Winter Skin Problems and Their Solutions

Winter Skin Problems and Their Solutions 

Winters are just around the corner, and we are all set to unpack our sweaters and thick blankets. We might protect ourselves from feeling cold but, our skin, however, needs much more caring. Winter skin problems are the top concern among people during these seasons. Winter makes your skin drier than usual, due to which your skin becomes vulnerable to flare-ups, winter rashes, ugly dry patches, and redness on the face. Therefore, protecting your skin becomes crucial during this season. Here we will look into some of the common winter skin issues and their solutions. Let's begin:

Extra dryness and irritation on the nose

During winters, the skin automatically becomes drier, especially around the nose area, due to which we feel an unavoidable urge to scratch the skin. Dry and itchy skin around the nose is a common issue during colder seasons.

The solution for dry and itchy nose:

● Drinking the optimum amount of water makes your entire skin hydrated. Hence, make a habit of drinking at least 2-2.5 liters of water throughout the day. Do not drink excess sugary beverages as they are known to cause dryness in the skin.

● Another thing you can do is take a warm and steaming bath every day. During winters, most people try to skip bathing, but in actuality, bathing can be one of the best skincare routines they can have for winters. However, it is not advised to spend prolonged periods in hot baths as they dry out the skin. Hence, do not stay there for over 10 minutes.

● Additionally, a humidifier can be an excellent way to maintain the content of humidity in your room.

● You can opt for natural gel or water-based moisturizers for your face and the area around the nostrils to get relief. It won't make your skin sticky and will lock balanced moisture to your face.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition where the skin around your eyebrows gets extra flaky and itchy. Winters do not cause this condition, but they tend to worsen it if you already suffer from this form of dermatitis.

The solution for seborrheic dermatitis

● The first thing you can do is apply an anti-itch cream to lessen the itchiness around your eyebrow's skin.

● Use organic moisturizer to control the itchiness of the skin.

● One of the best home remedies to relieve seborrheic dermatitis is applying a cold compress for about 15 to 30 minutes whenever you feel that your condition is getting worse.

Dry and flakey scalp skin

Not only do your body and face suffer from winter air, but also your scalps get significantly affected by it. During colder seasons, air particles completely exclude any moisture content they generally carry. Also, due to the frequent hot showers, dry air from continuously running furnaces is the factor that further causes itchiness, dryness, and flack formation in the scalp.

The solution for dry and flaky scalps

● You can use an excellent organic anti-dandruff shampoo instead of chemical-based high-priced shampoos that you might be using. Also, switching up between different shampoos helps as well.

● When you wash your hair, it would be better to use lukewarm water instead of hot water. Too much hot water can extract natural moisturizing oils from your scalp skin.

● It is beneficial to use homemade scalp treatment remedies made up of avocado or coconut oils. Also, apple cider vinegar is known to be a good solution for dried scalp skin. While you use any of these products, make sure you massage properly on the skin and let it sit for or a while before you wash your hair.

Chapped Lips

It is the most common and annoying issue that people face during winters. The skin covering your lips is very thin and fragile; hence when it comes in contact with harsh winter winds, it gets cracked and chapped. Another thing to note is that your lips may get extra dry if you are currently using supplements that contain vitamin A lithium or taking any chemotherapy medications.

The solution for chapped lips:

● Keep applying lip balms on your lips throughout the day to keep them well moisturized. Many natural lip balms are available in the market that can help you keep your lips supple and healthy. In addition to this, using a lip balm that protects from UV rays would be a better option. Make sure to check the SPF level of your lip balm.

Chafing

Chafing generally happens when our inner thighs constantly rub against each other. However, it has also been found that dry winter winds can also be one of the reasons for chafing. In chaffing, skin gets over-dried, which leads to exposure of the lower dermis layer. Further, this results in irritated skin, which can make you uncomfortable.

The solution for chafing

● If you have developed chafed skin, then taking care of the affected skin area is crucial. Hence, regularly clean the area with warm water once a day.

● You can also use soap while cleaning the area to diminish any bacterial infection. Try out organic soaps for better results. After cleaning, ensure that no moisture is left on the skin.

● Regular application of moisturizer on the affected area is another good solution for chafing. You can apply natural cocoa butter moisturizer or other natural products.

● Further, for healing the skin fast, you can apply barrier creams.

Winter Skin cuts

Most people are used to dry shaving as it is more convenient and less time-consuming. But during the winter seasons, when your skin is already dehydrated, this practice can get you unnecessary shaving cuts. Dry and itchy patches may not seem like any bigger of a deal for concern, but eventually, they get painful if you don't treat them on time. If you notice redness, itchiness, and scales with tiny cracks on the skin, you should hurry up and start the treatment right away.

The solution for unwanted shaving cuts

● An increase in the risk of shaving cuts comes from dry skin; hence you need to treat your itchy dry skin first. You can achieve this by making a habit of applying moisturizer every time your skin feels dry.

● Make a habit of applying a good moisturizer such as natural gel or lotion before going to bed.

● Use a soap that does not dry up your skin entirely. You can use glycerin soaps.

● Always apply moisturizer when your skin is slightly damp as it can absorb moisture better.

Rashes and eczema 

Though both skin conditions are not precisely the same, their symptoms are almost alike. While winter rash is one of the common conditions that most people face during winters, eczema can surface in any season of the year but tends to worsen during winters. Both conditions will make your skin red, dry, flaky, and itchy. These usually flare up more on your arms and hands instead of the face.

A severe rash can cause cracked skin around nails, palms, or on the side portion of fingers. Further, if you don't treat the condition, your skin might get sore.

The solution for rash and eczema

● To protect yourself from winter rash, limit your contact with harsh products like detergents while washing the dishes. You can wear rubber gloves. Also, use organic fragrance-free hand moisturizer.

● Natural oils like almond and coconut oils are known to provide extra moisturization. Thickly apply these products if you are not allergic to either of them. This can be done for both rashes and eczema.

● Additionally, it’s always a good idea to take guidance from your dermatologist.

Cracked heels

Cracked heels are embarrassing as well as painful. But with proper care, you can heal them as well.

The solution for the cracked heels

● Wearing gel socks or socks that come with medicated creams is one of the easiest ways to cure cracked heels. Wear them when you are going to sleep, and let them work in treating your cracked heels.

● Once a week, scrub off your heel area to remove all the accumulated dead cells. You can use a pumice stone, loofah, or body scrubs.

● Include body butter, rich foot creams, and natural oils in the food products you use.

Risk of UV Damage

UV rays have the potential to cause irreversible sunburns on your skin. If you live in a place where it snows during winter, then know that snow reflects nearly 80% of UV rays, making your skin exposed to harmful sunlight twice.

The solution for protection against UV rays

● Adequately cover your skin and always wear sunglasses when you go out in the snow.

● Bring a hat to keep your head warm and protected from the cold winter breeze. Also, it will protect you from direct UV rays.

Conclusion

Extremely dehydrated skin is normal during winter. It brings in a plethora of skin problems like rashes, itching, redness, cracks, flaky skin, etc. While all these problems make you uncomfortable, you can treat them easily at home with the remedies and tips discussed above.