7 Common Winter Skin Problems & How to Prevent It
Common Winter Skin Conditions
Winter can be a harsh season on the skin. Between the cold weather and dry air, it’s easy for skin to become dry, cracked, and irritated. If you want to keep your skin looking healthy all winter long, read about seven common winter skin problems in Canada and how to prevent them.
Winter Rash
If you have been experiencing dry, itchy, red, flaky skin during the winter months, you may have winter rash. Sometimes referred to as winter itch, this common condition is caused by the cold, dry air outside and the heated air inside. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to help relieve the symptoms and improve your skin health.
First, make sure that you drink plenty of water and other fluids. Staying hydrated will help your skin stay healthy. Second, moisturize your skin frequently. Apply a moisturizer after each bath or shower and several times throughout the day. Choose a moisturizer made for dry skin and avoid products containing fragrance or alcohol. Third, avoid using harsh soaps and detergents. Use a mild soap that is designed for sensitive skin instead. Finally, wear gloves when you are outside in the cold weather to protect your hands from the cold air and wind.
Skin Technique also has a myriad of services to repair dull, dry skin that can be incredibly beneficial! This includes AquaGold, HydraFacial, and Volite.
Eczema
Roughly 10-20% of Canadians live with Atopic Dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, in one form or another. And while dry, cold air is not the only typical trigger for eczema, it can surely cause a flare-up! To help keep eczema at bay or relieve your dry, itchy skin, keep your skin hydrated. Apply an occlusive moisturizer regularly, and always dress appropriately when going outside. If your eczema is still acting up, try using a humidifier in your home to add some moisture to the air.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and bumps. It is most commonly seen in people with light-colored skin and can be exacerbated by cold weather.
There are a few things that you can do to help combat rosacea in the winter. First, try to avoid exposure to the cold wind. When you are outside, cover your face with a scarf or hat. Second, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. And finally, avoid using harsh soaps or chemicals on your skin. Instead, use a gentle cleanser that does not contain soap.
SkinTechnique also offers rosacea treatments in the Vancouver area, such as ClearV™, and the Forever Young BBL™ Laser.
Chapped Lips
Chapped lips are a common occurrence during the winter. One of the main reasons for this is the cold, dry air. When constantly exposed to the elements, your lips can become dry and cracked.
One way to combat chapped lips in the winter is to keep them hydrated. Use a lip balm or lip moisturizer that contains ingredients like petrolatum, which locks in moisture, and dimethicone, which seals off cracks and splits in drying lips. Avoid licking them, which will further dry them out.
Psoriasis
There are a few potential explanations for why people might get psoriasis flare-ups in the winter. These dry, flaky, scaly patches on the skin can occur as colder, drier air can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, which may lead to psoriasis symptoms. Wintertime typically coincides with increased stress levels, and research has shown that stress can trigger psoriasis flares. Additionally, many people tend to spend more time indoors during the winter months, which can increase their exposure to environmental triggers like dust and smoke.
While there is no cure, calming treatments can help alleviate symptoms, including hydrocortisone, vitamin D, and vitamin A creams. As stress can also trigger a flare-up, utilizing calming techniques and speaking to your doctor is also incredibly beneficial.
Windburn
Windburn is a type of skin damage that can occur when the skin is exposed to wind and cold weather conditions, ultimately drying out your skin. The most common areas for windburn are the face, ears, and hands. To combat windburn, always bundle up properly to help reduce exposure.
Acne
Acne is caused by many things, including bacteria, oil production, and dead skin cells. These factors can be exacerbated in the winter by dry air and cold weather. In addition, holiday stress can also trigger acne breakouts. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers can also help pesky acne caused by the cold, and for extreme cases, a dermatologist can provide antibiotic treatments to help rid your skin of breakouts.
SkinTechnique offers acne treatments in Vancouver, such as chemical peels, microneedling, and Forever Clear BBL, that help treat your areas of concern.
Contact Our Skin Experts to Get Ready for Winter
Be proactive about your skin by contacting SkinTechnique to get ready for winter. The team of experts will help you create a skin care routine tailored to your specific needs and helps keep your skin healthy all season long. Don’t let winter weather take its toll on your skin – contact us today!