People with dry skin type fear the winter season more than anything because it brings dandruff, flaky skin, and rashes for them. If you are someone with this skin type, you would want to know how to moisturize dry skin in winter. We have listed the 20 tips to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized in this article, so keep reading.
Symptoms of Dry Skin
According to the American Skin Association, dry skin or xerosis is a prevalent skin problem that affects people of all ages. It is usually not a significant problem, although it might be difficult to treat at times. The signs and symptoms of dry skin vary depending on your age, health, location, time spent outside, and the origin of the condition. Some common symptoms of dry skin include:
- Skin tightening
- Rough-looking skin
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Flaking, scaling, or peeling that ranges from mild to severe
- Cracks or fine lines
- Skin that is grey and ashy
- Redness
- Deep cracks
- Bleeding from cracks
Dry skin can lead to many problems like those listed above. If you have been suffering from any of these, it is best to consult a skin specialist and get expert advice as soon as possible. You can book an appointment with the Best Skin Specialists in Lahore for as low as 100 PKR.
20 Tips to Moisturize Dry Skin in Winter
We have given below some of the best remedies for dry skin that you can easily do at home just for you. Make sure to read till the end to get rid of your dry skin this winter.
1. Warm Water Over Hot
Using warm water while taking a bath can be very useful as it is gentle on dry skin, and the skin doesn’t feel so irritating or flaky afterward. Whereas, if you use very hot water to shower, there are chances that your skin might cause redness, itchiness and it may even lead to peeling. Moreover, hot water can disrupt the natural balance of your skin’s moisture and can steal away the essential oils that your skin produces itself. So, it is best to use warm water because most dermatologists also recommend it.
2. Using a Thick Moisturizer
In winter, our skin needs extra protection because of the cold winds and dry environments. Regular moisturizers are fin, but for dry skin, you should use a thick moisturizing lotion or cream on your face and body. After your bath, massage your skin dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing cream.
As mentioned earlier, use a thicker cream or balm than the lotion you use in the summertime. Thick cream or lotion will lock in hydrating chemicals into dry, cracked, or flaking skin, allowing it to stick for long-term providing intensive recovery. Look for silicone, petrolatum, lanolin, and natural oils in moisturizers to make sure your skin gets the hydration it needs in winter.
3. Eat Good Fats
Apart from the creams and lotions, eating healthy fats is also important for people with dry skin. So, what are healthy fats? They are the ones naturally present in foods like fish, eggs, milk, and nuts. You must have heard about the surprising effects of Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on your skin, hair, and nails. Eating whole and natural foods can provide you with these. What’s great is that you can easily get your hands on foods like fish and nuts during the winter season in Pakistan. You can also learn more about Types of Healthy Fats.
4. Apply Natural Oils
What’s a better remedy than applying oils already present at your home. Natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil are great for your dry skin. They prevent dandruff, flakiness and heal cracks. Using a combination of olive oil or coconut oil and sugar, make a naturally hydrating exfoliating scrub. You can also include essential oil, such as lavender, which has a natural scent and can help you relax. Gently massage the scrub into your skin before rinsing it away. Finally, seal in the advantages of newly exfoliated skin with a soothing moisturizer.
5. Wear Sunblock
Sunblock is essential for all skin types during all seasons. In winters, we tend to sit outdoors in the morning to soak up the sun, which is great because it provides us with Vitamin D and energy. However, the sun can also cause damage to the skin, breaking the hydrating barriers. So, many dermatologists recommend that people with dry skin should use a sunblock with hydrating effects. Look for sunblocks or sunscreens with hyaluronic acid or ceramides to protect dry skin.
6. Moisturize After Every 2-3 Hours
Starting with your face, cover yourself in the moisturizer in the morning and before you go to bed. Apply a hydrating body lotion all over your skin, from your neck to your feet, before putting on your clothes. This will soften your skin and maintain moisture as you sleep, much like a night cream for your face. But remember to do this every time you wash your face or hands. This way, your skin will always be hydrated, and all those cracks will heel easily.
7. Don’t Use a Harsh Exfoliator or Scrub
A strong and abrasive scrub or peel, which can further dehydrate and irritate your skin. So, this is the last thing your skin needs. Avoid harsher exfoliants like sugar and salt, as well as stronger acids like glycolic acid, and do not use your exfoliator more than once a week. If you’re experiencing flaking or redness after exfoliating, try a softer face peel with lactic acid or fruit acids or a face exfoliator with jojoba beads, which are less prone to dry out your skin.
8. Use a Humidifier
A humidifier pulls moisture back into the air, which can help dry, irritated skin retain its hydration. They help to restore air humidity levels during winter, giving skin the moisture it requires even in the driest of climates. With the usage of a humidifier, cracked lips, weak hair, itchy skin, and terrible allergies can all be cured to some extent. When your skin’s protective barrier is compromised, microscopic cracks appear in the skin, allowing moisture to escape; this can also be controlled with a humidifier.
9. Don’t Forget Your Body
When people do skincare, they mostly focus on their faces which is quite important to prevent freckles, wrinkles, and fine lines. But, you should also protect other parts of your body like the neck, arms, chest, back, and legs. In winters, most of us like to take long hot baths, which can leave the whole body dry and scaly, so start using a body lotion or body oil on all parts and see the difference.
10. Be Hydrated
Other and external protection from dryness, you need to hydrate yourself from the inside as well. It is common to take fewer fluids in the winter as we don’t feel as thirsty as in summer. However, it can lead to dehydration which causes excessive wastes to build up in the body leading to skin issues. So, keep a water bottle by your side at all times and keep sipping throughout the day.
11. Fruits and Vegetables are the Best
Fruits and vegetables are the sources for getting lots of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Folate, and Biotin. All of these natural nutrients help your skin remain hydrated, fresh, and free from excessive dryness. So, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables while keeping yourself warm this winter. You have also read more about the Best Multivitamins for Skin, Hair, and Nails.
12. Take Care of Your Lips too
You might have noticed that the skin of your lips is thinner than the rest of your face. And it is more vulnerable to getting damaged from the cold. So, the cold can cause them to become chapped and dry. Wearing a lip balm at night is especially important to replace hydration and protect your lips. Apply a coat of thick lip balm along with your face and body moisturizers at night to prevent flaking and chapping.
13. Don’t Use Perfumed Products
People with dry and sensitive skin should stay away from any skincare products that have perfume or scent because they can cause irritation and redness. Use must use neutral products without artificial fragrances to avoid getting any rashes or other problems.
14. Apply Lotion before Wearing Socks or Gloves
Cover your feet and hands with a thick layer of cream or lotion before you put on your socks and gloves. It will ensure that the moisture is entrapped inside and keeps acting to make your skin soft while you carry on your daily tasks.
15. Don’t Use a Loofa
Loofas are used by many people to get rid of dirt and exfoliate the skin while taking a bath. However, to keep yourself moisturized in winter, avoid using a loofa. The harsh rubbing and scrubbing caused by the loofa can increase the chances of your skin becoming dry and flaky. You can simply use a gentle soap and your hands to apply it.
16. Don’t Peel Off the Dry Skin
Stop peeling away flakes or worn-out skin no matter how bad it looks. It will only lead to your skin getting worse or can even cause bleeding. Therefore, avoid scratching or peeling dry or dead skin.
17. Love Your Skin No Matter What!
We often lose confidence because of the way our skin looks and feels. But, remember, comparison is the thief of joy, and you should always be grateful for what you have been given and take care of it. Be comfortable in your skin because it does man important things for you.
18. Use a Skin Hydrating Spray
Keep your skin hydrated by using a spray containing rose water or aloe vera gel. These ingredients are great for healing dry skin and dandruff. So, apply this spray on your face once or twice a day.
19. Stay Away from Whitening Creams
Whitening creams are the cause of many skin problems. They can cause dry skin and even skin cancer in some cases. Staying away from such formulas is best to avoid making the condition of your skin worse.
20. Use Good Quality Makeup
Apart from focusing on skincare products, you should use good-quality makeup. It must not have any toxic chemicals or ingredients that can lead to allergies or drying.
Consult a Dermatologist
Dry skin is common in the winter season and can lead to skin cracks, dandruff and even cause bleeding in some cases. Therefore, you should also take professional advice while trying these home remedies given above. To get the best skin treatment, you should talk to a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top Dermatologists in Lahore through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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FAQs
How can I hydrate my skin naturally in winter?
You can hydrate your skin naturally in winter by bathing with warm water, using a facial spray, applying natural oils, and eating good fats like Omega-3.
How do I rehydrate my dry skin?
Apply moisturizer after every 2-3 hours to rehydrate your dry skin.
Which oil is best for dry skin?
Coconut oil is considered to be the best oil for dry skin by experts.
