Reviving Dry Winter Skin

We are officially in the thick of winter and with cold weather and dry air comes dry skin, especially on the face, hands and lips. Dry winter skin can be uncomfortable and can damage the skin if it is not cared for properly.

What causes dry skin?

External factors:

• Detergents, cleansers, sanitizers, and soaps

• Low humidity and indoor heating during winter months

• Skin irritants, especially preservatives, dyes, and fragrances in household products and cosmetics
• Excessive washing and drying

Genetics:

Genetic conditions can contribute to dry skin and are very common. Diseases such as Keratosis Pilaris, Ichthyosis Vulgaris, and Atopic Dermatitis are examples of such conditions.

Inflammation related to skin diseases:

The inflammation occurring in skin diseases, especially eczema and skin allergies (contact dermatitis), causes decreased production of skin barrier molecules and can cause dry and sensitive skin.

Aging

Normal aging decreases lipid production. Gradual changes occur for everyone and may not be noticeable until they cause signs and symptoms or are magnified by external or seasonal factors.

Other causes

Other medical conditions can also contribute to dry skin, including diabetes. Commonly prescribed medications used to control blood pressure and high cholesterol also play a role. 

How do you prevent and alleviate dry skin? 

Fortunately, there are some easy steps that can be taken to revive dry winter skin and keep it moisturized and healthy for the entire season.

Avoid external triggers, including:

• Fragrance (Look for fragrance-free.  Our unscented products are fragrance free.)
• Harsh soaps detergents, cleansers.  Use a gentle cleanser that avoids harsh exfoliants (and fragrances). This is especially important in the winter because harsh chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
• Alcohol-based products such as gels and sanitizers
• Dyes and preservatives (more ingredients are not necessarily better)
• Hot showers/excessive washing that can strip the skin of its natural oils
• Note: Many products labeled as natural, organic, or plant-based can still contain strong and irritating dyes or fragrances

Be shower and bath savvy:

• Shorten showers and baths to help decrease the amount of natural lipids removed from the skin.
• Use warm but not hot water.
• Use mild, fragrance-free moisturizing cleansers.
• Apply moisturizer right after a shower or bath to slightly damp skin—this can lock in the moisture.
• MAKE THIS ROUTINE A HABIT LIKE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH

Nourish with a moisturizer:  Keep the skin hydrated with a moisturizer. During the winter months, it is important to choose a moisturizer that is formulated to help keep the skin barrier strong and lock in moisture. Apply the moisturizer twice daily as the skin loses its natural oils throughout the day and needs to be replenished.

• Lotions: are water-based and have a thinner consistency.  They are quickly absorbed into the skin without much residue, which makes them easy to apply. However, they may contain few lipids and therefore offer only a small benefit in terms of skin protection and repair of dry skin.  Be Green’s lotions have a very high (>50%) lipid content.  
• Creams: have a thicker consistency and are usually found in jars.  Although they may seem greasier, this represents the lipid content with is protective for dry skin.

By following these simple steps, it is possible to revive dry winter skin and keep it hydrated and looking healthy. With a gentle cleanser and appropriate moisturizer, it is possible to keep the skin looking and feeling great for the next few months.