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Tips and Tricks to Avoid Itchy Skin This Winter

By: Delnor Staff

December 6, 2018, 11:00 am - Categories: Fitness

Dry, itchy and irritated skin can be annoying and even painful as we get into the winter months. Winter itch is defined as “an itching disorder caused by prolonged exposure to dry air”. We can experience dry air both inside and outside at this time of year.  The result is dry, itchy, cracking skin on any part of your body.  Here are some tips from the experts to help you prevent winter itch and find relief:

• Warm not Hot: It can feel great to take a hot shower or soak in a hot tub on a cold day, but hot water can pull natural oils from your skin and aggravate winter itch. Try taking short warm showers and/or baths and limit your time soaking in heated water.
• Exfoliate: It may seem counterintuitive but gently scrubbing away dead skin cells will help moisturizers penetrate deeper into the skin.
• Use Gentle Cleansers:Avoid scented, deodorizing and anti-bacterial soaps that can strip skin of natural oils. Look for cleansers that are un-scented, mild and soap free for face and body.
• Apply Moisturizers with SPF 15 or higher: Take the time after baths or showers to thoroughly moisturize your entire body and allow the moisturizer to penetrate your skin before covering up the areas with clothing and makeup. Use a gentle unscented moisturizer with a good Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating to avoid sun damage which can be intensified in winter months as the sun’s rays reflect off snow.
• Bundle Up: Light, breathable layers in the winter can help to retain heat and avoid air contact with our skin. Remember to wear scarves, hats, and sunglasses outdoors for extra protection from the air and UV rays.
• Hydration: Offer your skin a chance to receive moisture both inside and out. Drink at last 6-8 glasses of water a day and invest in a humidifier that will help keep the air in your house between 40 – 50%.
• Eat Healthy Fats: Foods that are rich in essential fatty acids can help your body create natural essential oils that help to protect your skin.
• Rinse off before and after the Pool and Limit Your Time in the Water: Indoor pools can be a great way to get your exercise in the winter months, but warm water softens the protective layer that retains your skin’s natural oils.
  1. Always rinse off before entering pools. This will help keep the amount of chemicals used to fight bacteria lower and balance the pool chemistry with less chemicals.  Rinsing off also saturates the skin preventing absorption of chemically treated water.
  2. A quick warm shower immediately after leaving the pool will remove more chemicals from your skin than just drying off with a towel. Moisturize liberally after showering to replace the barrier that retains your skin’s natural oils.
• Wear Gloves When Cleaning: Deep cleaning your house as you get ready for the holidays? Make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when using cleaning products that can quickly pull oils from your skin.
• Wash Clothes in Mild detergents: Scented laundry soap and fabric softeners can make clothes smell amazing, but they can also irritate dry skin. Switch to mild detergents and fabric softeners during the winter months.

See a doctor:  If these steps don’t help or if your condition worsens at any time, see your doctor. 

Sources:

Medical Definition of winter itch: https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/winter%20itch

Dry Skin: Soothing the Itch in Winter: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/dry-skin-soothing-the-itch-in-winter#1

Dry Skin and What You Can Do About Ithttps://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-dry-skin

3 Reasons You Should Shower Before and After Swimming https://www.theswimguide.org/2015/10/15/shower-before-and-after-swimming/