The winter months can be the most difficult season to your face. The most frequent issue is dryness. This is usually accompanied by rougher skin surfaces as well as soreness and a rise in wrinkles. In more severe cases, the skin might turn red, itchy and uncomfortable.
It’s not what you’d imagined to celebrate the holiday season But help is on the way…
For what reason Do We Get Dry Skin in Winter?
The skin is made up of multiple layers each with an individual purpose.
In the case of dry skin, the skin layer is called “stratum of corneum”. It is as a brick wall the cells, also known as corneocytes act as bricks and oil molecules act as cement.
This creates a waterproof cover inside your skin, which stops the moisture from getting out.
The cells of the corneocyte absorb water and expand, resulting in greater elasticity and, consequently less wrinkles.
Problems arise as the stratum corneum gets damaged.
While researchers are still looking into the causes behind dry skin (known by dermatologists under the term “xerosis”) the fact is generally thought to be caused by two elements in play…
First, think about the washing of your dishes. If you look at it on the microscopic scale, washing liquid appears to have two ends. One is attracted by oil and the other one is attracted by water. If you wash your hands with soap and oil, the oils-loving ends “stick” on any grease or fat that is on your plates. With millions of these molecules, they cover the fats and oils that hold the liquids in place until take them out of the bathroom. This ensures that your plates be clean and free of oil.
The same thing can happen in the shower and soap gels we use in our bathroom. While they are able to cleanse your face, they be able to remove oils of your face. And, as we’ve learned the benefits of the oils that they transport are a crucial component of a healthy skin.
Another factor can be that the winter climate appears to play a role in the removal the oils. A study conducted by scientists in Japan examined the oil content of the skin, as well as the quantity of water then lost throughout the whole year. They discovered that oil levels in the skin were about three greater in July as compared to January.
Additionally, the frequency and severity of skin problems were found to be correlated to environmental conditions Experts have noted the direct correlation between low humidity and/or low temperatures. In short, it appears that the environment that our skin is exposed to in winter allows the moisture content of our skin to decrease.
Lower temperatures in the outdoors will result in a lower humidity. The strong winter winds can also help to dry out the skin. The situation isn’t much improved when you stay indoors, since the vast majority of current central heating devices are built to keep buildings dry, which reduces the likelihood of mold development.
Fortunately, nothing is all is not lost.
The dry winter complexion is a common encountered that dermatologists have put an enormous amount of time and effort in discovering the causes of dry winter skin and, most importantly, the most effective ways to treat it. ….
Instructions to Dispose of Dry Winter Skin
Incorporate these easy beauty tricks into your daily routine to combat rough winter complexions and keep your skin’s health all through the year.
Increment Your Admission of Omega 3 Oils
It’s been long thought that the polyunsaturated fatty acids that are found within omega-3 oils like cod liver oil such as cod liver oil can aid in reducing the symptoms that are caused by dry, flaky skin. Recently, this was experimentally conducted and the results appear very promising.
Linoleic acid is a compound that has been studied in this area. It was discovered within the stratum corneum, and has been found to influence the skin’s permeability to moisture. The study found that patients who suffer with dry skin were advised to take 2.2g in either flaxseed oil or borage oil (also called starflower oil) daily for 12 weeks. The study revealed the fact that supplementation of both types of omega 3 led to a reduction in loss of moisture, smoother skin and less reddening.
In other places, similar research has been conducted on fish oils and showed similar positive effects for dry, irritated skin. Experts have concluded that the fish oil “accelerate… the recovery of dry, irritated and damaged skin” in the long run, and supplements could “reinforce and restore the cutaneous integrity in function and integrity”.
Take Your Nutrients
Many vitamins are associated with cold, dry skin.
In the beginning, research suggests that vitamin C may be linked to and the health of your skin. One study included 4025 women who were assessed for their skin by dermatologists prior to being asked questions about their diet. They discovered that the higher intake of vitamin C is linked to less wrinkles and dryness of the skin.
Vitamin D is a second vitamin that is believed by researchers to help in maintaining the skin’s quality. A study involving 107 children who were either given regular vitamin D supplements or an alternative. The study found that kids who were given supplementation with vitamin D treatment experienced significant improvement in their skin conditions.
It is important to remember that, while vitamin D can be synthesized naturally by the sunlight’s rays, the intensity of the sunlight that is available in winter isn’t enough to sustain this process. Indeed, a review of the impact sunlight can have on vitamin D production has shown that “no Vitamin D production in the skin occurs at 51 degrees of latitude and even higher in certain times in the calendar year”. The UK is situated at a latitude of 55′. This is the reason that the government is now recommending that everyone supplement their diet with 10 micrograms vitamin D throughout the winter months.
Change Your Washing Schedule
While a bath can be appealing when it’s cold outside lengthy hot baths and showers strip the skin of its moisturizing oils.
Make sure that showers last less than 10 minutes, and use cool water to shield the skin’s barrier. Also, think about getting rid of the traditional shower gel or soap and deciding instead to use a soap-free, medicated body wash and face wash that contains moisturisers.
Grab a Moisturiser (or Two)
The most obvious option to avoid the dry, winter-like skin that is regular application of moisturisers.
Effective moisturisers work by creating a waterproof layer over your skin, so that the levels of moisture increase.
There are many different moisturisers available. Not all are made equal, however certain ingredients like lanolin can cause irritation to cracked, dry skin. Explore the various choices until you discover one that is effective for you Be sure to apply it consistently. In the morning and at night, as well as after bathing, is a great place to start.
It is important to note that research has shown the amount of natural oil in skin is not limited to season but also according to the region of your body. For instance, your face is more susceptible to suffering through in the cold winter months whereas legs and arms might fare much better. In the end, some individuals are able to determine that a particular moisturizer is effective on one area of their body however not on another. This is normal and should not be hesitant to apply several moisturisers if you find it useful.
Wrap Up Warm
Dermatologists have observed that skin exposed to harshest weather tends be the most affected by dryness, itching and general irritation. Therefore, it is sensible to avoid exposure to winter’s air as much as it is possible.
As the temperature begins to fall, it’s best to pull out those gloves, a winter hat, and scarf. Make sure you’re well-protected before going out, and you’ll be able to keep as much moisture as you can.
Many people take this one step further and prefer to wear gloves with thin fingers to help retain the moisture. One effective method is applying moisturiser on sore, broken hands prior to going to getting to bed and then putting on an incredibly thin pair of cotton gloves. They feel great against the skin and to protect your hands throughout the night. After a routine like this the majority of people discover dry hands become no more.
Utilize a Humidifier
Many people are so concerned about the possibility of mould in winter that they make use of dehumidifiers to remove as much moisture out of the air as is possible. Even without a dehumidifier, the modern central heating units are extremely efficient at removing water from the air.
A humidifier is the reverse it, but slowly boosts the level of humidity within the air. They typically work by heating a pot of water until it evaporates or employ ultrasonic pulses that catapult thousands of tiny small water molecules to the atmosphere.
Experiments have revealed that when individuals change from a low-humidity environment to one with a high humidity setting, skin conditions begin to improve after a few hours, and gradually eliminates the sensation of dryness with time.
Alongside helping alleviate the discomfort of cold winter-time skin, these humidifiers provide different health benefits. For some that, for instance, the dry air can lead to the mucous membranes becoming dry which can result in noses and eyes becoming red and swollen and asthma becoming worse. Additionally, and perhaps a bit oddly high humidity levels can make rooms appear warmer without the need to increase the temperature.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Beware of products containing fragrances, deodorants or alcohol since they strip the skin of its natural oils. Make sure to apply fragrance in moderation as it’s an irritant for the skin that is common.
Conclusion
As you will see, there’s no need to be suffering from dry, itchy face this season. With just a few steps, your skin can get (almost) the same smooth, healthy and beautiful as other seasons. Cover your face with warm wraps, moisturise regularly and attempt to increase the amount of humidity your skin is exposed to, and you’ll be prepared for any situation.
