Dry skin in winter: causes and solutions

As the seasons change, we make many adjustments, swapping cooler summer clothing for warmer winter attire and transitioning from lighter lunches to heartier soups and stews. Unfortunately, winter often brings changes to our skin as well. Dry skin is a common occurrence during the cold season. The skin retains moisture due to natural oils that act as a barrier for protection and hydration. Typically, dry skin is a result of the weakening of the skin's barrier due to environmental factors.

Winter air tends to be quite dry, primarily due to lower humidity levels in the atmosphere. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, explains that colder temperatures outside retain less moisture, as does the warm indoor air. Additionally, it is essential to consider that mucous membranes of the eyes and skin tend to become drier with age. This occurs due to changes in hormone levels, sebaceous gland function, and tear fluid production. Consequently, dryness of the eye’s cornea, skin, and nasal mucous membranes may be observed.

Let us go over some simple recommendations to help keep your skin healthy.

Hydration

During the winter, it is a good idea to reevaluate your bathing and skincare routines. While a hot bath or shower may be tempting on a cold day to warm up, such procedures can further dry out the skin. Opt for warm, not hot water, and use a gentle, moisturizing, liquid or bar soap without fragrances. Limit yourself to one 5–10-minute bath or shower per day. Bathing more frequently can damage the skin’s protective barrier and lead to moisture loss. After showering, pat yourself dry gently, leaving your skin slightly damp, and immediately apply moisturizer to help retain moisture.

Skin Protection

Do not neglect basic skin protection measures in cold, dry weather:

• When outdoors, cover as much exposed skin as possible (wear gloves and a scarf wrapped around the lower part of your face) to reduce skin exposure to the air and reduce the chances of developing micro-cracks.
• Even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 to exposed skin.
• When cleaning your home using cleaning products, wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from dryness.

By following these recommendations, you can help combat the effects of winter on your skin and keep it healthy and hydrated.

Preserving Your Vision

Ashley Brissete, the chairperson of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), explains that dry and especially cold and windy climates can lead to increased dryness of the eye’s cornea. In such cases, increasing tear production can help. You can achieve this by using warm compresses on your eyes for a few minutes each day, which stimulate the glands on your eyelids and, consequently, enhance tear production. Additionally, gently washing your eyelids with baby shampoo or eye-cleansing solution can help maintain the health of these eyelid glands.

If you spend a lot of time in front of a computer or tablet, try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your gaze on a point approximately 20 feet (609 cm) away. These exercises allow your eyes to relax and rest.

It is also a good idea to purchase moisturizing eye drops (artificial tears). These drops are available over the counter and can be safely used multiple times a day.

If these measures are insufficient, and your dry eye symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist.

Humidifier to the Rescue

The ideal indoor humidity level ranges from 30% to 50%, but during winter, this can drop below 20%. When humidity levels decrease to this extent, it affects our body's resistance to bacteria, viruses, and allergens. Inhaling dry, cold air disrupts the protective layer of the nasal and throat mucous membranes. The absence of protective moisture contributes to irritation of the respiratory tract, making it susceptible to infection.

A humidifier can help prevent skin, eye, and nasal dryness, especially when used during sleep. It is worth noting that humid air also promotes better sleep by providing proper oxygen saturation, which enhances the immune system. If you cannot acquire a humidifier for any reason, there are a few simple solutions:

•  Boil water and leave the container open to allow the steam to enter the room.
•  Keep the bathroom door open when taking a shower.
•  Place wet sponges or cloths in rooms to increase humidity.

Any of these actions will help increase the humidity in your home.

Winter is a special time of the year, associated with magic, holidays, and family. On such days, you may want to snuggle up in a blanket, enjoy hot cocoa, and take it easy while awaiting a miracle. However, reality is quite pragmatic, and each morning we step out of our warm homes. Therefore, do not forget the recommendations mentioned above, which will help protect your skin from the cold, dry air and keep it looking healthy.