Ever wondered why your skin gets dry and itchy in winter? There’s a combination of factors that cause this. Cold weather, lack of humidity, and recirculated air can lead to skin dryness and may sometimes cause itchiness and irritation. While it seems cyclical, you can actually manage and eventually deal away with a winter rash.
Here’s some information that will help you shed light on skin rashes and irritation that are caused by the cold weather.
Winter Rash: An Overview
When temperatures drop, keep in mind that your skin’s moisture is also reduced–a condition that may lead to skin dryness and possibly, winter rash. It’s also important to note that even if you’re confident that your skin is in tip-top shape for most of the year, winter rash may still develop as soon as the cold climate sets in.
SYMPTOMS OF WINTER RASHES
You could already be experiencing a winter rash when symptoms of redness, inflammation, itching, bumps, blisters, flaking, and increased sensitivity persist. These symptoms may appear on a certain part of the body but may also spread all throughout.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
While anyone can suffer from a winter rash, there are people who are more prone to suffering from such. Those who have been afflicted by certain skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, asthma, dermatitis, skin allergies, and other sensitivities have higher chances of acquiring a winter rash. Other factors that may worsen the condition also include stress, fatigue, bacterial and viral infection, and sensitivity to cosmetics and toiletries. Risk also increases among people who usually spend a lot of time outdoors.
DID YOU KNOW?
One of the causes of winter rash is sunburn. Although the sun seems out of sight in winter, UV rays remain potent. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, there is 80% of UV light reflected by snow and the effects are intensified in higher altitudes.
5 WINTER RASH REMEDIES THAT HELP
You simply can’t get rid of a winter rash without proper treatment and lifestyle changes. If you want to make sure that your skin condition will be controlled and won’t last throughout the winter season, there are steps that you can take that will help you maintain a healthy looking and well-moisturized skin, year-round.
1. BE STRICT IN USING MOISTURIZERS, REGULARLY!
Keep in mind that moisturizers act as your first line of defence against a winter rash as they trap the moisture into your skin. During winter or when the climate gets colder, use of moisturizer after taking a bath or hand washing must be strictly observed. The application must also be done several times daily.
PRODUCT PICKS: NATURAL SKIN MOISTURIZERS
- Kahina Giving Beauty Face Cream
- Kat Burki Vitamin C Intensive Face Cream
2. SOOTHE SKIN WITH NATURAL OILS
When skin irritation persists because of a winter rash, you can resort to using natural oils. Coconut oil does great wonders in soothing irritations and replenishing skin moisture. Find a natural oil that suits you best and apply onto skin as needed.
3. USE A GENTLE CLEANSER
Although you’re totally fine with the skin cleanser that you’ve been using for months already, you should consider switching to one with a gentler formulation. This is especially true during the coldest months of the year. Non-foaming cleansers are ideal as they are non-alkaline and won’t strip as much skin moisture when used regularly.
PRODUCT PICKS: NON – FOAMING CLEANSERS
- Kypris Cleanser Concentrate
- Oskia Skincare Renaissance Cleansing Gel
- Kahina Giving Beauty Facial Cleanser
4. FORGET STEAMY SHOWERS AND HOT BATHS
No matter how tempting it is to soak in a hot bath, take note that this is not the best time for that. Hot water will only strip away your skin’s moisture and protective oils, resulting in a more dehydrated and dry skin which can only worsen your winter rash.
5. USE A DEEP HYDRATING FACIAL MASK
Make hydrating facial masks a part of your nighttime beauty routine. When combined with gentle skincare products, you can help retain the natural moisture of your skin. Make sure to avoid facial masks and peels that can further reduce your skin moisture and only worsen the winter rash that you are experiencing.
PRODUCT PICKS: DEEP HYDRATING FACIAL MASK
- Verso Skincare Intense Facial Mask
- Grown Alchemist Deep Cleansing Masque
The cold breeze and dry air that you’ll experience this winter season should not get in the way of a fresh and flawless complexion. Just keep in mind the above-mentioned tips so you can stay away from winter rash and keep it from becoming this season’s dilemma.
ALSO READ: 7 Pesky Winter Problems and How You Can Solve Them
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