What to know about Dry Skin in Winters
Winters are here, and so is dry skin. Comparatively, in warmer weather, the moisture in the skin is retained due to the moisture present in the atmosphere.
The drastic temperature changes affect humidity and moisture level in winters, causing a commonly occurring skin dryness issue, specifically known as xerosis.
Xerosis is a skin condition causing dryness, but it can be attributed to an abnormally dry skin condition. It is an extended version of skin dryness that escalates in some people causing various skin problems, and it can become challenging to deal with.
Older individuals are more likely to develop the condition than younger ones. Our sweat glands become less active as we age, owing to hormonal changes. As a result, xerosis cutis is a prevalent problem.
For people aged 65 and above, this is a common occurrence. Diabetes is also a risk factor, as diabetics are more likely to acquire xerosis as they age.
Delfina Dry Skin Oil is a lightweight moisturizer used for preventing xerosis as it treats the underlying cause of skin dryness. It's an all-in-one solution for your skin issues, including eczema and psoriasis. Apply it day and night for fourteen days to see visible results if you face serious dryness issues.
How is the skin barrier damaged?
The skin is composed of three layers, each having its function. The lowest or innermost layer is the subcutaneous fat, which offers insulation, energy storage, and shock absorption. The dermis, which contains blood vessels, nerves, sweat and oil glands, and hair follicles, is located just above the epidermis.
The topmost layer is the epidermis, the skin's significant protective barrier, and the level where drying occurs. It comprises layered cells that are continually in transition, as younger, living cells arise from the epidermis's lower levels then die and fall off once they reach the surface. Once a month, this ongoing cycle renews the skin.
The uppermost layer of your skin is composed of moisture, lipid, proteins, and it protects the skin from damage by environmental pollutants and other factors. This layer locks moisture in your skin and keeps it hydrated.
This barrier is affected if your skin doesn't get hydrated enough, and as a result, it gets dry and irritated. Violent scrubbing, applying chemicals that do not suit your skin, and some fragrances can cause this damage. Frequent exfoliation also plays a part.
You might experience rashes, redness, irritation apart from dryness, which can lead to a reasonable conclusion that your skin barrier is compromised.
What are the possible symptoms?
There are several symptoms for skin dryness in winters, among some of which are listed below:
- Constant irritation
- Redness
- Itching
- Cracked skin
- Patches of dry skin all over the body
- Skin allergies
- Bleeding (in severe cases)
Dry skin is usually temporary, and you typically get it in the winter and often during dry summer conditions. However, it can also be a lifelong problem, or you might inherit it from your parents.
The signs and symptoms of dry skin vary depending on your age, health, region, time spent outside, and the condition's origin.
Skin dryness causes other physical issues and can lead to mental health issues if not treated on time. Anxiety, social awkwardness may escalate to depression in some cases. All of this happens because severe dryness can make your skin look dull and rough and affect your appearance.
It becomes challenging to carry out routine activities and tasks with dryness issues. To tackle this issue, improve or change your diet and avoid eating junk food. Eat vegetables and fruits and try to stay hydrated, especially in winters, because your body doesn't demand water as you do not feel thirsty, but it needs it to function correctly.
Consult your dermatologist and other specialists if you face this from time to time, and you have not determined the underlying cause of your chronic skin dryness.
Causes of dryness in winters?
The skin becomes more susceptible to dryness, especially in winters. However, there are other underlying causes of skin dryness.
- Hot baths
Taking hot baths for a long time can damage your skin barrier, protecting it from damage. Note that the damage can occur not only from hot baths, but taking extreme cold baths for a long time can damage your skin.
- Low moisture levels
If the moisture in the air is dropped below a certain level, the skin begins to dry fast, leading to irritation and redness.
- Cold weather itself
The wind gets dry in the winter, due to which continuous exposure can be irritating and unpleasant for the skin.
- Age
With age, the skin may well become thin and drier. Women's skin dryness can be caused by hormonal problems associated with menopause, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
- Chemical irritants
Certain detergents and also skincare products can cause dryness. Try a patch test to ensure if the product suits your skin or wear gloves to avoid direct contact.
- Fabric allergies
Fabrics like wool are usually an irritant for most people and may cause rashes on your skin, which may further cause it to bleed. Wear breathable clothes like cotton or similar fabric to avoid the situation altogether.
- Side effects of other medicines
Dryness can also occur as a side effect of taking certain medications for your other health issues. Contact your doctor if the situation persists, or ask him to prescribe an alternative.
Treatment Guide
Avoid extreme bathing temperatures
Try to take a bath with warm water as hot and cold water can damage your skin. Also, limit the bathing time to a maximum of 10 minutes.
Use humidifier
If you work in a closed or temperature-controlled environment, it might be the case that your skin is not getting enough moisture from the air around you. Use humidifiers in addition to heaters in winters, or ask your management at work to install them to protect your skin from damage.
Apart from work, this can also be the case in your homes if you live in colder regions such as certain parts of Europe and North America.
Wear Gloves
Wear rubber gloves while washing utensils or clothes. The detergents used for washing clothes and utensils can irritate your skin and deteriorate your skin condition.
Insulate yourself
Insulate yourself adequately before going out during winter nights and days. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above to safeguard yourself from damaging sunlight. Wear warm gloves and socks at night to ensure proper insulation from dry, cold winds.
Use Delfina Dry Skin Oil
Apply Delfina Dry Skin Oil before going to bed and after bath to heal your dry skin in the morning. Defina Dry Skin Oil is your one-stop solution for most skin issues related to dryness, such as eczema and psoriasis.
It repairs your skin barrier by locking the moisture in the upper layer and staying there for a long time. It is light and breezy on your skin and doesn't feel heavy like other moisturizers.
Delfina Dry skin oil is made from vegan and botanical ingredients, and its application can be extended according to the individual's extent of skin damage.
The Bottom Line
Dry skin can usually be a concerning health issue since it can lead to severe consequences like cracked skin, bleeding from cracks deep enough to rupture capillaries in the dermis.
Secondly, bacterial infections may be another serious consequence that can necessitate treatment. Dry skin is seldom linked to allergies. See your doctor if you observe any of these symptoms or if home remedies don't seem to help.
The concerned individual may also wish to have specific tests done to rule out medical diseases like hypothyroidism, diabetes, cancer, renal illness, liver disease, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis, which can all cause dry skin.
As the winter season is amongst us, try to keep all of the tips mentioned earlier and prevention guides in mind to ensure dryness-free skin. Keep Delfina Dry Skin Oil with you wherever you go for easy application anywhere, anytime. Delfina can also be used to treat and prevent cracked skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
