Winter Skin Problems

Winter may seem pleasant and beautiful to most of us, but that may not be the case with our skin as well. Skin problems are common in the winters due to the dry weather and cold harsh winds. Unfortunately, we cannot always restrict ourselves to our warm homes to prevent the winter skin problems and so we must know how to prevent and tackle these problems. Diet also plays an important role in preventing winter skin problems, so eating right must top the list of 'how to prevent winter skin problems'. Some people may also be prone to facing extreme winter skin problems and skin disorders which, if not prevented, may even require medical treatment. So, here's a list of the various winter skin problems and ways to prevent and cure them.

Winter Skin Problems

Dry skin in winter is the most common problem that people face in this particular season. Almost 97% of the people suffer from dry skin problems of different levels. For some it may be severe and for some it may just be a little mild dryness. Dry skin is caused due to very low humidity levels in the atmosphere that causes the skin to rapidly loose all its moisture provided by the natural skin oils. The dryness, usually extreme dryness, may also be accompanied by itchiness of the dry skin area. Itchiness may also be caused due to a dry winter skin rash. Other winter skin problems include, cracked or flaky skin, chapped lips, darkening and cracking of the skin on the elbows and knees, etc. Acne skin problems may also increase during the winter due to the dry weather conditions. Skin related disorders like psoriasis, dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis and eczema may get pretty troublesome during the winter. Follow the winter skin care tips and remedies mentioned below to tackle all kinds of winter skin problems. Read more on dry skin remedies.

Winter Skin Care Tips

• Drink lots of water, fruit or vegetable juices or any other fluid to keep your skin naturally hydrated from within.
• The most important winter skin care tip would be to moisturize your skin at equal intervals throughout the day and before you go to bed. Moisturize using a oil based moisturizer or petroleum jelly to keep dry and cracked skin at bay.
• Install a humidifier at home to keep the air around you moisturized. This will help prevent winter dry skin problems.
• Protect your feet and hands from drying out by putting on woolen socks and gloves, at home and even when you venture out of home. If you are prone to irritation by woolen wear, slip on cotton gloves and socks before you put on the woolen ones.
• Do not indulge in long, hot showers which will dry your skin out further. Apply some oil to your skin prior or post bathing.
• Consume flaxseed oil or cod liver oil supplements to moisturize your skin from within.
• Use a gentle scrub or exfoliator, twice a week to get rid of all the dead skin.
• Use a sunscreen before venturing out into the winter sun, as even the winter sun can cause quite a lot of damage to the skin.
• Do not lick or bite chapped and dry lips. Always use a lip balm or apply some petroleum jelly to keep them moisturized and hydrated. Read more on dry skin care.

Winter Skin Care Remedies

• Apply some glycerin mixed with milk cream to your lips to cure and prevent chapped lips.
• Massage your hands and legs with olive oil prior to bathing. Let it stay for around 10 minutes and then wash off with a gentle soap or body wash.
• Apply a thin layer of glycerin or aloe vera gel to the face and lips, let it stay for 5 minutes and then wash off. This will keep your facial skin moisturized and hydrated. Read more on dry skin remedies for face.
• Prepare a face mask by making a paste of one ripe papaya, peach and avocado. Apply this to the face and let it stay for 5 minutes before washing it off.
• Add lavender essential oil to your bath water to prevent dry skin.
• Prepare a gentle exfoliator for your skin by mixing crystallized sugar with oatmeal. Read more on keeping skin soft in winter.

You can easily prevent winter skin problems by following the tips and remedies mentioned above. Moisturize, drinks lots of water and eat healthy to keep your skin glowing and beautiful all throughout winter.