What to do about dry skin in winter Dry skin occurs when skin doesn’t retain sufficient moisture—for example, because of frequent bathing, use of harsh soaps, aging, or certain medical conditions. Wintertime poses a special problem because humidity is low both outdoors and indoors, and the water content of the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin) tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. Fortunately, there are many simple and inexpensive things you can do to relieve winter dry skin, also known as winter itch or winter xerosis. Keeping moisture in the skin Skin moisturizers, which rehydrate the epidermis and seal in the moisture, are the first step in combating dry skin. In general, the thicker and greasier a moisturizer, the more effective it will be. Some of the most effective (and least expensive) are petroleum jelly and moisturizing oils (such as mineral oil), which prevent water loss without clogging pores. Because they contain no water, they’re best used while the skin is still damp from bathing, to seal in the moisture. Other moisturizers contain water as well as oil, in varying proportions. These are less greasy and may be more cosmetically appealing than petroleum jelly or oils. Skin aging and dryness Dry skin becomes much more common with age; at least 75% of people over age 64 have dry skin. Often it’s the cumulative effect of sun exposure: sun damage results in thinner skin that doesn’t retain moisture. The production of natural oils in the skin also slows with age; in women, this may be partly a result of the postmenopausal drop in hormones that stimulate oil and sweat glands. The most vulnerable areas are those that have fewer sebaceous (or oil) glands, such as the arms, legs, hands, and middle of the upper back. What you can do Here are some ways to combat dry skin that are effective if practiced consistently: Use a humidifier in the winter. Set it to around 60%, a level that should be sufficient to replenish the top layer of the epidermis. Limit yourself to one 5- to 10-minute bath or shower daily. Use lukewarm water rather than hot water, which can wash away natural oils. Minimize your use of soaps; if necessary, choose moisturizing preparations such as Dove, Olay, and Basis, or consider soap-free cleansers like Cetaphil, Oilatum-AD, and Aquanil. To reduce the risk of trauma to the skin, avoid bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths. Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or after washing your hands. This helps plug the spaces between your skin cells and seal in moisture while your skin is still damp. Never, ever scratch. Most of the time, a moisturizer can control the itch. You can also use a cold pack or compress to relieve itchy spots. Use sunscreen in the winter as well as the summer to prevent photoaging. When shaving, use a shaving cream or gel and leave it on your skin for several minutes before starting.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:59:32 +0000
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