Are you experiencing dry skin now that winter is here? Dry skin can result from both endogenous and exogenous factors, but no matter the cause, the functioning, appearance and the feel of dry skin can be quite troublesome.
Winter, as an exogenous factor, can aggravate this condition resulting in flaking, itching, stinging and cracking, but there is no need to worry as it can be effectively improved with cosmeceuticals – cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients.
The goals of cosmeceuticals are to 1) increase skin water content, 2) improve skin smoothness and 3) curb all dry skin related symptoms.
While everyone enjoys a long hot bath in winter, it’s worth noting that you should not turn this into a routine. Instead, keep your showers/baths short and use warm water, as hot water can be extremely drying to the skin.
Afterwards, use mild cleansers for your face and pat dry your skin instead of rubbing it. Moisturizing your skin after showering is also very important. Ointments and creams are more effective in winter than lotions.
Avoid products such as deodorant soaps or alcohol-based toners, and products that contain fragrances. These can irritate dry skin even further.
If you wash your hands frequently, don’t forget to use hand cream after each time. Petroleum jelly is very useful for severely dry hands because it is the best agent for decreasing skin water loss. You can combine it with silicone or mineral oil to decrease its stickiness if you prefer.
Remember, it`s important to consider your skin as a whole. It is after all, the biggest organ of our body, so all areas of the body have to be accounted for. Caring for it will undeniably improve your quality of life.