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Skincare in Fall/Winter: How to Protect Your Skin

Handso Team

Oct 12, 2024

As the colder months roll in, many people experience a noticeable shift in their skin’s condition—dry patches, itchiness, and irritation become daily battles. The reduced humidity and harsh winds strip your skin of moisture, and even your usual skincare routine might feel inadequate.

But the good news? 

Tackling these seasonal skin challenges doesn’t have to be a losing battle. By making a few thoughtful adjustments, you can protect and hydrate your skin all season long. Let’s explore how to keep your skin soft and healthy, even when the cold bites.

Rethink Moisturizing: Choose the Right Oils

Not all moisturizers are created equal, and some might be doing less for your skin than you think. Mineral oil and petroleum-based products (like petrolatum) are occlusive agents, meaning they create a barrier that locks moisture into the skin but doesn’t provide deep hydration. These are commonly found in products like Vaseline or Aquaphor, which are often used to protect the skin from water loss but can feel heavy or greasy

Instead, opt for natural oils that not only lock in moisture but also nourish the skin. Jojoba oil, for example, mimics the skin’s natural oils and contains beneficial fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier. Argan oil and rosehip oil are packed with antioxidants and essential fatty acids that soothe dry, irritated skin

Scientific studies show that oils rich in linoleic acid, like rosehip oil, help repair the skin barrier and reduce water loss, which is crucial in dry winter conditions. By incorporating these oils into your skincare routine, you’ll protect your skin while nourishing it deeply.

Don’t Shower Too Hot

While a long, hot shower can feel like a winter luxury, it can actually do more harm than good. Hot water strips away your skin’s natural oils, which worsens dryness and irritation, particularly for those with eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea

Studies show that frequent exposure to hot water weakens the skin barrier, leading to increased trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL)—a key factor in dry winter skin . To prevent this, keep your showers lukewarm and limit them to 10 minutes. Also, moisturize immediately after to lock in the moisture while your skin is still damp.

Skip the Shampoo Every Now and Then

Your hair and scalp need attention too during the colder months. Cold weather can lead to a drier scalp, causing flakiness, itching, and even dandruff. Shampooing too frequently strips your scalp of its natural oils, exacerbating these issues.

Consider switching to a no-shampoo method or co-washing (wash with conditioner only) a few times a week, where you use only conditioner to cleanse your hair. This helps retain the scalp’s natural oils and can lead to healthier hair during winter . Opt for shampoos with natural cleansing agents like cocamidopropyl betaine instead of harsher sulfates, which can dry out both hair and scalp .

Turn on the Humidifier

Dry indoor air from heating systems is another culprit behind winter skin problems. It depletes the moisture in your skin, leading to that uncomfortable tight, itchy feeling. Running a humidifier adds moisture back into the air, which helps your skin retain its hydration.

According to dermatologists, keeping your home’s humidity level around 40% to 60% can significantly reduce winter skin dryness . Using a humidifier while you sleep can make a noticeable difference, not just for your skin, but also for your hair and respiratory health.

A tip for parents: lip care for children

Winter can be especially difficult for children, and many of them start licking their lips when they feel dry, which only makes the problem worse.

This habit can cause lip licking dermatitis, a condition in which the skin around the lips becomes red, irritated and even chapped.

To prevent this, keep a lip balm on hand and encourage your child to apply it regularly throughout the day.

Look for balms containing soothing ingredients such as shea butter or beeswax, which protect and moisturize lips without harsh chemicals.

It's an easy way to avoid discomfort and keep your little one's lips healthy and soft all winter long.

Final considerations

Skincare in the fall and winter months requires more attention to moisturizing and hydration. By using the right oils, adjusting shower habits, giving your hair the care it needs, and running a humidifier, you can keep your skin soft, hydrated, and irritation-free all winter long. These simple changes will ensure your skin stays healthy, no matter how cold it gets outside.

 

References

https://nationaleczema.org/blog/six-tips-for-keeping-eczema-calm-in-winter/

https://www.verywellhealth.com/best-oils-for-skin-5088968

https://www.healthline.com/health/winter-hair-skin-nail-care#skin-tips

https://womensconcepts.com/skincare/types-of-moisturizers