There are plenty of things to look forward to as winter rolls around, but fresh, dewy skin is rarely one of them. Most people struggle with windburned cheeks, chapped lips, frizzy hair and dry skin problems during cold weather. If you're concerned that your skin is abnormally dry, make an appointment with your dermatologist to rule out potential medical causes. Otherwise, arm yourself with information and prevention techniques to protect your skin from the cold.
Identification
Dry winter air can transform your skin in several ways. Your skin may feel tight and itchy, or it may become flaky. You may notice your skin looks duller than usual or that it's frequently red and irritated. You may even notice that you look older, because dry skin exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, says New York City dermatologist Doris J. Day in "Real Simple" magazine.
Causes
Your skin is susceptible to dryness in winter because of a combination of cold, dry air outside, harsh windy weather and hot, dry air inside, according to "Marie Claire" magazine. The layers of warm clothes you pile on to stay warm can increase friction on your skin, helping to break down its protective barrier. If you smoke, have naturally dry skin or are going through menopause, your skin may be even more prone to cold weather dryness, according to "Real Simple" magazine.
Significance
When your skin is dry, the protective barrier that prevents damage and keeps out viruses, bacteria and fungi can be more easily breached, says dermatologist Kelly M. Cordoro says in "Real Simple" magazine. Dryness can also interfere with your skin's normal cell life cycle, making it harder for your skin to shed dry skin cells and leading to irritation and infection, says D'Anne M. Kleinsmith, a dermatologist in West Bloomfield, Michigan, in "Real Simple" magazine.
Misconceptions
Although drinking plenty of water is essential to good health year-round, drinking extra water doesn't help improve dry winter skin, says Toronto-based dermatologist Julia M. Carroll in "More" magazine. If you want to improve your skin through your diet, Carroll recommends increasing your intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish, which she says can help your body better retain moisture.
Prevention/Solution
Use an enzyme-based exfoliator to gently rub away dead skin cells and promote skin renewal. Follow up by layering a moisturizing cream over a hydrating serum, says Annet King, director of training and development for the International Dermal Institute, in "Marie Claire" magazine. Using a serum with a lightweight moisturizer prevents dead skin cells from getting stuck on the surface of your skin the way a heavy moisturizer can, King says. Also avoid long, hot showers and baths, which can dehydrate skin even more.
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