Winter weather can take a toll on your skin, often leading to dryness. For some, this is a seasonal struggle, while for others, dry skin is a lifelong condition. It may appear flaky, itchy, or rough and typically affects areas like the hands, arms, and lower legs, although it varies by person. Factors like age, health, environment, and time outdoors also influence the severity of dry skin. 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 Chapman Hwy for treatment!

Common Causes of Dry Skin:

Dry skin, or xerosis, can result from aging, harsh weather, sun exposure, or overuse of certain products. Low humidity environments, especially during winter, can dehydrate your skin as cold air pulls moisture away from the body. This causes tight, flaky, or uncomfortable skin.

What Else Causes Dry Skin?

Cold weather isn’t the only culprit behind dry skin—your washing and bathing habits play a huge role too. During winter, when the air is already dry, frequent handwashing and bathing can make the problem worse. While washing your hands regularly is a vital habit—especially during flu season or after the pandemic—it’s important to remember that soap and warm water can strip away your skin’s natural oils. This protective barrier helps lock in moisture, so when it’s disrupted, your skin can become dry, flaky, and irritated. Hot showers, prolonged baths, or using harsh soaps can have the same effect, leaving your skin vulnerable to winter’s drying conditions. Balancing hygiene with skin care, like using lukewarm water, mild soap, and a rich moisturizer, can help protect your skin during this time.

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

Worried it could be something more? Visit AFC Chapman Hwy for comprehensive 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.

Our Chapman Hwy clinic team can offer more in-depth dermatology care during your visit.

Tips to Keep Moisturized:

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

• Shower every other day with warm water, limiting bath time to 5–10 minutes.
• Use gentle, moisturizing soaps and avoid products with harsh chemicals, alcohol, or fragrances.
• Pat skin dry with a soft towel and immediately apply a thick moisturizer to trap water.
• Use a moisturizer with SPF 30 or more when going outside, even on cloudy days.
• Run a humidifier to add moisture to dry indoor air, and clean it regularly.
• Wear soft, natural fabrics like cotton or silk, and avoid irritants like wool.
• Refrain from scratching or scrubbing dry patches to prevent irritation.

If your dry skin makes you itch, soothe the area with cool compresses. To ease inflammation, try a nonprescription cream or ointment with at least 1% hydrocortisone.

When to Visit an Urgent Care Clinic?

Healthy skin is a necessity, and at AFC Urgent Care Chapman Hwy, we’re here to help you achieve it. If at-home treatments haven’t resolved your dry skin and it’s causing pain, open sores, or sleep issues, stop by our clinic today. Our expert team can assess your condition and recommend the right treatment plan. Don’t wait—visit us for fast, professional care!