January 14, 2025 by kschlag
Ah, winter, the sounds of snow crunching beneath your feet, fires crackling in the fireplace, and dry, rough skin. In the winter, due to the lack of heat and humidity, our skin has a hard time keeping in moisture, leading to dry, rough skin and cracked lips. This is especially true for those who have skin conditions such as eczema as these tend to flare up more in the wintertime. However, for anyone in cold winter climates, taking good care of your skin is important, as it is the largest organ of the body. There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent damage to your skin this winter.
Cover as much skin as possible
Use gloves, mittens, a scarf, hats and more to have the least amount of skin exposed to the elements so they don’t become dry. This is especially important on sub-zero temperature days to avoid frostbite.
Add layers or a blanket
Turning on the furnace or fireplace creates dry heat and takes more moisture out of the air in your home. Consider adding more layers of clothing or a blanket before turning on the fireplace or turning up the furnace.
Use a humidifier
Our skin is so susceptible to getting dry due to lack of moisture in the air. Adding a humidifier to your home can help bring some of that moisture back in. Do this early in the season as a preventative measure.
Change how you bathe
Use warm water in the bath or shower, as hot water tends to make dry and cracked skin worse. Keep your bath short to avoid drying out your skin even more.
Look at your products
Use moisturizer immediately after washing to help put moisture back into your skin. Avoid any products with alcohol as these can dry out your skin even more. The American Academy of Dermatology has more suggestions on products to help in the winter including cleansers, and face & body moisturizers.
Drink your water
Keeping yourself hydrated helps your skin also become more hydrated. Drink the recommended amount of water, about 8 glasses a day, to help your skin stay moist throughout the season.
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Even in the winter, we are not immune to the sun and UV rays, even if we cannot see them. Use SPF 30 or higher when outside to protect from these rays, especially on skin that is not covered by clothing. Look for a sunscreen that also has moisturizer to help give the skin some added protection.
Love your lips
Oftentimes people forget about protecting their lips in the winter. Use lip balm to help keep in moisture and added bonus if it has sunscreen too.
If you do end up with dry winter skin, you may need to see a dermatologist to get it under control. In the wintertime there is no escaping the cold. We can however take steps to protect our skin and prevent it from damage that may occur. You only get one skin, make sure you take the time to care for it, not just in the wintertime but everyday.
Written by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Ottawa & Sandusky County
Reviewed by: Emma Horstman, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Paulding County
References
American Academy of Dermatology Assocation. Your Winter Skin Survival Kit. 2021. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
American Academy of Dermatology Assocation. Cold weather and your skin. 2023. https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin
UC Health. Winter Skin Care Tips for Preventing Dry, Cracking Skin. 2021. https://www.uchealth.com/en/media-room/articles/winter-skin-care-tips-for-preventing-dry-cracking-skin
Cleveland Clinic. Skin. 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/10978-skin
January 14, 2025
Protect Your Winter Skin | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
January 14, 2025 by kschlag
Ah, winter, the sounds of snow crunching beneath your feet, fires crackling in the fireplace, and dry, rough skin. In the winter, due to the lack of heat and humidity, our skin has a hard time keeping in moisture, leading to dry, rough skin and cracked lips. This is especially true for those who have skin conditions such as eczema as these tend to flare up more in the wintertime. However, for anyone in cold winter climates, taking good care of your skin is important, as it is the largest organ of the body. There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent damage to your skin this winter.
Cover as much skin as possible
Use gloves, mittens, a scarf, hats and more to have the least amount of skin exposed to the elements so they don’t become dry. This is especially important on sub-zero temperature days to avoid frostbite.
Add layers or a blanket
Turning on the furnace or fireplace creates dry heat and takes more moisture out of the air in your home. Consider adding more layers of clothing or a blanket before turning on the fireplace or turning up the furnace.
Use a humidifier
Our skin is so susceptible to getting dry due to lack of moisture in the air. Adding a humidifier to your home can help bring some of that moisture back in. Do this early in the season as a preventative measure.
Change how you bathe
Use warm water in the bath or shower, as hot water tends to make dry and cracked skin worse. Keep your bath short to avoid drying out your skin even more.
Look at your products
Use moisturizer immediately after washing to help put moisture back into your skin. Avoid any products with alcohol as these can dry out your skin even more. The American Academy of Dermatology has more suggestions on products to help in the winter including cleansers, and face & body moisturizers.
Drink your water
Keeping yourself hydrated helps your skin also become more hydrated. Drink the recommended amount of water, about 8 glasses a day, to help your skin stay moist throughout the season.
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Even in the winter, we are not immune to the sun and UV rays, even if we cannot see them. Use SPF 30 or higher when outside to protect from these rays, especially on skin that is not covered by clothing. Look for a sunscreen that also has moisturizer to help give the skin some added protection.
Love your lips
Oftentimes people forget about protecting their lips in the winter. Use lip balm to help keep in moisture and added bonus if it has sunscreen too.
If you do end up with dry winter skin, you may need to see a dermatologist to get it under control. In the wintertime there is no escaping the cold. We can however take steps to protect our skin and prevent it from damage that may occur. You only get one skin, make sure you take the time to care for it, not just in the wintertime but everyday.
Written by: Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Ottawa & Sandusky County
Reviewed by: Emma Horstman, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences Paulding County
References
American Academy of Dermatology Assocation. Your Winter Skin Survival Kit. 2021. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/winter-skin-survival-kit
American Academy of Dermatology Assocation. Cold weather and your skin. 2023. https://www.aad.org/news/cold-weather-and-your-skin
UC Health. Winter Skin Care Tips for Preventing Dry, Cracking Skin. 2021. https://www.uchealth.com/en/media-room/articles/winter-skin-care-tips-for-preventing-dry-cracking-skin
Cleveland Clinic. Skin. 2021. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/10978-skin