As Brits brace for the wintery cold, they can expect it to take some toll on their skins as well.
The demand for dermatological drugs to treat skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, which are common problems in winter, is on the rise, according to a new Statista report released in October 2023.
With Google searches for ‘eczema’ up by 40% over the last seven days in the UK, Dr Gizem Seymenoglu, a facial aesthetic doctor has outlined signs of damaged skin in winter and the causes, providing first-hand advice as to how to protect your skin, recommended ingredients to look out for and how to treat long-term damage.
She comments that “the cold itself doesn’t directly harm the skin, but the icy winds can damage the barrier of the skin, leaving it unprotected. If not taken care of, this barrier will continue to thin to the point where your skin won’t be able to protect itself, becoming dry and sensitive, prone to inflammation.”
What are the signs of damaged skin in winter?
Tight skin feels the norm in winter, but it’s only one of the signs that your skin is affected by the cold.
Dr Gizem said: “If there’s tightness, redness, and itchiness, it’s because of dryness.”
“The T-zone – the horizontal of the forehead down to the vertical line of the nose – is normally the oiliest part of the face. But even that can become flaky due to dryness.”
She warned that if even after applying the moisturiser, your skin starts to feel dry after about an hour, it’s a sign your skin is not taking well to the cold.
What causes skin problems during winter?
“The equation is simple: Dehydration makes you lose your skin barrier, which, in turn, causes inflammation. As a result, it doesn’t take long for skin problems like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema to occur,” according to Dr Gizem.
“But that’s not all. The damage from dehydration can go even deeper as it can make your skin more susceptible to fine lines in wrinkles. With that, you can even lose the laxity of your skin,” she added.
There can even be some issues that no number of natural or at-home remedies can fix.
“Skin becomes more sensitive, and you might even burst your capillaries. While there are different treatments for it, protection should come first.”
How to protect your skin during winter?
One mistake that you might make is not changing your skincare routine as the weather changes.
Dr Gizem explains: “Don’t use the same skincare products you use in summer or fall. You should “feed” your skin with what’s most suitable according to the conditions.”
“You might think that drinking a lot of water will help, but research has shown that water is not as effective for keeping the skin moisturised.”
And while relaxing hot water baths are something that you might look forward to during winter, your skin might not necessarily agree.
“While it’s quite tempting, try to avoid too hot water as much as you can because it can dry the skin out.”
Dr Gizem also suggests that you: “place a humidifier in your room at night so that your skin stays moisturised while you’re sleeping.”
Which ingredients should your winter skincare have?
Dr Gizem comments that: “Vitamin C is important. It’s an antioxidant, and it helps eliminate wrinkles caused by dryness. It also protects the skin and promotes collagen production and to incorporate it in the morning skincare routine, having washed your face, and applying a moisturiser with SPF to maintain your skin shield.”
“In the evening, double cleanse your face. Wash your face twice with whatever you’re using as a face wash. Apply retinol and a thick moisturiser. But since retinol is a powerful ingredient, you should start small, like only twice a week.”
She also recommends adding Peptides to your skincare routine. “It works to rebuild and repair damaged cells and signal the skin to produce collagen, slowing the ageing process. This is a go-to moisturizer for a large range of women and men, including those with sensitive, dry and acne-prone skin.”
How do you treat damaged skin?
“Profhilo is an injectable moisturiser that hydrates the skin. It also protects it from environmental factors like cold” Dr Gizem recommends.
“The good thing about it is that it can be done to treat skin that’s already been damaged, and it can also be done preventatively.”
However, depending on your skin concern, the recommended treatment can, of course, vary.
“In cases where capillaries burst, IPL lasers can help. It targets and destroys broken veins while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.”
It’s important to seek medical advice before deciding on any treatment.
