How to deal with dry skin in the winter season

Arab Weather - In winter we are often exposed to cold winds that lead to dry skin, followed by cracks of the skin, especially in exposed areas of the skin such as the face and hands. Here we mean dry skin in the winter season as a temporary condition that occurs as a result of exposure to a constriction of blood vessels, which leads to a lack of access to food and fluids needed to nourish and hydrate the skin and the surface layers of it, as well as a result of the skin's loss of oils that make it soft and stretchy and protect the skin from external factors. Usually, the injury is focused on the face, lips and hands, with the possibility of dehydration in the rest of the body.

What are the causes of dry skin in winter?

Dry skin in winter is due to two main reasons:

1. Constriction of the blood vessels due to the decrease in temperature and the attempt of the skin to further widen the capillaries.
2. The skin's pores are shrinking, and the sebaceous and sweat glands secrete properly.

There are also auxiliary factors such as:

• Direct exposure to cold and cold winds.
• Exposure to dry air, which evaporates water from the skin, which makes it lose moisture and elasticity.
• Malnutrition.
• Weak immunity.
• Presence of auxiliary diseases.
• Using hot water during the shower and washing the face and hands frequently and for a long time.
• Use of commercial soap.
• Using cosmetics a lot.

What are the symptoms of dry skin in the winter?

There are distinct symptoms of dry skin in winter, the most important of which are: the feeling that the skin is tight, tough, shrinking and dry, with redness and itching that can be exacerbated and affected by irritating factors. And the condition can develop and complications occur if not treated, and it becomes light cracks or sunken, sometimes with bleeding.

What is the treatment for dry skin in the winter?

Treat dry skin in the winter season by following the following steps:

• Use moisturizing lotions such as Vaseline .
• Using raw olive oil, which gives an effective moisturizing effect on the skin.
• Use anti-itch creams, including creams containing cortisone if itching occurs.
• Use an antibiotic cream in the event of complications.
• Refer to the dermatology clinic in case of severe complications such as deep cracks that do not respond to moisturizers .

How can I prevent dry skin in the winter?

In order to have a moist skin and avoid drying out in the winter, we must follow the following guidelines:

• Lack of direct exposure to cold and cold wind, so as to prevent clogging of the pores of the skin as well as preventing the contraction of peripheral vascular.
• Eat a healthy diet and focus on eating adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits and sources of protein.
• Drinking water in appropriate quantities ( 7-8 cups per day ), as well as drinking more hot drinks.
• Bathing in warm water , so that the duration of the shower does not exceed 5-10 minutes, in order to preserve the oily layer that protects the skin.
• Use a medicated soap for the skin , with a pH equal to PH5.5.
• Using good quality cosmetics, and not applying it to the skin for a long time, to prevent clogging of the skin pores.
• Moisturizing the face and hands twice daily, in order to help the skin protect its cells.
• Wearing suitable woolen clothing, as well as wearing paws on the hands when going outside to warm the body and prevent peripheral blood vessel shrinkage.

Source: Cura