Cold air and indoor heating can leave skin tight, flaky and itchy by midwinter. The good news is that relief usually comes from small habit changes rather than expensive products. Here are five gentle remedies that may help, and three popular fixes that can make dryness worse.
Keep showers short and lukewarm
A steaming shower feels great in winter but strips the skin’s natural oils. Dermatologists suggest warm rather than hot water and keeping showers to about 5 to 10 minutes. Pat your skin dry gently instead of rubbing it with the towel.
Moisturise right after you bathe
Apply moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp, ideally within a few minutes of stepping out. Doing this helps trap water in the skin before it evaporates. Thick creams and ointments usually work better than thin lotions, and many doctors suggest applying them at least twice a day.
Switch to a mild, fragrance-free cleanser
You don’t need your whole skincare shelf in winter. A gentle cleanser and a good moisturiser are often enough. Look for products labelled hydrating or for sensitive skin, and use less soap on your body, since it takes away natural oils.
Add moisture to the air
Heaters and air-conditioners dry out indoor air, and your skin pays for it. A humidifier can help keep itching and irritation in check. If you don’t have one, closing the bathroom door during a shower traps humidity.
Protect your hands
Hands take the worst of winter because they are washed often and exposed to cold. Wear gloves outdoors, and use rubber or silicone gloves when washing dishes or handling cleaning products. Apply hand cream after every wash.
3 popular fixes to avoid
Scrubbing off the flakes
It is tempting to scrub dry, flaky patches away, but exfoliating strips moisture and can leave skin itchier and drier. If you exfoliate, do it gently and not more than once a week, and avoid harsh scrubs.
Alcohol-based toners and astringents
These can dry out already-parched skin. Skip them for the winter, especially on the face.
Fragranced products and deodorant soaps
Scented soaps, body sprays and deodorant soaps may smell nice, but they can irritate dry, sensitive skin. Choose fragrance-free options instead.When to see a doctor: If your skin doesn’t improve after about two weeks of home care, or if it cracks, bleeds or becomes very itchy or red, see a dermatologist.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general informational purposes only. Skin conditions vary from person to person. Anyone with eczema, psoriasis, allergies or persistent skin problems should consult a dermatologist before changing their skincare routine.
