The cold winter weather often causes our skin to feel dry and tight. Dry skin can be caused by many different factors, including harsh weather, lack of hydration, and a lack of moisture. In the colder months, it’s far more common for our skin to dry out as the air condition is inevitably a lot drier. Being exposed to the cold air, drier air, not only makes you more susceptible to getting sick, but can create a greater likelihood of dry skin.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can take to help give your skin the hydration it needs. This blog will explore a few ways you can treat your skin this winter. Take care of your skin with these tips and plan a visit to AFC Urgent Care Louisville for same-day medical care if necessary!
How does cold weather affect your skin?
As the temperatures drop and the winter weather becomes more severe, it is important to protect your skin! It’s easy to forget how much the cold weather affects your skin. We often are distracted by preventing illness symptoms during these months– as the cold and flu season impacts our community until the spring. However, the cold weather dries out your skin and makes it more prone to damage, including dry, cracked skin, eczema, and rashes.
Think about how the overall weather condition affects all things in the winter. When your respiratory system is met with cold, dry air, it loses its moisture and causes viruses to enter your lungs much easier. The same goes for your skin– when the air is dry, your skin loses its natural moisture. A lack of moisture leads to irritated skin cells that dries out your skin.
How to treat your dry skin this winter
The first step to treating dry skin is to identify what’s triggering it. If the weather is cold and dry, try to stay indoors as much as possible. If you’ve been using harsh cleansers, consider switching to a gentle and natural alternative that can help keep your skin hydrated. Once you’ve identified the cause of your dry skin, it’s important to prioritize your moisturizing routine. Taking care of your skin is just as important as taking care of your body– after all, your epidermis is the largest organ you have!
Start by using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water. Additionally, avoid using hot water as much as you can. Hot water strips away natural oils from your skin, which therefore causes dry skin. After cleansing, always use a moisturizer, ointment, or cream. Look for a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for dry skin. These products are more likely to help lock in moisture as opposed to a product formulated for oily or combination skin types.
Visit AFC Louisville for Health & Wellness Services
To support your overall health and wellness this winter, it is important to protect your skin! If these tips do not give you any relief from your dry skin, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Louisville for professional help. Our medical providers can examine your condition and offer treatment recommendations, lifestyle advice, and even refer you to the best specialist for care if necessary. If you have further questions about treating dry skin in the winter, call our office directly at (720) 961-9700.
