How to keep your skin hydrated this winter

2024-12-16 08:46:00, Lifestyle CNA

Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated during the winter can be a challenge. Our skin can become dry and cracked during the winter months due to the colder temperatures and lack of moisture in the air.

With cold air outside and warm air inside, we can experience up to 25% water loss through the skin, which can cause skin to crack.

And dry, cracked skin makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter your body, potentially increasing your risk of infection.

Dermatologists at UC Davis Health have come up with tips for keeping skin hydrated during the winter. Here are some ways to protect your skin and keep it smooth:

1-Use cream instead of lotion all over the body to act as a barrier. Avoid creams that contain fragrance or preservatives because they can irritate delicate skin. Limit the use of retinol creams to a few nights a week to prevent the product from drying out your skin.

2-Invest in a home moisturizer to maximize hydration. According to Everyday Health, using a moisturizer in your home or office helps keep your skin hydrated.

3-Lower water temperature for showering and washing hands. Warming up by taking a long, steamy shower may sound like a great idea when it's cold and muggy, but too hot water can dry out skin, says Dr. Marie Hayag,

4-Use a moisturizer that is thicker than usual. In winter, it's important to use moisturizers that come in jars, rather than the thinner creams that are more suitable for the warmer months. You can even use petroleum jelly to protect dry, cracked skin.

5-Use mild soap when washing your hands, if possible. You can use an antibacterial soap and gel in public, but a milder, fragrance-free, alcohol-free soap is better for your skin while you're at home. Make sure to moisturize every time you wash your hands, say experts at UC Davis.

6-Use sunscreen. UV rays can penetrate the skin so using sunscreen even in the dark winter months is highly recommended to prevent skin damage, skin cancer and premature aging. And the sun's rays can reflect off the snow, making it harder. Use a product with SPF 30 or higher and apply after moisturizing your skin.

7- Stay hydrated. It may be possible to hydrate your skin from the inside out. "Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, like water, is one of the best things you can do through your diet to avoid dehydration," says Dr. Nassain Wesley, a California-based dermatologist.

A small study found that people with low water intake were able to positively affect the hydration of their skin by drinking more water. Your diet may also play a role./ CNA