Are You Facing Any Of These Winter Skin Problems?

Dr. Ravi Khambhati

Table of Contents

The human skin is one of the largest organs of the body. It serves as a barrier & it protects the underlying muscles, blood vessels & internal organs. Apart from its usual functions, it contributes to the overall aesthetics of the human body.   Healthy skin not only makes us feel great, but it tells a lot about one’s internal health as well. Therefore, most of us ensure that we keep it that way. However, the skin has a mind of its own, and sometimes it doesn’t respond well to skin care products, diet & especially changing weather. There are different skin types and each of them reacts differently to climate. The winter season is particularly when the skin becomes erratic, and needs constant pampering. Let us look at the 5 most common winter skin problems.

1. Dry skin or Oily skin
Our skin produces sebum which acts as a natural lubricant. However, during winters the skin produces less of it, which makes the skin look dry & dull. One of the most common products to combat this is using a moisturizer, which helps lock in sebum and helps keep the skin from getting dry.   On the other hand, for people with naturally oily skin, the skin starts overproducing oil to compensate the sudden dryness. This is why a lot of people experience a shiny face in winters. Using a gentle toner or a hydrating cream should do the trick if you experience a shiner in the morning.  

2. Chapped skin
Sometimes the winters get too cold & chapped lips, & cheeks can be the result. A good way to avoid skin chapping is to avoid long hot showers. We tend to take extended hot showers in winters, and when we come out the instant temperature change affects the skin. It is advisable to take short showers & use a good moisturizer. For people with painfully peeling lips, a good lip balm can go a long way in keeping them soft & supple.  

3. Dry hands and feet
The skin on the hands and feet is affected, even if we wear thick winter boots & gloves. Some people even experience painful cracked heels during winters. This can be avoided with a good lotion for the feet & a basic moisturizer for the hands. The trick is to moisturize as soon as you shower, this helps in keeping the hands and feet safer & the moisture in the body intact.

4. Dry cuticles
Nails sometimes become brittle in winters, especially the skin surrounding it & the cuticles. Peeling can sometimes become so worse that it may result in bleeding.  Try using cuticle oil which is rich in vitamin E, to help repair the peeling and to keep the pain at bay.

5. Dandruff
Due to the different skin types we have, the scalp can react differently to winters. For some people, the scalp can get too oily and then start itching & flaking. For people with dry scalp, visible white flakes & itching can occur. Generally, during winters, most of us are too lazy to go and shower. This leads to an oil buildup or results in dryness of the scalp due to lack of conditioner. Experts generally advise shampooing at least twice a week, to keep away the annoying winter itch due to dandruff.  

Most skin problems arise due to the lack of moisture, and lack of vitamin E in the diet. However, stronger issues such as winter eczema & winter rashes can occur in some cases which might need a check from the Dermatologist.  

Are you experiencing any of these problems this winter? Talk to a Dermatologist online on DocsApp within minutes.

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Dr. Ravi Khambhati

MBBS, DVD - Dermatology