While you may adore the perks of the cold season, like skiing and snowmen, the force of winter can be devastating for your skin, leaving it flakier and drier than it normally is. The problem is worse than just a dry feeling for the elderly, because the cold dry air can further result in cracking and even eczema: a condition in which causes inflammation of the skin.
Rebecca Baxt, a board certified dermatologist M.D., reveals that senior skin is more susceptible to particular rashes during the winter months, including two of the following:
- Seborrheic dermatitis
This condition arises when the winter weather leads to flaky and itchy skin, especially in oily areas of the body: chest, eyebrows, scalp and nose. The yeast behind the cause of this condition typically grows stronger during the colder months.
- Xerosis (eczema craquele)
This is an itching rash condition that develops on the skin of seniors, usually on the arms and legs. A low moisture environment is one of the causes of this condition.
Robert A. Norman, a dermatologist and a physician based in Tampa, Fla., also points out that moisture is sucked out from the skin in winter, leaving it chapped and therefore flakes of dead skin become visible. He also says that conditions like eczema (mentioned above) may occur in the shape of patches on the body.
But you can avoid all these conditions and keep the tell-tale signs of elderly skin at a minimum with these winter skin-saving strategies:
1. Exfoliate
Exfoliating the skin becomes important during winters as you send signals to the skin to make more collagen and ward of dead skin cells with new ones. The skin looks brighter and vibrant after the process and it feels smoother as well.
However, don’t make it an everyday routine as you just need to exfoliate 2 times a week for removing dead cells, and if you’re using a chemical solution or a physical slougher: be gentle.
2. Use rich moisturizers
According to DDF Skin Care, it is important to keep mature skin regularly hydrated, because hydration promotes the plumpness of the skin surface as well as the production of collagen. The skin’s appearance can therefore be re-energized during the winter with the use of rich moisturizers.
An oil moisturizer is going to work well over water-based options because it will assist in sealing water in the skin. It is also recommended to cover the area after application with clothes to keep evaporation at bay and promote absorption.
3. Stay away from the heat
It can be the most satisfying feeling to take a hot shower during winters, but it’s important to keep the use of hot water to a minimum. This is because regular exposure to scalding water can deprive the skin of most of its moisture.
But if a daily shower is a must, lower the temperature and the total time you’re in the shower. Also, use emollient bath oil and soaps specifically made to reduce scaling and prevent the leakage of moisture.
4. Use sunscreen
Sunscreen lotions aren’t only meant for the summers, because the UV rays from the sun strike year around. Moreover, the rays can reflect from the winter snow and easily cause sunburn.
Therefore, it is important to apply sunscreen to prevent cold sore appearance, sunburns and most importantly, skin cancer.
2 comments
I dont think Sunscreens are how effective during the winter. However, using moisturizers can helps to protect from winter skin wrinkles.