Dry, flaky skin is a common winter complaint, especially on the hands and legs. While some people only deal with this seasonally, others experience it year-round. Your age, health, and location all play a role in this seasonal frustration. With many saving money after Holiday shopping, read how you can help your dry skin before stopping at Walmart for skincare or a humidifier.

Visit AFC Hixson for treatment!

Why Does My Skin Get Dry During Winter?

During winter, dry air and low humidity can leave skin feeling tight and flaky. This condition, xerosis, may also result from aging, sun exposure, or overuse of harsh products.

What Else Causes Dry Skin?

Cold weather and frequent washing both contribute to winter’s dry skin woes. Washing your hands often is an essential hygiene practice, but the repeated use of soap and warm water removes your skin’s natural moisture barrier. The same goes for long, hot showers or overbathing—they may feel good in the moment, but they can leave your skin parched and irritated. To combat this, opt for lukewarm water, switch to gentle cleansers, and always follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin protected.

Dry Skin Symptoms:

Dry skin is likely to cause symptoms, including:

• A feeling of skin tightness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming
• Deep cracks that may bleed
• Fine lines or cracks
• Gray, ashy skin in people with dark skin
• Itching, also known as pruritus
• Redness
• Skin that feels and looks rough
• Slight to severe flaking, scaling or peeling

When in doubt, visit AFC Hixson for thorough and compassionate care.

Tips to Protect Your Skin:

• Stay adequately hydrated throughout the day.
• Incorporate more healthy fats into your diet.
• Don’t over-wash your skin.
• Get an adequate amount of exercise every week.
• Don’t smoke.

For more detailed dermatology care, visit the skilled team at our Hixson clinic.

Tips to Keep Moisturized:

Take these steps to help your skin retain moisture and decrease dryness:

• Take short, warm showers and use gentle cleansers to protect your skin’s natural oils.
• Moisturize immediately after bathing to lock in water and keep skin hydrated.
• Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen or use a moisturizer with SPF every day, even in winter.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and reduce skin dryness indoors.
• Choose soft fabrics that won’t irritate your skin and wash them with mild detergents.
• Avoid over-washing or harsh soaps that strip natural oils from the skin.
• Handle dry areas gently—don’t scratch or scrub irritated skin.

Soothe itching caused by dry skin with cool compresses. Reduce inflammation by using a nonprescription hydrocortisone ointment containing at least 1% hydrocortisone.

When to Visit an Urgent Care Clinic?

At AFC Urgent Care Hixson, we understand how frustrating persistent dry skin can be. If it’s inflamed, painful, or interfering with your daily life despite your best efforts at home, visit us today. Our team can evaluate your condition and recommend a treatment plan to help you find relief.