Keep your skin supple throughout winter
Skin can get a lot drier in the winter months, with cold, harsh winds playing havoc with the body's largest organ.
All About Health pharmacist Joanne Carey warns that changes in environmental temperature can cause skin to either dry-out or flare-up in those with eczema or psoriasis.
Moving from the cold outside to the warm inside can cause the skin to heat up too quickly and itch.
As the weather gets colder people need to switch to greasier emollients than those used in the summer months. If people don’t switch then their skin may become dry. Dry skin can lead to cracking which can leave it red and sore with eczema like symptoms.
Q&A: What can you do to avoid flare-ups of eczema/psoriasis during the winter?
Apply greasy emollients at least twice a day, more often if the skin is dry. Avoid having hot baths as this can dry out the skin, instead continue to have cool baths with added bath emollients which replace moisture in the skin. Never use soaps or bubble baths as these can dry out the skin.
Q&A: My skin gets really dry in places during winter – should I change to a different moisturiser?
Skin will dry out more on the exposed parts, commonly face and hands. To avoid this protect them from the cold with gloves and a hat/hood or scarf high around the face. In winter the skin needs a thicker greasier emollient. If you normally use a lotion, switch to a cream. Apply at least twice a day, more often when the skin is very dry.
Top tip: Try not to hide away in the winter as it’s important to get some exposure to the sun to top up vitamin D levels. Most people get enough vitamin D from their diet and sunlight in the summer months.
Vitamin D is found in a small number of foods. Good food sources are:
- oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel
- eggs
- fortified fat spreads
- fortified breakfast cereals
- powdered milk
Did you know? The Department of Health recommends that all pregnant and breastfeeding women should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (0.01mg) of vitamin D to ensure the mother's requirements for vitamin D are met and to build adequate foetal stores for early infancy.
Skin SOS: If skin is looking lacklustre and flat, you are having breakouts and have visible bags under your eyes you need to focus on skincare. For a boost of radiance why not treat yourself to an exfoliation and weekly moisture mask in addition to your twice daily cleanse tone and moisturise routine. Make sure you drink your six to eight glasses of water each day and eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Cut down on late nights and alcohol and most important of all, if you smoke, quit.
Skin fact: If you don’t drink responsibly then your skin could potentially be damaged permanently – once the blood vessels are broken then they’re there for good. Signs of dehydration are skin looking dull, sunken and being pale in complexion.
True or false? It’s cold in winter so you don’t need to wear sunscreen, right? – Wrong. If you don’t wear sunscreen you’re more vulnerable to brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles. Opt for a moisturiser with SPF and make sure you pack the sunscreen if you’re heading on a winter holiday.
Tagged in Beauty Tips skincare