How to keep your skin happy and healthy during winter
As the temperature drops and the wind picks up, our skin faces a new challenge.
During winter, dry, itchy, and red skin is a common complaint. Why is it the case?
Let's break down this tried and true "winter maths": Cold air + wind + low humidity = dry skin
Do I have dry skin or eczema?
We know, it can be hard to tell sometimes! After all, dry skin can trigger eczema, and vice versa. Look for these signs – and if you’re unsure, ask your Pharmacist.
Dry skin
More likely to look reddish and feel tight, gritty, flaky with or without some cracking of the skin.
Eczema
Check for red or grey patches, bumpy skin, blisters or raw, scaly skin.
Talk to your Pharmacist if you suspect your symptoms are due to eczema and how to manage your eczema and relieve the itching.
What can I do about dry skin?
Being proactive pays off when it comes to dry skin. This means, rather than waiting for dry skin to begin, start taking care of your skin now.
Looking after your skin daily and today can save you from winter woes tomorrow!
Here are five things you can do today.
1. Hydration
Keeping your skin hydrated is the key for treating winter skin problems. Using a rich emollient moisturizer helps to lock in moisture and keeps your skin cells plump and happy.
If you have trouble remembering, combine moisturising with other daily tasks like brushing your teeth. It's best to moisturize after taking a shower because moisturiser absorbs easier on damp skin.
2. Identify your triggers
Triggers that either cause a flare up or further exacerbate dry skin can be different for each person. Common examples include allergens, cold or dry air and stress. Depending on the triggers, treatments can also vary.
Take time to pinpoint possible triggers for your dry skin. It will help your Pharmacist advise you on products that may help you.
3. Turn down the heat
Too much water can strip away the natural oils which are present to protect our skin from dryness! As well as keeping showers warm, rather than hot, aim for shorter showers. The longer we’re in there, the more chance we have of stripping away those natural oils.
4. Wear long sleeves
Remember how cold air can contribute to dryness? Hooray for long-sleeved tops and shirts! They help stop the cold air getting to your skin in the first place. This can be particularly important if you work a desk job, as office environments are not always adequately heated.
5. Change out of sweaty clothes
An easy swap that can really help our skin! Why? Staying in sweaty workout gear can fast-track fungal growth and aggravate eczema. Eww.
Healthy skin, from the inside
Besides moisturising and adequate clothing, did you know that certain nutrients and foods can work wonders for your skin? Stock up on these skin-loving essentials at your next grocery shop.
Vitamin E
Found in nuts, seeds, and avocado, helps combat free radicals for healthy-looking skin.
Vitamin C
Abundant in berries, kiwi, oranges, broccoli, and capsicum, essential for collagen production.
Beta-carotene
Get this skin-repairing nutrient from carrots and leafy greens.
Zinc and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Boost your intake with mussels, oysters, salmon, sardines, anchovies, and mackerel.
Lower GI foods
Opt for barley, sweet potatoes, quinoa, legumes, and oats to improve overall skin quality.
You can maintain moisturised, happy, and healthy-looking skin throughout the winter by following these simple steps and making thoughtful choices.
Remember, a little care today and every day, go a long way for healthier skin for tomorrow.
As always, our Pharmacists at TerryWhite Chemmart Cockburn Medical are always available to discuss any health matters and would welcome a conversation with you to help with any skin problems you may have.