Dry Skin in the Winter - Supplements for Dry Skin
Winter means beautiful snow, perfect weather for sweaters, and cozy fires in the hearth, but it can also usher in dry skin. Fortunately, with the right skincare strategy, you can address symptoms of dryness and lower the likelihood of their return. Read on to learn more about how to care for your skin in the winter and why skin elasticity supplements may help you battle dryness.
What Causes Dry Skin in Winter?
While dry skin can occur any time of the year, more individuals experience dry, itchy skin in the winter than in any other season, and the weather is a major factor. Humidity levels drop dramatically during the winter, meaning less moisture in the environment to benefit your skin. Also, irritation due to wind and harsh cold temperatures can disrupt the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to signs of dryness. Indoor heating can further deprive the skin of moisture.
Symptoms of Dry Winter Skin
Recognizing the symptoms of dry skin is essential. After all, the sooner you address the problem with skincare products and supplements for dry skin, the better. The following are common symptoms of dehydrated, thirsty skin:
- Roughness, which at times can appear as a crusty or scaly winter dry skin rash
- Flakiness
- Patches of redness
- Itching
- Feeling of tightness or stiffness
- Burning, stinging sensations
- Dullness or a loss of radiance
Top Winter Skin Care Tips
To promote better-hydrated skin in the winter, follow these tips:
Adopt a Healthy Skin Care Routine and Stick to It
A healthy skincare routine is essential year-round, but it's especially vital in the winter if you're prone to seasonal dryness. Use makeup remover to remove cosmetic residues that can irritate and clog your pores. Then, rinse away impurities with a facial cleanser intended for your skin type. Finish off with a moisturizer to boost the moisture level in your skin. In the morning, use daily sunscreen to shield your skin from the effects of UV. When you are outdoors for long periods, reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you're sweating. Exfoliate two or three times per week to remove dead, dry tissue and support cellular turnover.
Reap Potential Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid Benefits
Many scientific studies have validated the benefits of elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen for skin. Collagen and elastin are two essential structural proteins that support skin tissue. Levels of these critical proteins naturally drop with age, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and sagging, loose skin in certain areas. Supplementing collagen and elastin in the skin can address these problems and make dry, dehydrated skin appear plumper.
Hyaluronic acid is another natural substance found in the skin. It acts as a humectant, meaning it draws in moisture and helps it bind to the tissue. Repeated use of hyaluronic acid can help to ease symptoms of dryness and improve overall skin texture.
Try Collagen Supplements for Skin Health
Skincare products aren't the only way to get elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen benefits for skin health. A beauty supplement can deliver collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other nutrients to support increased elastin in the skin and reduce signs of dryness. Look for a combination supplement that contains various ingredients such as Total Beauty - Collagen, Keratin, and Elastin, which features collagen, keratin, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and biotin to support healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Invest in a Humidifier
Increasing the moisture level in your home can go a long way toward reducing symptoms of dry skin. Purchase a portable humidifier that produces a cool mist. Place it next to your bed while you sleep and move it throughout your home when you are in one room for long periods. You may even want to purchase a second small unit to take to work.
Bathe the Right Way
How you bathe can significantly impact your skin's hydration levels. Limit baths or showers to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water rather than hot to help spare the oil in your skin. Be sure to use gentle soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients, so you're supplementing hydration rather than stripping it away. Apply a facial moisturizer and a hydrating body lotion from your neck to your feet as soon as you've finished drying off. This will help to seal in moisture.
Limit Exposure to Potential Irritants
Dry skin can become easily irritated. By avoiding common sources of inflammation, you can reduce the risk of redness. Avoid scratching itchy, dry skin. Apply a little petroleum jelly to extremely painful areas or use an ice pack for quick relief. Consider switching to fragrance-free laundry detergents, as the perfumes found in some can trigger allergies. When you shave, apply a cream or gel and let it sit for a few minutes to soften your skin before you reach for the razor.