In the winter months, the combination of low humidity, dry air, and strong winds leads to many people experiencing dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Developing a skincare routine for the winter can strengthen the skin barrier, reduce itchiness and better retain moisture within the skin. This following winter skincare routine has been dermatologist reviewed, and is effective for every skin type.
How Skin Becomes Rough and Flaky in the Winter
Moisture is always being pulled from the skin, but during the winter months cold air does this more rapidly, leading to dryness and micro-cracks. Loss of moisture leads to a weakened skin barrier, and makes the skin even more vulnerable by causing faster water loss through the skin. Because of winter’s extreme cold dry air, this routine has to be focused on extreme hydration, repairing the skin barrier, and careful exfoliation.
Start with a gentle hydrating body cleanser
Steer clear of harsh soaps as they wash away essential oils from the skin. Instead, pick a cleanser with:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Ceramides
- Fragrance-free formulas
A hydrating cleanser is the first step of your Winter Body Care Routine for Rough, Flaky Skin, and will help your body retain moisture even before applying lotion.
Frequency of Exfoliation
Removing dead skin cells will help avoid dry and flaky skin, but daily exfoliation will lead to more dryness. Try to stick to exfoliating twice a week, and for your exfoliating product, consider the below options:
- AHA lotions (such as lactic acid in the 5-12% concentration)
- BHA if you suffer from topical body acne
- cream scrubs, but avoid ones with beads that are too harsh
By exfoliating, you will smooth the skin, and the following moisturizer will penetrate the skin better.
Moisturizing
- Moisturizing
Apply a heavier (thicker) moisturizer to the skin after a shower. From a list of moisture- attracting products, consider the following:
- Urea 10% for dry rough patches
- petrolatum for dry skin
- all options are good, but try to include Ceramides, Shea Butter, Moisturizing Squalane, and a thick cream or ointment
Applying the thick cream or ointment after showering will create a seal to prevent moisture loss from the skin. This is the biggest step of your Winter Body Care Routine if you care for your skin to not be rough and flaky.
To Seal Hydration Body Moisture/ Hydration Oil
Also after lotion, you can add light of moisture oil as a step.
Best oils that help in winter:
- Almond oil
- Jojoba oil
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Body oils are moisture retaining and thus help with water loss and reduce flakiness.
- Avoid Wearing Rough Textiles
Rough skins of your textile irritates and dries your skin more in winter.
Select:
Cotton
Soft fleece
Do not select:
Wool in direct contact with skin
Clothing that is fitted, or generates excessive friction
Gentle fabrics enhance Comfort of Winter Body Care Routine for Rough, Flaky Skin Basic Skin Routes from Winter for Rough, Flaky Skin and Preventing Skin Care Body Routine and Body Skin Care Routine Body
Use a Humidifier at Night
The atmosphere in your home during the winter is very dry.
When you sleep, a humidifier slows the evolution of dryness, itching, and skin flakes. This outer step enhances the impact of your skincare routine with the help of nature.
Drink Enough Water and Eat Skin-Friendly Foods
Internal + external Hydration = winter skin that feels smooth and looks good.
Skin repair foods:
Rich in Omega-3 nutrients (salmon and walnuts)
Vitamin E (almonds and spinach)
Healthy fats (avocado and olive oil)
These foods improve your skin from the inside by increasing the strength of your backside barrier.
Use a Weekly Body Mask
Body masks, like facial masks, help to restore and preserve hydration.
The ideal kind of masks are:
Masks made of shea butter
Mask made of honey
Masks made of yogurt with aloe vera mixed
These masks are good for inflamed skin.
Conclusion
A Winter Body Care Routine for Rough, Flaky Skin is especially designed to handle skin that is dry, that needs hydration focus gentle exfoliation, and barrier repair. The winter skin that is rough to the touch can be transformed to soft, smooth skin by using moisturizing products that have ceramides, body oils, and a humidifier.
This basic routine is effective for every age group and every skin type and is one of the safest, most effective, and most recommended routines by professionals to treat skin dryness during the winter months.