Do not leave your skin unprotected against deteriorating weather conditions with low humidity, wind, rain, and snow. Skincare is more important than you think in winter months.
With the cold weather in winter months, it is very important to protect our skin even though it is very difficult. Cold and dry air can lead to dryness of the skin, and then to many diseases, especially eczema. Therefore, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Dermatology Specialist Lecturer Dr. Özlem Akın, who emphasizes the importance of skin care in the winter months, lists 15 ways to protect the skin…

• Wear Clothes Suitable for Winter Months

In winter, clothes such as jackets and coats that will completely cover the body to protect the skin from wind, rain, and snow, gloves to protect the hands, a scarf or shawl to protect and cover the neck and chest, and a beret or hat to protect the hair should be used. The skin can be protected with appropriate clothing, as factors such as the decrease in relative humidity due to the cooling of the air in winter, cold and wind can increase the susceptibility to diseases such as eczema.

• Do not Wash Your Hair Every Day

In order not to lose the natural sebum of your hair, it is better to wash it two or three times a week. In addition, environmental pollution, which increases further in the winter months, can adversely affect the hair. In such cases, it is necessary to use care products containing biotin, zinc, and iron that strengthen the hair.

• Use Sunscreen

Even though the sun does not give heat as much as in the summer, don't think it's not that dangerous. Do not forget to apply sunscreen half an hour before going outside, as sun rays reflecting off surfaces such as ice and snow can also cause damage.

• Wash with Warm Water

Take care to take a shower with warm water of 36-40 degrees two or three times a week. Washing every day, bathing with hot water, or keeping the washing time long dries the skin. Therefore, limit the shower time to 5-10 minutes.

• Do Not Use Bath Scrubs and Washcloths in the Shower

Take care to stay away from scrubs and washcloths due to their drying side effects and body gels. Instead of body gel, you should choose a cream cleanser with high moisturizing properties for sensitive skin and apply it to your skin with bare hands. 

• Use Pumice Stone

Clean the thickening and calluses on your foot skin once a week with a buffer that removes the dead skin with methods such as pumice stone. Apply moisturizer to your feet after each bath.

• Do Not Use Masks and Peels in Cold Weather

Since masks and peels will remove the natural lipid barrier of the skin, it is appropriate for people with dry skin to avoid mask and peeling applications in winter. It is also sufficient to wash the face twice a day in winter.

• Choose a Non-Soap Skin Cleanser to Avoid Skin Dryness

The natural lipid barrier of the skin can be damaged by hot water, frequent water contact, and soap-containing cleansers. It is recommended that individuals with allergic predispositions pay more attention to these factors during the winter months.

• Use Hand and Body Cream

If you prefer products that repair and nourish the lipid barrier of the skin, especially after showering and before going outside, you will protect your skin better.

• Pay Attention to Your Nutrition

You can keep your skin healthy and hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious, moisture-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.

• Wear Appropriate Clothing

On cold winter days, instead of synthetic, polyester, or woolen clothes, use cotton or flannel clothes that prevent the skin from drying out and getting itchy. For the same reason, it is also beneficial to choose loose clothing instead of tight clothing. In addition, after rain and snow, you need to change your clothes without staying for a long time in wet clothes.

• Make Sure That the Room Temperature Is 20-26 Degrees

Try to keep the humidity in the house around 30-50 percent. Keep the room temperature between 20-26 degrees. To create a humid environment in your home, you can use a device that humidifies the air at home or place a vessel filled with water on the heater.

• Moisturize Your Hands at Night

Apply moisturizer to your hands while going to bed at night and then wear cotton gloves to trap moisture in the skin.

• Visit Your Physician

Finally, if you are experiencing skin problems despite all these precautions, or if you are considering professional skin care and chemical procedures, it would be beneficial to visit your specialist physician.