Effective Ways to Heal Cracked Skin during Winter
Categories: HEALTH
Winter is a time for cozy nights by the fireplace, festive gatherings, and enjoying the snow. However, it can also be a time for dry, cracked skin. The cold, dry air can strip away moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, and uncomfortable. In some cases, it can even lead to painful cracks and fissures.
If you're struggling with cracked skin this winter, there are a number of things you can do to soothe and heal your skin. Here are some effective ways to heal cracked skin during winter:
1. Moisturize regularly
Moisturizing is essential for keeping your skin hydrated and preventing it from cracking. Choose a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer and apply it generously to all affected areas, especially after bathing or showering. You may need to reapply moisturizer several times a day, especially if your skin is very dry.
2. Use a humidifier
A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air in your home, which can help to prevent your skin from drying out. Aim for a humidity level of around 40-50%.
3. Take shorter showers or baths
Hot water can strip away the natural oils from your skin, making it more likely to crack. Limit your showers and baths to 10 minutes or less and use warm water instead of hot.
4. Use a gentle cleanser
Harsh soaps can also irritate and dry out your skin. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser instead.
5. Exfoliate regularly
Exfoliating can help to remove dead skin cells and make your skin more receptive to moisturizer. However, be sure not to exfoliate too often, as this can irritate your skin. Once or twice a week is usually enough.
6. Protect your skin from the cold
When you're going outside, be sure to cover your skin with protective clothing, such as a hat, scarf, and gloves. This will help to keep your skin warm and prevent it from drying out.
7. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health, and it can also help to keep your skin hydrated. Aim to drink eight glasses of water per day.
8. Eat a healthy diet
Eating a healthy diet can help to improve your skin's overall health and make it more resistant to dryness. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
9. Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
Harsh soaps and detergents can strip away the natural oils from your skin, making it more likely to crack. Choose mild, fragrance-free soaps and detergents instead.
10. Manage stress
Winter is a season for warm evenings by the hearth, joyous get-togethers, and snowshoeing. But it can also be a time when your skin gets dry and damaged. Your skin may get dry and tight from the cold, arid air, making it feel uncomfortable and flaky. It may also cause excruciating fissures and cracks in certain situations.
Prevention is always better than cure
In addition to the tips above, there are a few things you can do to prevent cracked skin from developing in the first place:
a. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other chores that expose your hands to hot water or harsh chemicals.
b. Avoid using scented lotions and perfumes, as these can irritate your skin.
c. Keep your fingernails short and avoid biting your nails, as this can damage the skin around your nails.
d. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
e. See a doctor if the severity of your cracked skin does not improve with home remedies. They might advise using another drug or a stronger moisturiser.
Conclusion:
Although cracked skin can be an annoyance, it is typically curable and preventive. You may contribute to maintaining moisturised and healthy skin throughout the winter by heeding the advice provided above.