Healthy Skin During the Winter Months

During the winter months your skin can become dry and lack moisture due to colder weather and low humidity. Dry skin is common and can contribute to itching, flaking and eczema flares. You want your skin to be as healthy as possible, especially during colder weather. A healthy skin barrier can contribute to your overall health and wellness.

What is healthy skin?
Healthy skin can mean different things for different people. Generally, healthy skin is smooth, soft and even in texture, without flaking or peeling. Your skin can become dry when it does not have enough moisture. The cold weather in winter can deplete your skin of natural lipids. This allows water to escape from the skin barrier, making the skin less hydrated.

Why you need healthy skin
Hydrated skin is essential for maintaining overall skin health and function. Proper hydration supports the skin’s barrier, which serves as the first line of defense against environmental insults, including pathogens and allergens. When your skin is dry, it becomes difficult for the barrier to protect you from outside factors. Dry skin can also be uncomfortable and lead to itching, flaking, or rashes.

How to prevent dry skin

• • Keep your skin moisturized with a thick emollient, such as Vaseline, or a thick body cream
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
  • Choose heavier creams over lotions
  • Increase your water intake
  • Avoid overly frequent and overly hot showers and baths
  • Apply your moisturizer immediately after bathing to seal in moisture
  • Don’t forget sunscreen (even in the winter!)
  • Use a humidifier

Don’t forget your lips!
Your lips are also impacted by winter weather! They can become dry or chapped from a lack of moisture. Be sure to keep your lips moisturized and try to avoid licking your lips, which can increase irritation and lead to lip cracking. The best moisturizers for your lips are plain Vaseline or Aquaphor.