Winter can be a time of excitement and exhilaration. The joys of Christmas and the annual skiing holiday make this a time of year that many people look forward to with eager anticipation.
Unfortunately, winter can also be a time of misery and hardship. For some people, Christmas is a poor consolation for the personal tribulations that they face every year.
It is a harsh fact of reality that the chill winds of winter often bring the discomfort of dry skin. Sadly, the march of time plays a role as well. The older each one of us gets, the more likely we are to suffer from skin ailments. Thus, each successive winter brings another, increased, likelihood of dry skin.
It is an unhappy fact that dry skin does not respect boundaries. In severe cases it can spread across almost all of your body. It is more usual, however, for dry skin to manifest itself on the hands - especially across knuckles. Dry flaky skin on the face is also common.. That these areas are most vulnerable will come as no surprise since they are the very areas that receive the least protection when we are faced with having to travel outside during the winter.
As is often the case, the effects naturally follow on from the causes.
A leading factor in producing dry skin during the cold months is the onslaught from the chill winds that typify the season. The action of cold, dry air blowing across unprotected skin will result in moisture being drawn from your epidermis and disrupting its natural moisture balance.
The human body has been designed by nature to protect itself and withstand most incidences of minor adversity. So, a single, short trip out into the cold of winter is unlikely to to have lasting effect on your
skin's condition. Unfortunately, winter is not content with delivering its inclement weather in one short, single storm blast.. It is venturing out during these repeated cold snaps that inflicts cumulative damage to the skin.
So is it true that if you stay indoors during the inclement weather months your skin is safe?
Unfortunately, the answer is a definite: No.
Nowadays, it is expected that our homes, our working environment and the shops we frequent will be heated as soon as the weather turns cold. The relentless march of technological progress has also resulted in eliminating interior draughts and enhanced heating efficiency. It is these trends that has lead to most people experiencing increased exposure to dehumidified air, even when indoors during the winter months.
Understandably, during the colder months, many people enjoy a spot of indulging themselves in a piping hot, filled to the brim, bath. Those who prefer a shower also tend to turn up the water temperature to compensate for the colder conditions. For those lucky enough to be in a position to afford it, saunas are a popular choice. Most people incorrectly assume that soaking in hot water in a steam filled room will enhance their
skin's moisture content?
Rather illogically, this is not so. Indeed, the reverse is true.
Many people may find it hard to believe, but it is an unavoidable fact. A hot, steaming atmosphere attacks the
surface layer of your skin, removing the fatty lipids that are essential for maintaining its health. If you do not use a brand of mild soap then that will enhance the possibility lipid damage. It is this thin top layer of lipids that is largely responsible for maintaining skin suppleness and retaining sufficient moisture content. Devoid of its natural covering of these essential fatty lipids, chapped skin can soon follow. If efforts are not made to redress the situation, the chapped skin can degenerate into soreness and split.
Faced with this array of causes, what actions can you take to help reduce the risks of suffering from dry skin? Further, if you already have dry skin, what can you do to prevent it becoming sore and itchy with regions of chapped skin?? Fortunately, there is a simple and easy skin care regime that you can adopt to help alleviate the worse effects of winter.
Using your commonsense is a sensible first step to take. You should always wear warm clothing when you go outside. Most important are a top quality pair of gloves, hat and neck scarf. If possible choose clothing that is predominantly manufactured from natural fibres.
Next, look to improve your domestic environment. During the winter, many homes and offices have a far too high ambient temperature. Reducing the thermostat setting by just a couple of degrees can make a dramatic difference. You may hardly notice the reduced temperature, but your skin will greatly appreciate it. To maintain a favourable ambient atmosphere, think about using humidifiers.
When it comes to your ablutions, opt for warm instead of piping hot. When taking a shower or bath, your skin will tell you if the water is too hot. Skin that wrinkles, or feels taut after drying, is skin that is telling you that it has be subjected to excessive heat. Also, buy your soap with care. Brands that are fragrance and alcohol free tend to be the brands that are kindest to your skin. Unnecessary cosmetic additives have a tendency to aggravate already sensitive skin.
Whatever soap you use, never scrub your skin with a harsh sponge or brush.
If, in spite of your best endeavours, regions of dry skin persist, then your need to look toward taking proactive intervention.
A well formulated moisturiser, with additional skin protection qualities, is an excellent way to help prevent, and treat, dry skin. Brands that can boast of being fragrance free and devoid of alcohol are to be favoured.. It is important to keep in mind that you are choosing a skin protection and moisturising product, not
fashion model cosmetic product.
It is often the cases that the more simple the remedy, the more effective it is. So it is the case with dry skin.
These quick and easy guidelines will soon have you looking and feeling much healthier. And, remember, beauty is only skin deep.
Symptoms that manifest precipitously, or are accompanied by a rise in body temperature, or cause extreme discomfort, should be referred to your doctor.
