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Though it's very tempting to have a hot water shower, it should be best avoided. Hot water tends to dry the skin.
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Use a body moisturizer within three minutes after taking a shower or bath.
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Do not ignore the sun! Cover the body to protect the skin from the cold dry winds and the sun.
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Application of almond or coconut oil all over the body (other than the face) 20 minutes before a shower would help it stay soft and supple.
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Skin is the mirror of internal organs, staying healthy is necessary to look healthy. Stay well hydrated and get adequate sleep. Include omega-3 fatty acids in the diet (especially beneficial in psoriasis), fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
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Exercise increases blood circulation to the skin and keeps it healthy.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol- nicotine causes premature aging and makes the skin appear dry and dull.
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Avoid using harsh astringents, alcohol-based toners, or peels on the skin. Cream or oil-based cosmetics keep the skin moisturized for longer hours.
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Winters can exacerbate a few skin problems and help must be sought immediately.
What Are the Common Skin Issues in Winters?
Psoriasis- It is an autoimmune skin condition that causes thick scaly lesions on the scalp and skin that appear red in color. The condition arises mainly due to the dryness caused in the winter season. Psoriasis can be treated with moisturizers containing paraffin, shea butter, and glycerine, but a person should take proper medical advice for better diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Chapped Lips- Lips are also covered with a very thin skin layer that cannot be kept covered like many other areas of the body. Therefore, lips become extra exfoliating and spitting in winter due to the dryness and form crusts over the lips. It has been seen often that people keep licking their lips in winter to get rid of this dryness and keep their lips moist. But this further aggravates the condition. Therefore, it is advised to apply petroleum jelly, lip balms that have glycerine present, and aloe vera or silicon on the lips to cure dryness.
Eczema- Skin dryness in the winter season often causes asteatotic eczema and atopic dermatitis, which further leads to itching and redness of the skin affecting all age groups. The condition can be effectively treated with some occlusive moisturizers and corticosteroid creams prescribed by the doctor or dermatologist.
Chilblains- The small blood vessels at the extremities of the toes and fingers often undergo vasoconstriction due to a decrease in temperature in winter. This further leads to reduced oxygen and blood supply in these areas of the body which causes purplish and reddish discoloration with itching and pain. This is known as chilblains or perniosis. The condition can be prevented by wearing gloves and socks during winter, and a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Cold Urticaria- Hives or cold urticaria is an allergic skin reaction that occurs due to some external antigen and causes red itchy welts on a person’s skin. In addition to this, cold weather is also one of the factors causing cold urticaria. Therefore, a person should avoid cold exposure if such a condition arises, and also consult a dermatologist for better treatment and medication.
Windburn- Skin irritation on exposed body area and face, such as redness and dryness can occur in people exposed to cold winters while working outdoors. The condition is called windburn, and therefore, a person should cover their body and face while working in cold weather to avoid exposure to chilly winds.
Chafing- This condition arises due to friction between the outer skin layers especially in the inner thigh region. It can occur in winter due to dry air, causing skin irritation in that area. The area should be pat dry and moisturizer should be applied smoothly to get it absorbed in the skin. Additionally, consult the doctor for medicated powders and barrier creams for rapid healing.
Cracked Heels- Skin dryness in winter can affect many areas of the body, especially those which are exposed more frequently. The heels of the feet get cracked due to dry air in winter, and if not taken care of timely, can cause pain and bleeding through these cracks. Therefore, a person can use a pumice stone to clean this area and apply foot creams or moisturizers, or wear socks with medicated cream as advised by the doctor.
Itchy and Dry Patch- This skin condition can be very painful and often causes redness, scales, and itching with cracked skin. The condition can be prevented by taking a bath with lukewarm water, applying moisturizers, pat dry after a bath, and applying moisturizers. Also, keeping the skin moist before to bed at night.
Redness and Irritation- Skin loses the natural oil and moisture in winter and appears dry. If this condition is left untreated, it further causes redness and irritation. The condition can be treated at home with moisturizers and coconut oil applications; if it becomes unbearable, a dermatologist should be consulted.
Conclusion:
Dehydrated skin conditions are quite a normal thing in winter. Skin can often become painful, itchy, red, cracked, and flaky, if not taken care of or not treated on time. Therefore, if these skin problems arise and make a person uncomfortable, they should follow the tips skin care tips discussed in the article and must consult the dermatologist if the problem persists.
Stay happy- it will show on the skin.
