Common Winter Skin Problems & Ways to Prevent and Cure Them

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Do you love cold weather, but are you afraid of its effects on your skin? It’s understandable since having dry skin that is flaky, itchy, and red skin is highly uncomfortable. Winter can be extremely rough on your skin, especially when you live in a region where there are extreme temperatures.

The body needs time to adjust to changing conditions when the seasons shift from winter to autumn. This adapting period is particularly prone to making people more vulnerable to getting sick. Not just the skin but the entire human body can be affected by changes in the weather, which contributes to the growth of various winter-related ailments. As the weather changes dry, cold winds with a decrease in humidity inside, contribute to developing skin issues.

If you’re committed to keeping your skin moisturised, fresh, and full of plumpness this winter, this blog is designed perfect for you. The article below covers commonly-faced skin issues that are common in winter and their treatment options and preventative measures.

Why is it crucial to care for your skin during winter?

Suppose you expose your skin to dry and cold air; the chances of it becoming flaky and dry increase. It also causes other skin conditions. In these instances, if you don’t alter your skincare routine, issues can result in itching and discomfort but may also affect your appearance.

The winter months can be difficult for the skin, not just due to the cold weather but also due to the heat indoors and the absence of moisture. This further dries out the skin, causing winter-related itch. A good skincare routine curated for your particular skin type is essential in the winter months, not just for the appearance or comfort in your mind but also for the crucial functions that skin plays in your body’s overall function. Skin is the skin’s outermost part of the body, which is not only a shield for our bodies from various harmful microorganisms but also from ultraviolet radiation. Skin also plays an integral part in the perception of pressure and pain.

Common skin problems during winters

Here are a few commonly-faced skin problems you might encounter during winter.

Acne

Colder weather tends to increase the severity of acne because of one reason, which is the increased dried-out skin. Numerous factors, including cold wind, lower humidity levels, indoor air conditioning, and hot water usage, make the skin dry. To counteract this dryness, the skin produces more sebum and oils, which block the hair follicles on the skin’s surface, which can cause acne to worsen through infection and could result in the development of cysts.

Treatment

Acne that is mild in winter can be treated by improving the hydration level of your skin without anything oil-based. Many over-the-counter gels are helpful as well and contain benzoyl peroxide. They aid in clearing your skin by eliminating all debris and dirt accumulated in the pores, which treats skin inflammation. It is recommended to begin applying benzoyl peroxide starting at a lower strength of 4 to 5 percent and then proceed to higher levels.

If you are suffering from severe winter acne, it’s advised to have your skin examined by a dermatologist. The most common treatments suggested for treating severe acne are azelaic acids and Retinoids. They usually work by causing skin redness and peeling, which fade over time. If acne is severe, oral antibiotics may also be recommended.

Prevention

One of the most effective methods to avoid winter acne is to ensure your face is moisturised and clean. Use a gentle, soap-free cleanser to cleanse the skin without drying. Cleansers that contain perfumes may dry your skin. Anyone suffering from winter acne should be limiting exfoliation to once per week. Look for products that cleanse your skin with the acid hyaluronic due to its moisturising properties. Using water- or gel-based moisturisers and humidifiers, as well as limiting products that contain oil, can aid in preventing winter-related acne.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin disorder that causes the appearance of inflamed, dry, and itchy patches of skin. Children are more susceptible to this condition, but everyone may develop it. Eczema is a non-infectious chronic skin condition that may get worse occasionally.

Treatment

Eczema, a chronic illness, does not have a cure. It is common for children to improve naturally as they get older. Patients can take emollients (moisturisers), corticosteroids applied to the skin, and antihistamines for severe itching. The most effective treatments for Eczema are tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, a topical medication—bodysuits or bandages to help heal the body’s affected areas.

Prevention

Eczema is a persistent disease, so the best preventive measures are to prevent flare-ups of Eczema. Because it is caused by dry skin, it is possible to prevent flare-ups of Eczema by moisturising the skin regularly, choosing warmer water instead of hot water well, using non-soap, fragrance-free cleansers, and showering regularly and immediately applying the most hydrating moisturiser.

A variety of factors can cause Eczema. The triggers can differ from person to person. However, the most popular triggers to avoid include pollen, smoke scent, cleaning products, mould, rough wool, etc.

Lips chapped

Lips that have cracked or chapped are a common ailment that almost all people experience at some moment in their lives, particularly during winter. The most common causes for chapped lips are cold and dry weather, ongoing medical treatment, and excessive lips licking. This skin condition is typically mild, but it can develop into Cheilitis in more severe cases. Cheilitis is an infection that develops in the corners of lips and surfaces with cracked lips.

Treatment

For treating chapped lips, you must be gentle when dealing with chapped lips. Get rid of dead skin by gently exfoliating your lips. It would help if you concentrated on only removing the dead skin. Doing a crazed job of peeling off skin that is not dead yet could result in pain and bleeding. It is essential to moisturise your lips following exfoliation. To benefit from our chapstick or lip balm, Look for ingredients like petroleum and beeswax, as they can help lock the moisture inside your lips. A generous application in your evening routine will help speed the healing process for your lips.

If your lips aren’t healing following these treatment options, do not ignore it because it could indicate underlying conditions requiring medical care. If your lips become chapped, it could be a sign of Cheilitis to develop Cheilitis; then it’s also time to seek a physician’s consultation.

Prevention

The lips chapped by winter require you to concentrate on hydrating. Being hydrated is essential to avoid chapped lips. Many people need to realise that applying lip balms is also essential. Additionally, you must be careful not to lick your lips and apply lip balms with flavours.

Dandruff

Dandruff is a problematic treatment condition found most often during dry weather. It’s a problem of the scalp and skin that causes flaking. Dandruff is not infectious and is generally not thought to be a health risk.

Treatment

The majority of cases of dandruff can be treated with regular shampoo. If the dandruff is still a problem, you may require shampoo medication.

Prevention

To prevent dandruff from occurring:

Make sure you do not let your scalp and skin dry.

Ensure that your scalp and skin are clear and clean to prevent that.

Follow that with gentle exfoliation to get rid of dead skin.

Avoid hot water when bathing.

Choose soap-free products and body washes that do not strip away the natural oils your skin produces.

Moisturise right after showers to stop dry skin that could lead to the emergence of hair loss. If you’re prone to dandruff, you can apply an anti-dandruff shampoo at least once a week or every 15 days.

Cracked heels

Cracked heels are a typical arrangement of winters when the heel area gets thick and dry and begins to break. In most cases, cracks in heels aren’t a big deal. However, they can trigger the development of a condition known as Cellulitis. Patients with Eczema, obesity, diabetes, and hypothyroidism are most susceptible to it. But showers with hot water long-term standing in open-heeled shoes also risk getting cracked heels.

Treatment

The most popular method to heal broken heels is soaking your feet for approximately 20 minutes before gently rubbing the dead and problematic skin. This is followed by complete drying. Then, apply a thick layer of moisturiser that contains substances like petroleum jelly, which assists in capturing the moisture. Wear a pair of socks to stop further drying of the heels and to hold the moisturiser on.

If you have severe cracks on your heels, your physician may suggest the glue of a skin, shoe inserts, or strapping.

Prevention

Establish an exercise routine for your feet to avoid cracked heels, particularly in winter. There is no need for expensive products to follow this routine since it comprises simple steps like cleaning, checking, moisturising, and hydrating your feet daily. Supportive shoes and protection for the feet against extreme temperatures could aid in reducing the risk of foot infections.

Tips to take care of your skin during winter

Here are a few tips and tricks, as well as general lifestyle changes you can implement to maintain your skin’s glow and plumpness during winter;

Get your moisturiser on the rise to keep you warm in winter.

In the winter months, you do not just need to moisturise more than usual but also opt for a more nourishing moisturiser. It is possible to find cream- or petroleum-based moisturisers because they possess occlusive properties that help to retain moisture within your skin. People with sensitive skin should select fragrance-free moisturisers. To get the most advantages of your moisturiser, apply it directly onto your skin after showering.

Beware of over-cleansing

Cleansing your skin is essential, but you must be careful to limit the frequency of cleaning to a minimum of once every day during winter, as too much cleansing can sludge away the natural oils and moisture in your skin. Your body parts like legs, arms, and the trunk aren’t required to be cleaned using soap daily, and they should be cleaned only to avoid drying.

Make sure you change your routine for showering.

Warm water may feel nice on your skin in winter, but it can trigger irritation and winter-related itchiness. To avoid this, you should take a few showers using cool water. To cleanse your body, apply soap-free cleanser because they are gentler on the skin. After showering, gently dry your skin, then apply a large amount of lotion or moisturiser immediately.

Use humidifiers

Humidifiers provide moisture to the air, which can help prevent dryness, which could irritate you. To get the most benefit from humidifiers, keep them clean and adhere to the instructions on changing the water they come with, or else they could cause mould and fungi.

Guard against cold wind chills.

If you are forced to venture outside in the wind, cover your skin as much as possible and apply a thick layer of lip balm and other skin protectants made of petroleum and ceramides that protect your skin from winter burns.