How to Help Parts of Your Body Survive the Arrival of Winter
If you live in a part of the country that allows you to, you may love celebrating the arrival of each season. As winter rolls around, it's the chance to break out those woolly clothes and to throw a log on the fire as you create that special kind of home atmosphere. However, you may struggle a bit when the mercury falls, as your skin is not used to the lower humidity and if you find that you are overly sensitive and that your hands or other exposed parts of your body seem to crack or split, then you need to take some regular action to put things right. As the calendar is now getting close to the winter equinox, how can you make sure that you will be prepared?
The Problem With Lower Temperatures
For those who have endured a long and steamy summer, the arrival of colder temperatures can be very welcome. However, when this happens, the humidity levels also plummet, and this means that the air is unable to hold as much moisture as it was in the summertime. The problem becomes even more acute when you go indoors, as radiators will also suck moisture from the air and this environment is even drier than it is outside. It's not surprising that your skin may begin to dry out and crack, as any water content also succumbs to the conditions.
What to Do
The first thing you can do is to get rid of any "designer" soap products that will often exacerbate the problem rather than relieving it. Instead, you should use moisturising cream with glycerin or similar ingredients that will help to provide a barrier on the outer layer of your hands and face.
What Not to Do
You should try to avoid soaking in a hot tub as well, as inviting as that may seem after a day out in the cold. This will remove some of the natural oil present on the outside layer of your skin and, once again, contribute to evaporation.
Moisturise Quickly
When you do get out of the shower or bath, make sure that you apply a layer of moisturiser as quickly as you can, so that you lock any moisture in. Once again, don't be tempted to go for designer brands just because of their marketing hype, but look for ointments or thicker creams instead.
Overnight Help
Use the hours of darkness to help your body rejuvenate and to repair any damage caused by these low moisture levels. When you go to sleep, therefore, always lather your hands and other vulnerable areas with thick ointments that contain petroleum jelly.
Outside Protection
Keep an eye on the weather forecast and if it looks like the following day is going to be particularly cold, break some gloves out of your wardrobe and wear those when outside. These will also help to alleviate the problem and slow down water loss.
Ask the Expert
If you've tried all these methods and are still encountering a significant problem with your skin, it's best for you to have a word with a dermatologist next about dermo direct.
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