If the humidity of summer had you drooping, you might be celebrating the first signs of winter. There’s a pulse of excitement that accompanies falling snow, white-capped trees and mountains, and the breath of brisk temperatures. Once winter sets in, though, so does its dry air and your skin may pay the price.
The air holds a certain amount of water. If the air gets colder, it holds less water. For that reason, winter air has low humidity. And while you may enjoy winter’s dry feel, it can have negative effects on the body, including the following:
- Breathing dry air can contribute to respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. It may also exacerbate nosebleeds and sinus problems. Cold weather can also cause dehydration because body fluids tend to be depleted more easily during respiration in winter.
- Evaporation of skin moisture may cause eye itching and irritation.
Effects on the Skin
The cold and dry air of winter may take its toll on human skin. Some of the problems that are caused or aggravated by dry air include the following:
- Eczema – The cold temperature and low humidity increase the risks for eczema flare-ups.
- Psoriasis – This skin condition often gets worse during the winter months because the air is so dry. Psoriasis is characterized by raised, red patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. It is caused by the quick reproduction of skin cells. New cells accumulate before the old ones are sloughed off.
- Dandruff – This occurs when the scalp’s skin cells rapidly reproduce, then peel off. It is often accompanied by itching. Flare-ups of dandruff happen more during the dry winter months.
- Rosacea – This condition looks like adult acne with red bumps and blotches covering the cheeks and nose. It occurs as a result of blood vessels that swell, making the skin look flushed.
- Chapped lips – Chapped lips are the biggest complaint of people living in cold areas. The lack of moisture causes cracked, parched lips.
- Dry skin – Cold winter air depletes the moisture from your body, leaving your skin dry and thirsty.
Moisturizers
The best remedy for many of the problems caused by winter’s dry air is the application of moisturizer to the parched, dry skin. WishingUwell.com has a number of top-rated moisturizers that can help solve your winter skin problems. Our moisturizers include Aloe Life Face & Body Lotion, J.R. Watkins Hand & Body Lotion (Lemon Cream), Aubrey Organics Pure Aloe Vera, and many other organic and naturally-sourced skin moisturizers.
