When Skin Meets Wintertide
Skin is the outermost layer of the body, performing various functions like cushioning, covering, provides sensation, excretion, absorption, etc. Our body tries to adapt to any change that has been provided to it. But skin, Skin likes consistency. It does not respond well to changing weather, atmosphere, etc. many people even experience skin irritation just after switching a beauty product or ceasing to use them. It takes any aggression put on it and tries to adapt, but is that adaptation good for your looks? That’s a different story altogether.
What happens in Winter?
In winter the temperature of the environment reduces below body temperature. Especially here in Delhi, Temperature ranges between 8o – 24o Celsius. Even the highest range is way below body temperature. The heat flows from high to low. Consequently, as the body exchanges heat with the environment, the body would lose the heat to the environment.
How does it have an impact on Skin?
The temperature of the skin depends on the temperature of the air and the things in contact with the skin. During winters, the air around the skin is cold which reduces the temperature of the skin. This has an adverse impact on the skin which reduces the shine and the appearance.
Some of the major impacts are:
- Drying
- Cracking
- Acne/ breakouts
- UV-A damage
- Itchy and irritated skin
- Drying
Winter doesn’t only bring cold breezes that rub on the skin but also the air is dry. Unless you reside near oceans which can help you with dry air, there is nothing you can do about it. The dry air would absorb and try to fetch as much moisture from your skin and make your skin dry. Lack of blood supply to the skin in winter also aids in the dryness of skin. If dryness is severe it would lead to the development of skin cracks.
How do you deal with it?
The solution is rather simple. Some basic ways are
–Use of Moisturizers as it will rejuvenate the skin and provide it with required moisture content,
– Buying a Humidifier for your place would reduce the dryness in the air,
-Reduction in bathing time as it bleaches the skin of essential moisture and make dryness even worse
– Don’t rub extensively while bathing and do away with harsh chemical soaps you have been using.
– drink lots of water
-wear clothes made of natural products like cotton and silk. Wool is natural but can cause irritation to some.
- Cracking
Extensive dryness in the skin is conducive to the tightness of skin which reduces the tensility and leads to cracking of the skin. It sounds bad but looks and feels even worse. It may even lead to bleeding if the cracked skin is left untreated.
How do you prevent it
Preventing cracked skin is rather an easy task if you can prevent dryness of the skin. If the skin is not dry and has enough moisture, the skin would not crack.
- Acne/ Breakouts
The worst enemy of all the beauty-loving people is Acne or breakout. They not only look bad but is also harmful to the skin. The major reason for breakouts in winter is due to the collection of sebum and sweat inside the skin due to cold temperature around it. Even dryness contributes to it and cause inflammation.
Good for you we have few ways to deal with that.
–apply oil-free moisturizers on the skin this will reduces chances of breakouts due to excess oil content in the skin.
-apply moisturizer as soon as you have taken shower, moisturizer on damp skin would lock moisture in the skin and prevent dryness
-cover face with scarf and protect it from cold breezes
-avoid stress as it also assists in breakouts,
-exercise, meditate and perform yoga to allow your skin sweat out excess sebum
- UV-A Damage
Although in winter, the amount of sunlight you get is very less, and the weather is very cool. To warm up most people tend to follow the light and get soaked in Sun’s heat radiated in the atmosphere. But that doesn’t help your skin even if it does feel comfortable. The long-wavelength light from the sun reaches the skin which damages skin more than the light in the summer. The simple way to prevent this is- Don’t forget your sunscreen even in winter. That would protect your skin from radiation damage.
- Itchy and irritated skin
This is rather a symptom from dryness and flaky skin. But it is also caused by the use of synthetic fabric and change in temperature of the skin in quick intervals. Using the heater to warm up and then sudden exposure to the cold climate outside can cause irritation in the skin due to a sudden drop in temperature. The clothes made especially for winters, those warm, cozy and thick coats and sweaters does help you retain heat but it causes irritation and leads to itchy skin.
The best way to avoid is to wear multilayered clothing instead of wearing a single thick coat or sweater. Multi-layer normal clothing would not only give flexibility in your movements but also keep your skin in good health.
Changing the season is not in your hands but taking care of your skin and health, that is. Be prepared to save your skin from harsh environments and help yourself for the better. Consult Dermatologist for further guidance on how to keep your skin healthy and glowing.
