What causes dry winter skin?

Is the cold weather and wind leaving your skin feeling dry and irritated? Let’s look at how chilly temperatures can impact your skin health.

While the arrival of winter can bring cosy nights, a crackling fire and comfort food, the cooler months also have a downside – they can wreak havoc on your skin.

The drop in temperature, coupled with low humidity and harsh indoor heating can sap moisture from your skin.

Research has found cold, dry air shrinks the hydrating protein – called filaggrin – in your skin.

When this occurs, the skins natural protective layer becomes broken leading to that dry, scaly texture we all know too well. 

How can you protect your skin in winter?

There are many ways you can protect and relieve dry skin in winter.

Room temperature

It might be tempting to crank up the heating during winter, but it is better to keep the rooms in your home at a regular temperature.

Setting heating to about 18 degrees can help reduce big jumps in temperature and prevent unneeded stress on already fragile skin.

Try wearing thin layers that can be added to or removed as needed.

Avoid hot showers

While a long hot shower might sound enticing, it can dry out your skin.

Research shows that hot water can damage you skin barrier function, as can taking a long shower or bath.

Frequent bathing or hot showers or baths can also strip your skin of natural oils.

So try limiting your showers or baths, keep water temperature closer to lukewarm and gently pat your skin dry after washing.

Use a humidifier

During the cold winter months, the air inside and outside becomes drier.

Humidifiers can help add moisture back into the air and studies have found higher humidity reduces skin dryness

Try the DermaVeen Extra Hydration Range

Research has shown a consistent skin care regimen plays an important role in managing dry skin.

The key to maintaining optimum skin health is to use soap-free cleansers and moisturisers that soothe, hydrate and repair the skin barrier.

The DermaVeen Extra Hydration Range is here to help as part of your skincare regimen and is specifically formulated to help sensitive, dry, and itchy skin.

The range contains the natural active ingredient OatActiv+® which works on the skin in six ways – hydrating, preventing, soothing, protecting, balancing and supporting.

* This post is brought to you by the DermaVeen Extra Hydration Range.