Serious cold snaps have continued to hit major portions of the country this month, with no signs of slowing down. As we bundle up and hunker down, your skin is going to need some extra attention. Discover how to stop winter redness in its tracks and protect your skin from cold, dry air.
Featured Experts
- Julie C Harper, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Vestavia Hill, AL
- Antony Nakhla, MD is the founder of Eighth Day and a board-certified dermatologist
What is winter redness?
According to Vestavia Hill, AL dermatologist Julie C Harper, MD, winter air causes skin barrier damage. "Our skin acts as a barrier between us and our environment," Dr. Harper explains. "This barrier seals moisture in and keeps unwanted pollutants and toxins out. Environmental extremes, like cold, dry air can disrupt this barrier and allow the skin's natural water and lipid content to leach out. The skin is left feeling rough, chapped, tight and dry."
"This type of weather zaps moisture from skin," adds Eighth Day founder and dermatologist Antony Nakhla, MD. "And that can lead to dryness, redness or even irritation. So you have to get ahead of it."
How do you keep your skin safe?
When you face the elements, you need to take a few extra steps.
"For starters, moisturize your skin both day and night and potentially throughout the day as well depending on whether you have severely dry skin conditions like eczema or atopic dermatitis," explains Dr. Nakhla.
"Topical steroids are a great treatment for inflammation brought on by the cold," says Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. "And a balm will help seal in moisture."
And just because you're inside, doesn't mean your skin is out of the woods, yet.
"Environmental extremes include cold, dry air outside, but can also include dry air inside, and even overly aggressive cleansing and skin care routines," Dr. Harper notes. "When the outside environment is cold, windy and dry, 'wrap' your skin up with layers of great moisturizing ingredients that include both humectant and occlusive ingredients. Remember humectants attract water in the skin, and occlusives seal in that water. It is a good idea to 'wrap' your skin up before heading outdoors but also again after returning from the cold, windy onslaught."
Both of these experts recommend adding a humidifier to your home as well.
Expert-Recommended Products to Calm Winter Redness
