AS the weather gets colder, many us start to feel the drop in temperature in our skin.
From dryness and itching, to chapped lips and even spots that we’re not used to dealing with, winter can wreak havoc on our skin.
From chapped lips to winter acne, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your skinAlamy
Chartered chemist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, Bruce Green explained: “The drop in temperature is something our skin can find hard to deal with when it comes to retaining moisture, which can lead to a number of skin flare-up conditions.”
If you’re trying to combat your parched skin by drinking lots of water, chances are it won’t make much difference during the wintertime, he went on.
“Dry skin is different to dehydrated skin, and isn’t about a lack of water intake, but external aggressors,” Bruce said.
But there are other ways to address to address your winter skin concerns – and no need to spend an arm and a leg doing so.
Here are seven ways our skin suffers due to cold weather and how to calm it on a budget.
1. Winter itch
“The main way that cold weather affects our skin is by drying it out,” Bruce said.
But it’s not just the chilly air that has an effect – the way you take refuge from the elements can also be felt in your skin.
“Most of us will have dryer skin during the winter due to the combination of dry, cold air outside and central heating inside,” the chemist explained.
In extreme cases, your dry skin can progress to a condition known as winter itch – or pruritis hiemalis – that is a bit like dermatitis.
“Winter itch mostly occurs on the legs and is usually caused by both cold, dry air and friction caused by winter clothing such as tights,” according to Bruce.
He suggested paying attention to the material of your tights, as the conditions can be aggravated by certain types such as wool.
Winter itch might not be visible – aside from your legs appearing a little dry – but you’ll definitely feel it.
Bruce said: “The itching sensation can often occur suddenly and is most commonly experienced when clothes are removed, or at night.
“Reduce and soothe the symptoms of winter itch by wearing lighter fabrics indoors that won’t irritate skin.”
He also suggested applying a light, fragrance-free moisturiser such as SOS SERUM to hydrate the affected area of the skin and calm and soothe inflammation.
You can also grab the Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser for £3.80 at Boots or the CeraVe Moisturising Lotion for £7.33 on Amazon.
2. UV damage, i.e. sun burn
You might be thinking: how it is possible to burn during winter?
But “yes, it happens”, according to Bruce.
“Many people wrongly assume that you can’t possibly get sunburn when it’s cold or during the winter months [but] this is simply untrue,” he said.
“While the UV index is lower in the winter months, the sun’s UV rays are still powerful enough to give you visible sun damage.”
Thinking of going skiing or simply frolicking in the snow for you holidays?
“Altitude and weather conditions increase the possibility of you getting sun burn in the winter – snow alone can increase the winter sun’s intensity by up to 80 per cent so it’s important not to ditch the sunscreen,” the chemist went on.
He suggested lathering on good quality, broad-spectrum sun protection.
The SOS SPF50 will cost you £17 at Superdrug, but you can also grab the Piz Buin Allergy Sun Sensitive Face Cream SPF50+ at Boots for £9 or the REN Clean Skincare SPF30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen for £7 at LookFantastic.
3. Windburn
Sun isn’t the only outside element you need to brave during the winter – the biting wind can also wreak havoc on your skin.
“Cold wind can cause windburn, a skin irritation that causes dry, red, burning skin,” Bruce said.
But SPF will still be your best friend in this situation.
“Although differing from sunburn in that it damages the outer layer of the skin and doesn’t cause long-term damage, windburn can be prevented in the same way as preventing sunburn,” the chemist advised.
“In addition, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when you’ll be outside. Scarves, coats and hats can help reduce the skin’s exposure and keep your skin protected and healthy.”
To soothe your stinging skin, apply a soothing moisturiser to affected areas.
4. Chafing
If you thought you only had to worry about chub rub during sweaty summer months, think again.
Bruce said: “Although many people associate chafing with the hot summer months, colder weather tends to dry out skin, leaving it more susceptible to rubbing and chafing.”
If you favour skirts and dresses, tights can again exacerbate the situation.
Your favourite soothing serum will once again be your best friend.
5. Eczema
For eczema sufferers, the winter months can be daunting.
“Many people find that their eczema flares-up more frequently during cold weather,” according to Bruce.
“A combination of cold dry air, indoor central heating systems, wearing lots of thick layers of clothes, taking hot baths and wearing too many bed coverings at night can all contribute to the skin becoming drier and eczema flaring.”
Since the skin is unable to stay moist on its own, Bruce recommended choosing “a gentle but effective moisturiser”.
He recommended the SOS Serum Face & Body Healer, which retails for £16 at Superdrug.
You could also opt for the Cetaphil Pro Eczema Lotion for £15 at Boots or the E45 Dermatological Moisturising Cream for Dry Skin & Eczema for £7.53.
Or speak to a pharmacist about what options might work for your eczema.
6. Winter acne
Sadly, acne is another affliction that isn’t confined to the summer months is acne.
“Although acne is often associated with perspiration in warmer weather, it can also be problematic as the skin responds to cold, dry air by producing more sebum, the oily substance that is a key component of acne,” Bruce explained.
The best way to keep your winter acne at bay is by cleansing your skin twice a day with warm – not hot – water and using a mild cleanser.
Bruce recommended the SOS Facial Cleansing Cream – £16 at Superdrug – or the the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin is another option. It’ll cost you £11.50 at Boots.
The chemist noted: “Ensure water isn’t too hot as this could dry out skin and exacerbate the problem.
“It’s also important to keep skin hydrated as when dehydrated, your skin sends signals to your glands to produce more oil.
“Drink plenty of water and avoid petrochemicals, fragrances and synthetics.”
And don’t skimp on your sun cream, even if you have spots! Look out for the word ‘non-comedogenic’ on the packaging so you know it won’t clog your pores.
7. Chapped Lips
For many of us, our lips are the first thing to suffer as the weather gets chillier.
But your chapped pout could be caused by more than the biting cold.
As Bruce explained: “Our diets are less moisture-rich in the winter. When we think of winter diets, they’re drier, richer foods such as pub roast dinners, pies and due to festivities, you may consume more alcohol. All of these elements in our diet can contribute to drier lips.”
But the cold also plays its’ part, as well the heating you crank up when you get home.
“The cold winter air can dry our lips as the top layer, made from keratin, becomes less flexible and elasticated, meaning the lips are more prone to chapping,” Bruce explained.
“If you turn your central heating on in the winter to warm your house up, chances are you’ve created a drier environment which is just as bad for your lip health as being outside in exposed cold winds.
“Keep your lips protected when you go outside by covering them with a scarf, wearing a nourishing balm to keep lips hydrated and avoid tingly lip products.”