Skin Care Routine To Beat Dry Skin In Winter

Just imagine hot coffee, chilly winds, fuzzy warm blankets, large sweaters, and a surprise bonfire invitation, and then the reality strikes…when you feel extreme dryness and itching sensation creeping upon your skin. As winter is around the corner, our skin starts showing the first signs of winter blues. But Dry and sensitive skin is not limited to the winter season it is a common problem that affects people of all ages and races. It can be caused by several factors like genetics, climate, certain medical conditions, etc. Lack of moisture in dry skin makes the skin dry causing irritation, itchiness, and skin flakiness. So what to do about it or how do you select the Best Lotion For Dry Skin and just solve all your skin woes this winter? Worry not, we have plenty of advice to make your skin as soft as a fuzzy blanket.

There are several ways by which you can manage dry and sensitive skin. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents as they can irritate dry and sensitive skin. Try to use mild cleansers and fabric softeners to decrease the risk of dermatitis.
2. Take shorter showers or baths with lukewarm water. Hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin, making it more dry. You may also want to avoid using soap with strong surfactants on your entire body.  
3. Moisturize your skin regularly with the best-suited body lotion. 
4. Keep yourself Hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help hydrate your skin from the inside out.
5. Consume food high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Get enough sleep. 
7. Avoid air-conditioned or exorbitantly heated apartments. 
8. Consult a dermatologist if the dry skin is being caused due to some underlying condition.

Additional Tips To Get Rid of Dry Skin In Winter-

• Avoid scratching your skin. Scratching will only make your skin more irritated and inflamed.
• Go for a prescription moisturizer if OTC products are not working on the severity.
• Apply the best lotion for dry skin right away after washing with a gentle cleanser.

 

How To Choose The Right Winter Product For Dry Sensitive Skin

There is an abundance of skin care products for winter in different forms ranging from Moisturizing Bathing Bar to Bath Emollient, Moisturizers to Essential Oils, so how does even one go about with the search?

For starters focus on the ingredients that tackle and manage your condition and symptoms respectively, 

1. Go for ingredients that add moisture to your skin like Shea butter, milk proteins, and cocoa butter.
2. Moisturizers or Bathing bars having Ceramide and Fatty acids help in the repair of the skin barrier by facilitating healthy skin development. 
3. Lipbalm, Bath Emollient, or lotions containing ingredients like petroleum jelly and lanolin form a  shield to prevent transepidermal water loss. 
4. Intense Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin maintain the water content of the skin at healthy levels. 
5. Glycyrrhetinic acid, Colloidal Oats, and Aloe vera soothe and help in the management of symptoms like itching and inflammation and are especially suitable for dry skin.  Ingredients with antioxidant activities also add to the skin's health. 

When To See A Doctor:

• If there are more symptoms other than dry and sensitive skin.
• When OTC products like moisturizing bathing bars or moisturizers, are not working or exaggerating the condition.
• Adverse reaction to a new product, medication, or food. 
• Excess wet work may also lead an otherwise healthy individual to develop extreme dry skin conditions.

Underlying Causes of Dry Skin and Sensitive Skin:

1. Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis, psoriasis or ichthyosis predispose, an individual to extremely dry skin conditions with the added pain of irritation, inflammation, and flaking.
2. Certain medications: Adverse reactions to certain medications can also lead to dryness and sensitization of the skin.
3. Vitamin or mineral deficiency: For a body to sustain itself, a required amount of nutrients is required, and any deficiency or excess leads to various conditions, and dryness is also one of them.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle: Smoking and alcohol consumption lead to a decrease in water levels and extreme dehydration which also affects skin and hair.

 Even the Harshest Winters can be beautiful with the right precautions and skincare routine. It is always recommended to do your research or consult a dermatologist. Preferably go for ingredient-based products that are suitable for dry and sensitive skin which also complements other OTC products or your daily cosmetics. Have a well-balanced diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle your skin will appreciate it later in life.