Wintertime may be magical, but it also has its share of challenges for our skin. A typical challenge that nearly everyone faces during the winter season is dry, itchy skin. With lower temperatures and reduced humidity in the air, many people’s skin becomes less hydrated and more prone to irritation and redness, and in some cases, the skin may break down (crack).
Fortunately for all of us, there are scientifically sound steps that can help you maintain moisture in your skin and keep it healthy and comfortable all winter long.
Why Winter Causes Dry, Itchy Skin
1. Low Humidity
Cold air is capable of holding very little moisture, and indoor heating further dries the air present at home. As a result, the air also pulls moisture out from the skin, leaving it dry.
2. Hot Showers & Baths
While warm water feels nice, it actually removes oils from the surface of the skin, resulting in more dryness.
3. Harsh Cleansers
Some soaps and body washes contain strong surfactants that can strip away the skin’s natural barrier.
4. Damaged Skin Barrier
The skin’s lipid layer can be damaged by winter weather, leading to a loss of moisture and increased sensitivity in some people.
5. Dehydration
Most people do not drink enough water during the winter months, leading to dehydration from the inside out.
By understanding how these factors affect the skin, we can then strategically plan how we want to care for our skin throughout the winter months.
Science-Based Solutions for Dry, Itchy Skin in Winter
1. Moisturize Often & Correctly
Moisturizing is the cornerstone of winter skin care. The occlusive components of moisturizers (such as petrolatum, mineral oil, and dimethicone) provide a barrier that reduces evaporation of moisture from the skin. The humectants found in moisturizers (such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid) attract and pull moisture into the skin.
When you moisturize, be sure to apply your moisturizer within three minutes of exiting your shower while your skin is still wet, so that the moisturizer can be absorbed most efficiently.
2. Avoid Hot Showers
Long, hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils. Try using lukewarm water and keep your showers short, about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps protect your skin’s moisture barrier and prevents dryness.
3. Use Gentle Cleansers
To reduce the risk of irritating your skin due to using traditional soap bars (which are typically scented), consider switching over to using a gentle cleanser that contains no perfume or dyes. Look for products that state “for sensitive skin” on the label or are made with ceramides to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier.
4. Incorporate Hydrating Ingredients
Using products containing ingredients such as ceramide, niacinamide, squalane, or Aloe Vera helps to rebuild the skin barrier and hydrate the skin. All of these ingredients have been clinically proven to help improve skin elasticity and decrease dryness and itchiness.
5. Protect Skin From Elements
In the colder months, protect your skin by wearing gloves, a scarf, or a hat when going outside. The cold and harsh wind can exacerbate dry skin. To provide additional protection for your skin, apply a thick moisturizer onto your skin before heading outside.
6. Humidify Your Home
A humidifier will add moisture to the air inside your home, which will help to keep your skin hydrated. For optimal hydration, aim to keep your home’s humidity between 40% and 60%.
7. Stay Hydrated
When caring for your skin externally, you should also ensure that you are getting enough fluids internally as well. You should drink plenty of water throughout the day, and you can also get hydration from foods such as cucumber, oranges, & soup.
8. Exfoliate Gently
Gentle & infrequent exfoliation is key during winter, as too much exfoliation can cause damage to the skin barrier. Choose a gentle chemical exfoliant (e.g., lactic acid) and apply it for up to 2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
9. Consider Overnight Treatments
Applying thicker emollients such as shea butter or coconut oil (with a few exceptions) as an overnight treatment will help to lock in moisture. It will also benefit the hands, feet, and elbows.
10. Pay Attention to Skin Conditions
If your skin is persistently itchy, it may indicate the presence of eczema, psoriasis, or another dermatological condition. Consult with a dermatologist if your skin is not improving with basic treatment.
Additional Tips for Comfortable Winter Skin
- When dressing in winter, choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton as layers. Do not wear wool on your skin.
- Consume limited amounts of alcohol and caffeine, as they dehydrate the skin.
- Avoid using harsh exfoliants or chemical peels during the winter.
- Use sun protection factor (SPF) as your skin can be damaged by the sun, even in the winter.
Final Takeaway
Winter dryness is prevalent, but by following an effective skin-care routine, practicing gentleness whenever possible, and using products with scientifically proven effectiveness, you can have soft, moisturized skin all winter long. Always contact your dermatologist or a registered dietician if you are experiencing worsening or unresolvable issues with your skin.
Key Findings
- Low humidity, cold locations, indoor heating, and damaged skin barrier result in winter dryness.
- There is no better way than to moisturize with humectant- and occlusive-rich creams, to prevent winter dryness.
- The addition of hot showers and the use of harsh soaps will worsen skin dryness; thus, lukewarm water and using a gentle soap are what you should be doing.
- Ingredients such as ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane are best for maintaining intact skin barrier function and increasing skin hydration levels.
- Utilizing clothing and humidifiers to provide a barrier to the cold, wind, and low humidity will help prevent transepidermal water loss.
- Drinking enough water and eating foods high in water content will help to keep skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Mild exfoliation and overnight treatments can help maintain skin in a soft and hydrated state.
- Continued skin dryness or itching may be a sign of underlying skin conditions (i.e. eczema or psoriasis); therefore, you should consult with a dermatologist.
FAQs
Q. Why does my skin itch more during winter?
Cold and dry air, along with heated indoor environments, strip the skin of its natural oils and create an itchy and irritated state.
Q. Do hot showers worsen winter dryness?
Hot showers exacerbate winter dryness by removing the natural protective layer of oil from the skin.
Q. What are the best moisturizers for winter?
For winter, thick and rich in emollients are best. Look for creams with petrolatum, shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid.
Q. Are oils from nature effective for treating dry skin?
Yes! Oil, when applied to wet skin after bathing, helps seal moisture in coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil.
Q. How often should I moisturize during cold weather?
Two times a day, many people will lack adequate moisture during that period. But for most, it’s important to moisturize each time you get out of the bath and at night before bed.
Q. Does indoor heating increase my dry skin?
Yes! Drying out the air inside your home accelerates the loss of water held within your skin.
Q. Is it safe to exfoliate my skin during the winter months?
Yes, gentle exfoliation once to twice a week is safe and beneficial for avoiding the breakdown of your skin barrier.
Q. When do I need to see a dermatologist?
When dryness, scaling, red, or itchy patches do not go away despite your efforts to treat them, you may need to see a dermatologist to rule out possible problems such as eczema or psoriasis.
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