Help! Not itchy skin in winter again. Do you know this problem too? We'll tell you how to get dry skin under control.
Who doesn't love winter? The time of year when you can snuggle up on the couch with a warm drink in your favorite blanket.
But stop! Winter also brings low temperatures and dry air, both of which are very bad for the skin.
It itches, is cracked and generally feels uncomfortable. This is pure stress for our skin. What can we do about itchy skin in winter? How does it get there in the first place?
That's what we want to show you today!
Table of contents
Why do we get itchy skin in winter?
The cold season is very demanding for the skin. It is warm indoors and freezing cold outside. The skin is constantly exposed to different climatic conditions.
But what is true both indoors and outdoors: the humidity is much lower than in summer. This leads to more moisture being released through the skin. The result: it dries out.
In addition, the skin's sebaceous glands are less active at lower outdoor temperatures and do not always produce sufficient quantities of protective skin lipids. The lipid film is less flexible and spreads less easily on the skin surface.
The skin can be damaged by extreme cold and dry heating air indoors. It becomes flaky, itchy and more prone to inflammatory skin problems.
The skin is cracked and brittle in winter. Irritating substances can then penetrate the skin more easily. A vicious circle - because this dries out the skin even more. Hot baths and showers contribute the rest. And itchy skin in winter is already pre-programmed.
During the cold season, our clothes can also irritate the skin. Scratchy wool sweaters can lead to itchy eczema.
This is how the skin shows that it urgently needs care
The undersupply of the skin is first noticeable by an unpleasant feeling of tension. This is a warning signal, because when the skin is healthy, smooth and elastic, we do not notice it. People who no longer feel comfortable in their skin often appear irritable and unbalanced.
Normally, the outermost layer of the skin protects the deeper layers. Underneath are the sebaceous glands. They ensure that your skin remains smooth and supple.
We notice this particularly quickly on the shins and elbows.
As we grow older, sebum production decreases and our skin becomes more sensitive on its own. As a result, the outer layer becomes thinner and thinner. If dry office air is then added to this, it starts to itch.
On the face, by the way, it is worth regularly Apply cucumber mask for moisture. You can easily make these yourself, it's really no art.
What can I do about dry skin in winter?
Basically, there are two things that make us feel uncomfortable in our skin during the cold months. Read on to find out which ones are responsible and what you can do about them.
1. showers and baths - not too hot!
Itchy skin in winter is often homemade. In winter, it is best to avoid anything that has a drying effect. In general, long baths or showers, high water temperatures and harsh skin care creams or shower gels are particularly harmful in the cold season.
Shampoos and soaps should also be as pH-neutral as possible.
2. avoid dry air
The biggest enemy is dry air. Not only does it cause us to get a dry feeling in our throat and make us more susceptible to infections, it also damages the skin. In very dry rooms, a humidifier can help.
You should also drink a lot to moisturize the skin from the inside. Ventilate regularly to increase the humidity. There are a few simple rules for ventilation in winter. The rule here is: better shock ventilation than having the windows open too long.
3. wrong skin care promotes itchy skin in winter
Since you can not constantly provide enough humid air in the room, a cream is a good option. But not all creams are created equal. Many combat acute symptoms but exacerbate long-term problems.
Pay attention to whether mineral oil is used. In the long run, additives like kerosene make the skin brittle and dry. If the skin is already inflamed, no preservatives or fragrances should be added. Lotions and gels often contain alcohol as an additive. Alcohol is a chemical fat solvent that quickly destroys the natural fat layer. This promotes itchy skin in winter.
More pleasant, on the contrary, are products such as almond, jojoba and wheat germ oil and Shea butter*. The more natural, the better.
You can easily make from three ingredients a Make body lotion for itchy and dry arms and legs.
4. choose the right clothes
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not irritate the skin such as silk or cotton, and avoid materials or fabrics that are too tight.
If you have itchy shins, opt for jeans and leave the tights in the closet instead.
Can I prevent dry skin with nutrition?
In general, you should pay attention to a vitamin-rich diet, especially in winter. A vitamin deficiency can not only harm your general health and your immune system, but also have a negative effect on your skin.
However, there are no scientific studies that show that a certain diet can help treat dry skin. To get enough moisture from the inside, you should take the drink enough water all year round, especially in winter.
Our conclusion
To avoid itchy skin in winter, you can follow a few simple rules: Shower and bathe as briefly as possible, but don't use very hot water. Use products without mineral oil or other additives that attack the skin's natural oil layer. Wear clothes that do not irritate the skin and nourish it from the inside with foods rich in vitamins. Drink plenty of water all year round!
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