If you’re currently suffering from dry skin or your skin is just feeling drier than usual, then don’t worry because this is very common during winter. It’s cold, the air is dry, and there’s less sunlight so it’s not really too surprising that the winter weather can negatively affect the quality of our skin. During the colder months, there is less moisture in the air due to lower humidity levels, so the skin becomes dry and/or dehydrated.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Skin?

Everyone is different and so the symptoms of dry skin are likely to vary for each individual, but the following are some of the most common signs or symptoms:

  • Redness
  • Irritation
  • Itching 
  • Flaking
  • Scaliness
  • Peeling 
  • Cracking
  • Pain/Stinging

 

What Causes Dry Skin? 

There can be many causes for dry skin and some people are more likely to experience it than others, but here are some examples of common causes:

Weather As we’ve already mentioned, the cold weather outside can cause dry skin due to the dry air that lacks moisture.

Heating When it’s cold, we’re more likely to turn the heating on in our homes which can be another cause of dry skin, as the heat can dry out the air inside.

Skincare Products These products are supposed to help our skin but sometimes they can actually do the opposite if, for instance, the product isn’t suitable for a particular skin type, or it contains harsh chemicals.

Soap Certain soaps can cause dry skin as they remove the skin’s natural oils.

Skin Conditions Some skin conditions (e.g., eczema) can cause dry skin, whilst other skin conditions can also cause people to be more susceptible to experiencing dry skin from other causes.

Age Aging is another cause of dry skin so older adults are at a higher risk of suffering from dry skin.

Frequent Handwashing Washing your hands frequently can dry out the skin due to the combination of soap and water that can wash away the skin’s natural oils.

 

How to Prevent Dry Skin in Winter? 

Although dry skin is more common in winter, there are some preventative measures that can be taken in order to combat it and keep the skin in the best possible condition. Here are 6 tips for preventing dry skin in winter: 

 

 

Use a Humidifier 

Having the heating on at home can draw out moisture from the air and consequently dry out your skin. This is more of a problem during the winter as it’s freezing outside and all we want is to be warm at home with the heating on, so a humidifier can be a great way to prevent dry winter skin as it increases the level of moisture and humidity in the air.

Adjust Temperatures 

When you do turn the heating on for winter, another thing to consider is how high the temperature is and how long you keep it on for. Try not to keep the heating on for the whole night and instead keep warm using layers and blankets. Not only will your skin thank you for it, but you’ll save energy and money too. Win-win.

Update Skincare Routine 

It may be a good idea to change up and update your skincare routine for the winter as your skin’s needs will vary during this time compared to other (warmer) times of the year. For instance, you may need to moisturise more often to reduce the likelihood of your skin drying out, or perhaps you might need to add some products to your routine that contains certain ingredients that would be beneficial to your skin during the colder months. 

Limit Long Baths/Showers 

You might want to reconsider how much time you spend in the bath or shower as this could be another cause for dry skin. Regardless of how tempting it may be to have a really long, hot bath or shower, especially during winter, try to avoid this so that your skin does not dry out. Be more mindful of how much time you spend in the bath/shower and how hot the water is.

Moisturise Straightaway 

Speaking of baths and showers, when you do have one, make sure to moisturise straight away as this will lock in moisture from your bath/shower, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated for longer. So don’t fully pat yourself dry with a towel and leave your skin a bit damp before putting your lotion and/or moisturiser on for the best effect.      

Avoid Certain Products 

There are certain ingredients and products then can contribute to dry skin and so should be avoided, if possible. For example, some soaps can cause dry skin as they can remove the skin’s natural oils. Some skincare products e.g., toner, contain ingredients such as alcohol that can also dry your skin out, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to avoid using products such as toner at all costs, it just means that you have to find the right one for your skin, that will keep it moisturised and hydrated.  

 

iPharm’s Skincare Recommendations

 

Aveeno Moisturising Creamy Oil with Almond Oil

 

 

  • Formulated with Colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil. 
  • Clinically proven to soften and smooth the skin. 
  • Softens normal to dry skin. 
  • Suitable for sensitive skin. 
  • Non-greasy formula. 

 

Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel

 

 

 

  • Helps to relieve the symptoms of dry skin. 
  • Easily absorbable. 
  • Contains vitamins and essential oils. 
  • Helps the skin to retain moisture for longer. 
  • Non-comedogenic formula. 

 

Shop Skincare Products