Winter Skin Conditions

by Amy Dudeck


Winter can cause more than just rosy cheeks- It can also result in uncomfortably dry skin, face and body. For some, the problem can be more than just a tight, dry feeling. The skin becomes so dry that it flakes, cracks, and can lead to the aggravation and exacerbation of conditions such as eczema, chilblains, psoriasis, and rosacea. 

Causes

Winter skin conditions are primarily caused by Transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

TEWL is a natural phenomenon that helps regulate the body's water balance and skin hydration. However, excessive TEWL can lead to skin dryness, irritation, and compromised barrier function, particularly in harsh winter conditions.

  • Low Humidity: Cold air holds less moisture, and indoor heating systems further reduce humidity levels.
  • Frequent Temperature Changes: Moving between warm, heated indoor areas and cold, dry outdoor conditions.
  • Hot Showers and Baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water strips the skin of its natural oils.
  • Harsh Soaps and Detergents
  • Wind Exposure
  • Rough Clothing: Warm clothes with rough textures, especially wool or flannel, can rub against the skin and aggravate symptoms.
  • Frequent Hand-washing: Increased hand-washing and use of hand sanitisers, especially in cold and flu season

Prevention

Conditions such as rosacea requires professional treatment but to help prevent and reduce severity during winter you should consider the following:

  • Moisturise Regularly: Use thick creams and emollients that lock in moisture. 
  • Humidify Your Home: Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity levels, especially in bedrooms and living areas.
  • Reduce Hot Showers: limit the duration of hot showers and baths to prevent stripping the skin of its natural oils.
  • Use Gentle Cleansers: Choose mild, gentle cleansers in winter where possible. Consider swapping your DMK Deep pore cleanser to the Milk cleanser or Synergie Ultra cleanser for the Biocleanse.
  • Protect Your Skin: Wear gloves, scarves, and other protective clothing to shield your skin from the cold and wind when outdoors. Choose soft, breathable fabrics to reduce irritation.
  • SPF: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun remains a significant risk even on cold, cloudy days. UV exposure can damage the skin's barrier function, leading to increased TEWL.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
  • Essential fatty acids (EFAs): such as omega-3 and omega-6, are crucial for maintaining skin health by improving barrier function, reducing inflammation, and preventing dryness.

Conclusion

Winter can be a challenging season for maintaining healthy skin, but with the correct prescribed skin care, treatments and preventive measures, you can keep your skin hydrated, happy and healthy this winter.

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