In winter, when the temperature drops and humidity in the air drops, skin problems become increasingly common. Dry, peeling, itchy skin on hands, feet or cracked heels make many people uncomfortable. Despite taking care of facial skin quite thoroughly, many people still skip body hydration, while this is an important step to protect skin throughout the cold season.
According to Dr. Ruben Bhasin Passi, dermatologist at CK Birla Hospital (Gurugram, India), systemic moisturization plays an equally important role compared to facial skin moisturization, especially in winter.
Why does winter make skin dry easily?
According to Dr. Passi, winter air is often dry both outdoors and indoors. Cold winds, low humidity, along with using heaters and the habit of bathing in hot water can remove the natural oil layer protecting the skin. When this protective barrier weakens, the skin easily dehydrates, becomes dry and more sensitive.
The skin on hands and feet has fewer oil glands than other areas of the body. This makes these areas of skin more prone to dryness, especially in winter when humidity in the air drops," Dr. Passi explained.
Consequences of skipping body moisturizing
Not moisturizing the whole body not only affects the appearance but also reduces the protective function of the skin. When the skin is dry, the natural barrier no longer works effectively, making the skin prone to itching, irritation, cracking and even increasing the risk of infection.
According to experts, people with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin are more likely to experience the condition worsening in winter if they are not adequately moisturized.
Effective ways to moisturize the whole body in winter
The time and method of using moisturizer play a key role. Dr. Passi recommends applying moisturizer immediately after showering, when the skin is still slightly moisturized. This helps lock moisture better and limit dehydration through the skin.
Moisturization needs to be done regularly every day. Applying it once is not enough, especially for very dry skin in winter," she emphasized.
In addition, not all moisturizers are suitable for cold weather. Light products used in the summer often do not have enough moisturizing capacity in the winter. Dermatologists recommend choosing moisturizers or body lotions rich in nutrients, containing ingredients such as ceramide, glycerin, grease butter or natural oils.
Ceramide helps restore the skin's protective barrier, glycerin has the effect of absorbing moisture, while oatmeal is a strong moisturizer, helping skin soften and reduce flaking. For very dry or sensitive skin, ointment-based products can bring higher efficiency thanks to creating a thick protective film, limiting dehydration.
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