Don't Neglect Your Skin in Winter

During these days when we distinctly feel the winter season, cold weather significantly affects our skin health. Dryness, flaking, cracking, redness, discoloration... Dryness and sensitivity are the most common problems we encounter, particularly on the face and hands that are exposed to the outdoor environment. The most important cause of skin dryness in winter months is the reduced water-retention capacity of the skin as a result of damage to the protective barrier. Wind, dry and warm environments make complaints more pronounced. Additionally, washing hands with hot water, increased use of baths and saunas, drying clothing, extended shower duration, use of pumice and washcloths, and hygiene products that damage the skin's barrier are other factors contributing to these problems. So what should you do and what should you avoid to have moist, glossy and smooth skin during cold winter months? Dr. Şule Albayrak, Dermatology Specialist at Acibadem Fulya Hospital, explained ways to protect your skin in cold weather and provided important recommendations.

Shorten Your Shower Time

During winter, abandon your habit of long hot baths or visits to hammams and saunas. Because prolonged water contact for as long as 10 minutes alone can lead to skin dryness, and washing with hot water daily can further increase dryness. For this reason, bathing 2-3 times a week, setting water temperature between 36-40 degrees Celsius, and completing your shower in as little as 5 minutes is ideal.

Room Temperature Should Be Between 21-25 Degrees

During cold winter months, we use central or local heating devices in enclosed spaces. However, as we try to heat the environment, we also reduce the humidity level. For your skin health, it is important to maintain room temperature between 21 and 25 degrees Celsius and adjust humidity levels between 30-50 percent. Using room thermometers allows you to make better adjustments to ideal temperature and humidity levels.

Apply Peeling Instead of Pumice to Your Skin

Just as the temperature of bath water matters, the products you use while washing are also important for your skin health. Instead of chemical and drying agents like soap and shower gels, prefer creamy-formula gentle cleansers. Dermatology Specialist Dr. Şule Albayrak warns that during winter months you should avoid materials like pumice and washcloths that irritate and cleanse the skin, stating: "Instead, it would be more appropriate to apply granule-form moisturizing body peelings to your skin with your bare hand." During summer months, since sweat, dirt and oil accumulate more on the skin, you can use pumice and washcloths, provided it is not too frequently.

Apply Moisturizer Within the First 5 Minutes

Dermatology Specialist Dr. Şule Albayrak points out that, contrary to popular belief, applying moisturizer to dry skin does not produce the expected effect, stating: "The correct approach is to apply moisturizer products within the first 5 minutes after each shower while the skin is still slightly damp."

Use Sun Protection Products

Your skin needs protection from the sun during winter just as it does in summer. For this reason, you must use sun protection with at least SPF 30, especially on sunny days! Also, on snowy days and before skiing, never neglect using sun protection to guard against sunburn caused by sun rays reflected from snow.

Scarves and Gloves Are Essential

On cold and windy days, don't forget to wear a scarf, especially to protect the sensitive mouth area. Additionally, instead of applying one layer of moisturizer to your hands before leaving home, it will be more beneficial to wear non-wool polar, leather or suede gloves.

Apply Protective Balm to Your Lips

During winter, cold, wind, frequent mouth washing, and attempting to moisten lips by licking them because they dry out can increase dryness and eczema. For this reason, do not neglect applying oil-based moisturizing balms to your lips several times a day and using protective products on sunny and snowy days.

Washing Your Hands 4-5 Times Is Sufficient

As in other seasons, during winter when performing daily cleaning, instead of liquid soap, wet wipes, cologne or hand sanitizers which have high chemical content, it would be more appropriate to prefer glycerin-containing and moisturizing solid soaps. Remember to use lukewarm water, avoid washing your hands more than 4-5 times daily unless necessary, and apply oil-based and long-lasting moisturizers after each hand wash. Additionally, it is very important to stay away from irritating chemicals like detergent, bleach and rubbing alcohol or to wear gloves.

Vitamins A, C, E Are Essential

Red foods contain beta carotene, while orange foods contain lycopene, both showing high antioxidant properties. For this reason, during winter it is very important to consume red and orange foods appropriate to the season such as apples, oranges, carrots and pomegranates, vegetables with dark green leaves for their antioxidant properties, and foods that give skin shine and moisture such as coconut and avocado. Additionally, while not sufficient alone to moisturize skin, make it a habit to drink 2 liters of water daily.