Does your skin itch in winter? The causes and what helps.

The transition from heat to cold in winter is sometimes a reason why skin can dry out. As a result, it itches and feels tight. Itching can generally be described as a nuisance and represents a vicious cycle for those affected.

The causes and what helps: in the following article, we help uncover the specific characteristics of the skin and find out why: Does your skin itch in winter? The causes and what helps.

Itchy skin in winter – the causes

Changing temperature conditions are quite a challenge for our skin. Normally, natural regulation ensures that the skin’s protective barrier remains intact and the skin or body is sufficiently protected from external influences. However, the constant changes also impose special conditions on natural processes.

During a walk in the cold, sebum production is stimulated to prevent moisture loss and damage. The fatty film on the skin protects in various ways; for example, it prevents moisture from escaping and wards off the penetration of pathogens from the outside. However, if increased sweating occurs in the cold, due to non-breathable clothing among other things, the skin can swell and the natural protection is disrupted.

This often also applies to entering a warm house after being in the cold. Here, dry heated air becomes a new challenge. Because of the heat, the cells expand—the very same ones that had contracted in the cold and reduced blood flow. This change allows for increased evaporation through the skin and the penetration of bacteria. We all know this: dry lips or flaky, dry, or even itchy skin are the result.

As we age, sebum production also decreases. The protective barrier becomes more unstable and allows for even faster drying. It is well known that skin aging cannot be stopped, so itchy and dry skin may occur more frequently. However, the symptoms in old age hardly differ. But the skin becomes more sensitive, and dryness lines remain visible more often. In contrast, at a younger age, the body is able to compensate for this, provided that the right care is applied in time.

Does your skin itch in winter – The right care

If the skin requires more care in winter, it can be supported with small steps. These small care steps are not difficult or time-consuming. Yet they can sustainably help the skin continue to look beautiful and supple.

Showering and bathing

Water that is too hot and too much soap damage the skin. This is well known by now. And yet we would like to mention it again here, because sensitive skin in particular reacts very quickly with dryness, tightness, and itching. Therefore, for the winter, it is recommended to take short and not too warm showers, and to bathe less. Even if winter invites you to take a warm bubble bath, it is a challenge for the skin.

The right temperature and duration, on the other hand, help the skin maintain its protective film. And for this very reason, the skin should not be further stressed with a scrub or a brush. This also applies to the pH value of the products used. A soap or shampoo with a natural pH value does not cause additional irritation and is therefore ideal for alleviating possible symptoms.

Washing hands

Washing dishes, disinfectants, or soap for cleaning hands—our hands come into contact with water or cleaning products several times a day. These usually strip the skin of its oils very strongly, and the skin is not always able to restore the fatty film naturally.

Therefore, apply cream after every hand wash; this way, at least dry hands, itching, or even eczema can be avoided. Alternatively, gloves can be used when washing up or cleaning, but not everyone likes them.

Care products

Mineral oils such as paraffin, dyes, or fragrances do not really belong in skin care, as they dry out or even further irritate the skin. In winter, skin care products should contain more lipids to improve the protective layer from the outside. In summer, on the other hand, it is moisture that the skin needs more of. Generally, however, this depends on the individual skin type. Therefore, it is good to have this checked by an expert and to use appropriately tailored products.

In general, however, it can be said that a cream with ingredients such as almond oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter or skin vitamins is good for the skin and keeps it moist, supple, and more resilient.

Did you enjoy the article “Does your skin itch in winter? The causes and what helps”? For questions about skin health, there are further guides as well as tips for when the skin itches in our skin journal at ilon.de

 

Image source: Cesra Arzneimittel