Managing Winter Dryness and Psoriasis
The Wicked Winter Weather Really Sucks!
Have you wondered what happens to the moisture in your skin when you go out in winter weather? Frigid air, contrasted with coming into a room that is dry from running heaters, low humidity levels, and harsh winter wind all suck moisture right out of your pores. Not only your face, but also your hands, feet, and any skin exposed to the elements can suffer. Your radiance is lost, replaced by wind burn. Your softness is missing, and your friends only see the flaking and flecks of skin dropping onto your shoulders.
You can mitigate these conditions, however. Here are the top 10 tips for avoiding winter dryness, psoriasis and flaking.
What are the signs of dry skin?
Dry skin is rough, flaky, red (not a healthy glow) and even scaly. There can be cracks in your skin; some may even bleed. The skin is left feeling raw, sensitive and irritable. The medical term for dry skin is xerosis. Its appearance can range in severity depending on which part of the body is affected.
10 Tips to Avoid That Dry Shriveled Appearance
- Moisturize after washing. When you wash, you remove natural oils from the skin which lock in its moisture. After you scrub, rub a couple pumps of a moisturizer into your skin to restore and protect natural moisture.
- Use sunscreen. Harmful UV light can stress your skin’s moisture barrier, which is important for hydration as well as skin health.
- Use overnight emollients. Since emollients are a heavier type of moisturizing cream, it takes longer for them to be absorbed. However, the benefits of sleeping with a mask one or two nights a week are immeasurable. There are even heavy creams you can use on your hands and feet, if you cover them with a plastic glove or sock.
- Monitor your skin. Look in the mirror and identify problem areas before they spread. Be careful of alcohol and perfumes during dry seasons. It’s best to keep your skin care routine simple and deal with the big areas first.
- Use a humidifier. Keeping the air inside your home moist will immediately transfer into your skin. Dry heated air sucks the moisture out; a humidifier can maintain and even hydrate dry skin.
- Be careful with exfoliants and scrubs. Removing dead skin cells from moist skin gives it a healthy glow. Over- exfoliating or using the wrong product during the dry winter months can actually damage your skin. Perhaps consider switching to a chemical exfoliant rather than a physical device that scrubs the skin. The dead cells can be wiped off without inflicting bruises or scrapes.
- Use occlusives to smooth and repair dry skin. Occlusives such as shea butter, cocoa butter, rosehip oil and jojoba oil soothe and provide a moisture locking barrier on the surface of your skin. Plus, they smell good!
- Drink water! Hydrate from the inside by drinking water - lots of it. Most trainers recommend three liters of water a day to maintain good health. This feeds your skin as well as all vital organs. Water is the lubricant of life.
- Eat foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating foods high in these nutrients protect your cells from environmental damage and help your body produce new healthy skin cells.
- Wear natural fabrics. Loose, comfortable clothes made of natural fabrics allow your body to breathe and reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. You might also consider washing your clothes in detergents free from harsh chemicals. Look for formulas designed for sensitive skin, even if you don’t think you have sensitive skin.
These top ten tips will help you get through the wicked winter without damaging your skin. Look in our catalog to find our many supplements, creams and solutions that will restore soft skin and protect you against the cold winds still to come this winter.