Winter can be very pretty on the outside but for a lot of people, especially those with sensitive skin, it is actually the most dreaded season. Along with the cold winds and the first snowfall also comes an uncontrollable drying of the skin, usually accompanied by cracking, flaking and inflammation.

 

Why does sensitive skin need special care in winter?

Sensitive skin needs extra attention on regular days, and even more so in the winter because these are the times that skin is most prone to dryness.

Human skin is a porous, water-containing barrier that serves as protection against external elements. The water content in the skin naturally evaporates through the pores but is ordinarily replenished through the foods we eat and various skin care regimes that we follow.

In winter, the rate of evaporation speeds up because of the low humidity and cold winds. Furthermore, the heaters we use at home to keep us warm also contribute to the dryness and irritation since direct heat also accelerates evaporation.

 

What can you do for your sensitive skin during winter?

There is not much we can do about the weather so what you can do instead is to eliminate as many factors as you can that cause dryness and other skin problems. Here are some easy things you can try.

 

Avoid long, hot showers

It can be very tempting to indulge in frequent hot showers to stay warm during the winter months but the comfort they give is actually very short-lived. Soon after you step out of the shower, your skin will dry out even faster. The ideal temperature for winter showers is cool to tepid and these should not last longer than 3 minutes.

 

Replace your regular soap with soap-free wash

Ordinary bath soaps are good for cleaning the skin but they also remove the skin’s natural oils that help retain moisture. They also contain ingredients that are harsh for sensitive skin. On the contrary, soap-free washes are milder and do not strip the skin of its natural oils. Likewise, you should also avoid other products that contain harsh alkaline as well as alcohol.

 

Use a moisturizer daily

There are many good moisturizers out there but it would be better to pick a cream rather than a lotion as these are more effective. Ordinarily, moisturizing once a day should be enough but during winter months, you might want to do it once in the morning and once at night. It is best to apply moisturizer shortly after taking a shower.

 

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables

While most skin care routines are done externally, it is just as vital to keep your skin healthy from the inside. Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, especially berries as these are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Besides having a lot of nutrients that are good for the skin, fruits and vegetables are also excellent for staying hydrated.

 

Avoid excessive exfoliation

Regular exfoliation can help with skin regeneration and boosts the absorption of skin care products, but doing it too much during winter can make your skin even more prone to dryness. Exfoliating once a week should be more than enough.

By following these simple but effective tips, you should be able to prevent your skin from drying and breaking out. Even better, these simple practices will keep your skin beautiful and healthy throughout the winter months.