In short
Cold, dry air weakens the skin's protective layer, and the longer hot showers of winter add to the strain. Keep showers short and lukewarm, use a gentle cleanser, then moisturise.
Why is winter hard on skin?
As the air turns cold and humidity drops, the skin's barrier function generally weakens. The skin becomes more sensitive to external factors and irritants. Central heating and air conditioning lower indoor humidity even further.
When the skin's own moisture-holding factors and lipids wear down, tightness comes first, then flaking. Mostly on the fronts of the legs, on the arms and on the back.
The cleanser makes a difference
In a randomised study of people with dry skin in winter, one group used a body cleanser with moisturising ingredients and the other used ordinary bar soap. Within 4 weeks, every sign of dryness assessed by the dermatologist decreased in the cleanser group. In the bar soap group, dryness increased. No additional moisturiser was used.
Age plays a part too
Skin dries out more easily as we get older. But this is not inevitable. Experts' first recommendations are to change bathing habits and the products used.
A short list for winter
Keep showers short and the water lukewarm. Use a cleanser that is free from harsh sulphates. Apply a moisturiser after towelling off. If the air at home is very dry, consider putting a humidifier in the room.
Sources
- Engebretsen KA et al. (2016). The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 30(2):223–249. doi:10.1111/jdv.13301
- Rawlings AV, Harding CR (2004). Moisturization and skin barrier function. Dermatologic Therapy 17(Suppl 1):43–48. doi:10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1005.x
- Hoffman L et al. (2008). Benefits of an emollient body wash for patients with chronic winter dry skin. Dermatologic Therapy 21(5):416–421. doi:10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00225.x
- White-Chu EF, Reddy M (2011). Dry skin in the elderly: Complexities of a common problem. Clinics in Dermatology 29(1):37–42. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.07.005
- Augustin M et al. (2019). Prevalence, predictors and comorbidity of dry skin in the general population. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 33(1):147–150. doi:10.1111/jdv.15157
These studies were not carried out with EcoProbiotic products.