Most people in India love the winters. Winter gives respite from the extreme heat of the summers. But winters come with an array of problems, particularly those related to the skin. The cold and dry air present during these times tends to strip away all the moisture from our skin. This, in turn, causes numerous skin problems, all of which can impact your skin’s health in the long run. In this article, we will take you through some common winter skin problems and some of the best solutions to avoid or treat them.
People who live in areas with seasonal weather changes may develop a dry, itchy rash during the winter months. A winter skin rash can happen due to colder temperatures, low humidity, and more.
Winter rash refers to extremely dry, or dehydrated, skin in winter. Causes include cold temperatures, low humidity levels, and using central heating.
Here are a few issues that many people face during the cold season.
Sun burn or rashes due to exposure to sun
Winters may appear to be a better season than summers and people love to sit out in the sun as it is a good source of Vitamin D but the UV rays from the sun are still dangerous to your skin. In fact, they will have very similar effects on your skin as in summers. The strength of these Ultra Violet Rays remains same.
These rays also have the ability to penetrate deep into the skin, right from the epidermis to the dermis layer. This results in various harmful side effects. Interestingly, the chances of sun damage in winters are higher because people tend to get exposed to the sun more often in an unprotected state than in summers.
People with fair complexion are at higher risk when it comes to sun damage. This is mainly because fair-skinned people tend to have lower levels of melanin, which reduces their skin’s ability to naturally protect itself from the sun.
Solution
When it comes to sun damage, prevention is always better than cure. Make sure to use sunscreen even if you think the sun is mild outside. Try to use beauty products with natural ingredients that have built-in sun protection. This will also help you eliminate premature aging symptoms like wrinkles and fine lines. Moisturize your skin daily, as this will minimize irritation caused due to sun exposure.
Chapped Lips
During winters, your lips usually become chapped, red, and cracked. This will not only give your lips an unsightly look but also make them extremely painful. It is usually the broken top layer of the skin that causes irritation and discomfort.
Solution
Use products that contain vitamins A and E. They will soothe your lips and aid in their repair. Keep applying cool water to the lips regularly and apply lip balm afterward.
Acne
It is common knowledge that acne is caused due to the overproduction of oil under your skin. This phenomenon results in clogged pores. But not many know that the dry skin formed during winter can also cause acne. Acne can form on any part of the body, but it is usually found on the face, neck, back, and shoulders.
Solution
Avoid touching your skin. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers to treat acne on your skin. If acne persists for a longer time, pay a visit to your dermatologist, as they will identify the root cause and suggest an ideal treatment.
Tips to prevent winter skin problems
Dryness of the skin is the root cause of all winter skin problems. They tend to cause itchiness, redness, flaky skin, cracks, and rashes, all of which can damage your skin, if left untreated for a long time. Follow a healthy skincare routine to avoid all such issues and one should eat well and keep oneself hydrated during winters as well.