It’s cold outside, and time to pull out the cozy knits, gather around the fireplace, or up the thermostat on those chilly evenings when the temperature plunges. For those with eczema, winter ushers in a season of drier and more sensitive skin. Lower humidity coupled with chilling winds and indoor heating systems can wreak havoc on your skin by diminishing its moisture levels. The following tips can help calm your skin during the winter woes.
- Protection. Skin is your largest protective barrier against bacteria, germs, and other environmental invaders. However, eczema can weaken this barrier, together with nature’s harsh, outdoor elements. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound in cure. Therefore, be sure to moisturize regularly in order to prevent skin cracks and breaks, which can allow irritants and allergens to enter. Moisturizers with a higher oil content, such as ointments and ceramides, are very helpful in repairing skin that has lost its water and lipid content.
Oil-based moisturizers protect against moisture loss by being a skin barrier, and ointments are quite beneficial in locking in moisture when the humidity drops. However, try not to use ointments on areas that may get hot and sweaty, as they may cause further irritation. Ointments act by forming a layer that can block your pores and prevent sweat from leaving the body. Instead, sweat accumulates on the skin. This can lead to irritation and itching when mixed with other debris.
Moisturizer is crucial for dry skin during these colder days, and should be applied twice daily for best results. Before you go outside, make sure to apply a thick moisturizer to all exposed skin, and rehydrate before bedtime as well.
- Humidifiers. Use a humidifier if the air in your house is quite dry. This will help replenish moisture in the air and will be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of eczema in the winter. The outdoor air is already dry, and now the indoor air becomes drier as we crank up the heat round the clock. As a result, our skin suffers, because it cannot take in moisture from the environment. This results in dry, cracked, and itchy skin. If you spend a significant amount of time at home in dry heat, running a humidifier will be helpful. Please note that there are some types of eczemas that can flare up with excess humidity. Therefore, pay attention to how your skin reacts with the humidifier.
There are some who find their eczema improves during the wintertime. For these individuals, summer months can be more problematic, due to the heat, sweat, and humidity, which can trigger more flareups. Obviously, eczema is not a one-size-fits-all situation, since everyone’s skin is unique and what works for one does not work for another.
- Layer up. Dressing in protective layers is a must. Pay attention to the fabric placed closest to your skin before you head outdoors. For the base layer, it’s best to wear cotton, in order to minimize your exposure to allergens in clothing. Layering your outerwear allows you to remove layers as you warm up, in order to prevent overheating. Some with eczema can flare up when overheated. Therefore, cotton, a breathable fabric, allows for better airflow to keep the skin cool.
- Wool Fabrics. Fabrics such as wool can easily trigger your eczema and can be quite itchy. Try to avoid wool scarves and gloves as well. It’s best to wear gloves that are l00% cotton or made of breathable fabric that does not cause your hands to overheat. If you’re always cold, try wearing a thin cotton glove next to your skin and layering a different glove on top for added protection.
- Wet Clothing. If your clothes become wet from playing in the snow, getting caught in the rain, or sweaty clothes from walking in warm layers, be sure to promptly remove your wet clothes. Leaving them on can cause eczema to flare up and irritate the skin.
- Sunscreen. Sunscreen receives lots of attention during summertime. However, it’s just as important when the temperature drops. The sun’s reflective qualities are just as strong in the winter, and can even be magnified when it snows or you head to the mountains. Before heading outside for a period of time, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher to all exposed parts of your skin. If your skin is very dry, use an oil-based moisturizing cream with sunscreen for double moisture benefits.
Risselle Naimark is a Professional Freelance Makeup Artist and Skincare Consultant. She carries an extensive line of personalized skincare, cosmetics, and anti-aging products. Risselle is also available for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, makeup lessons, and all of your beauty needs. She can be reached at 718 263-5517.
