Caring For Dry Skin In Winter

We’re sure you’re just as excited as we are for winter. Cosy nights in, hot chocolate with marshmallows, getting the Christmas decorations out. But not everyone is as excited…

Our skin could even be dreading it, because with winter comes cold weather, and with cold weather comes dry skin. 

Whilst it may not happen to everyone, a lot of us struggle with dry skin as a result of harsher weather, so it’s important to know how to care for it.

    

    

In this blog, we’re taking a look at how to prevent and care for dry skin in winter.

 

What Causes Dry Skin?

While there are many different things that can cause dry skin, a lot of them are associated with the winter months, which is why dry skin can be common for a lot of people during this time.

Winter signals changes in humidity and temperature, creating the perfect conditions for dry or dehydrated skin, also known as xerosis.

(P.S. Did you know there’s a difference between dry and dehydrated skin? Find out which you could be dealing with in our blog!)

Your skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is your body’s first line of defence, protecting your skin with the lipids and skin cells that make it up.

If this barrier becomes damaged, the skin can become dry and irritated, and to be able to do its job properly, it needs moisture, something that dry skin lacks. 

Of course, dry skin can come about any time of year, but according to research, the skin has less moisture during winter than it does during summer, with the skin barrier having fewer lipids, too.

    

 

    

The harsh weather that comes with winter is partly to blame for this (think strong winds and harsh rain stripping the skin of its natural oils), but we can become that weather’s evil sidekick with some of the things we do in wintertime.

As the weather gets colder, the heating goes on, reducing humidity and therefore limiting the amount of moisture available to the skin. 

Plus, to combat the cold, we may start to have hotter baths or showers, a practice which can damage the surface of the skin, leading to dryness.

Harsh soaps and vigorous rubbing when drying can also damage the skin, although it is important to remember that the level of moisture in the skin can vary with age, gender, ethnicity, environmental factors, and other medical conditions, so everyone’s dry skin routine will be tailored to them.

How To Spot Dry Skin In Winter

There are a few tell-tale signs of dry skin thanks to a damaged skin barrier, including:

• Flaking
• Rough patches
• Redness
• Cracks in the skin
• Itching or a stinging sensation
• Sensitive skin 

Some people may experience a few of these symptoms at once, making for extremely uncomfortable, irritated skin.

But, it’s not the end of the world! Caring for dry skin in the right way can help reduce the severity of these symptoms, helping to soothe and protect the skin through the cold months.

Caring For Dry Skin In Winter

Dry, damaged skin needs more moisture, so that’s the main aim when caring for dry skin in winter. 

Simple Skincare Routine

Skincare for dry skin should be simple yet effective to avoid overloading the skin with too much product and heavy makeup.

    

     

     

The Skincare Range offers a simple, 5-step skincare process that aims to care for your overall skin health. 

Infused with hyaluronic acid (which we’ll touch more on later), the face serum in this range helps add moisture to the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.

Choosing The Right Moisturiser

When looking for the best moisturiser for dry skin, opt for one that creates a barrier on the skin, helping to minimise loss of moisture and water. 

    

     

     

Our Anti-Ageing Day Cream offers a luxurious whipped, gel-like formula which is lightweight on the skin but creates a strong barrier, keeping all of the necessary moisture in. 

Incorporate humectants

Humectants are a perfect ingredient for caring for dry skin in winter, as they attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and protected. 

    

    

     

Hyaluronic Acid is a great example of a humectant that cares for your skin and our Hyaluronic Acid Deep Hydration Skin Duo makes full use of it, with a cleanser and serum to help lock in moisture.

    

    

Our Body Scrubs are formulated with Glycerin, another humectant that helps give and retain moisture to the skin.

 

Preventing Dry Skin

Even if you’re not dealing with dry skin in winter yet, it’s always best to prepare and prevent, so let’s get in prevention mode:

Adjust Your Skincare Routine

Slight adjustments in skincare routines are normal as the seasons continue to change, and for the wintertime, you should consider incorporating more hydrating products and a more protective moisturiser into yours.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking lots of water is great no matter what the season, but especially in the winter months.

This helps to boost skin hydration, and supplements with omega-3 or omega-6 are another great way to do this.

Use a Humidifier

Using a humidifier can help introduce moisture back into the air, giving your skin added hydration, and leading to a rehydrated outer layer of skin.

Limit Heat Exposure

We know it’s tempting to get a super hot bath to combat the freezing cold weather outside, but consider making your next bath lukewarm instead.

Rather than sitting in front of a fire or heater, make use of a hot water bottle to get cosy. Excessive heat draws moisture away from the skin, so avoiding it means protecting your skin.

Protect The Skin With Clothing

Dry skin on the hands can be a common occurrence in winter, so wearing gloves in cold temperatures or whilst washing dishes is the perfect way to combat this.

    

    

Our moisturising Coconut Oil & Shea Butter Hand Cream also offers long-lasting moisture for your hands, so you can enjoy soft, supple skin all winter long (with a delicious coconut scent!)

Dry skin can happen at any time and doesn’t always come about in winter, however, if you do experience dry skin in winter, try caring for it in some of the ways we’ve suggested above!

If you’ve tried all of the above but still struggle with dry skin it’s always best to get in touch with a healthcare professional, doctor, or dermatologist.