Cooler weather has charm – the warmth of layered clothing, the beauty of leaves changing, and the excitement of winter holidays. However, the descending temperatures can bring a common annoyance: dry, flaky skin. As we transition into the cooler months, we must arm ourselves with a skin care regimen tailored to combat the seasonal challenges. Here’s your ultimate guide to dry skin care in cooler weather.
Why Does Skin Get Dry in The Cool Weather?
Cold air, indoor heating, and low humidity can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dehydrated. The skin’s natural barrier can become compromised, making it susceptible to environmental irritants. A proactive approach to skincare can save you from a lot of discomfort.
Internal Support for Dry Skin Hydration
Oral Hempseed Oil
Hempseed oil is a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, pivotal for maintaining skin health.
Oral Hempseed Oil Benefits
- Hydrate from Within: These fatty acids fortify the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss.
- Reduce Inflammation: Especially helpful for conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which may flare in cold weather.
Recommendation:
Look for cold-pressed, organic hemp seed oil. Begin with a teaspoon daily, which can be incorporated into salads, smoothies, or taken straight.
L-Histidine
L-histidine, an amino acid, has shown promise in improving skin barrier function.
L-Histidine Benefits:
-
Boosts Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF): NMF components naturally moisturize the skin, and L-histidine helps increase their production.
Recommendation:
Consult your healthcare provider before taking L-histidine supplements. Once approved, ensure you purchase from reputable brands to ensure purity and efficacy. Visit us for detailed dry skin care protocols.
Topical Dry Skin Care for Face and Body
Thicker Moisturizers and Oil-Based Cleansers
Switch from lightweight lotions to thicker creams or ointments as the weather turns cooler. Look for:
- High Lipid Content: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids
- Hydrating Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, dimethicone
- Natural Oils: Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil
Recommendations:
Top-rated products include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, and Vanicream Moisturizing Ointment.
Dr. Radha also recommends oil-based face and body cleansers such as La Roche-Posay. Raw virgin coconut oil is another excellent option, showing similar response to 1% hydrocortisone without the side effects.
Dry Skin Care For Lips and Hands
While the face often receives the most attention during winter skincare routines, the lips and hands are equally, if not more, vulnerable to biting cold and harsh weather. These areas are hard to keep hydrated because of eating, drinking, lip licking, and hand washing.
Dry Lip Care:
- Lip Balm with SPF: Even in winter, the sun’s rays can be damaging.
- Natural Moisturizers: Shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax. Burt’s Bees is a Skinsage favorite.
- Lip Masks: Overnight lip masks like Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, or simple petrolatum or coconut oil, can hydrate and repair while you sleep.
Avoid: camphor, menthol, eucalyptus, and lip licking.
Dry Hands Care:
- Intensive Hand Creams: Look for products designed specifically for hands, like Neutrogena Norwegian Formula or O’Keefe’s Working Hands. Travel sizes make re-application easy.
- Gloves: Wear gloves outside, and apply a thick moisturizer with cotton gloves overnight for added repair.
- Barrier Creams: Many are prescription-only. If dryness leads to fissures, persistent flaking, or itching, visit us for immediate care and prescription management.
Do Humidifiers Help With Dry Skin?
A humidifier can reintroduce much-needed moisture to your living space.
- Ultrasonic Humidifiers: Release cool mist and are usually quiet. Levoit is a top choice used by Dr. Radha.
- Central Humidifiers: Built into a home’s heating and cooling system to benefit the entire house.
- Evaporators: Use a moistened filter to disperse moisture; Honeywell models are reliable.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these recommendations into your daily routine can significantly alleviate dry skin woes during cooler weather. Remember, consistency is key. As the temperatures drop, make sure your skincare game rises to the occasion.
