Skin And Hair Problems Linked With Winters

Who does not love the winters? The cool and sweat-free weather, the opportunity to wear your stylish over sized cardigan to those fun family gatherings; or simply just nestling by the fireplace, reading your favourite novel while sipping on hot coffee; without a doubt winter is the most relaxing and cosiest season.

Unfortunately, all good things have their failings and winters are no exception. Numerous skin and hair problems come up during the winter season and dry flaky and itchy skin can be the worst nightmares during this season. Following are a few skin and hair problems linked with the winter season.

Dry Skin in Winters. One of the most common skin problems faced in the winters is dry skin and is a nightmare for those who have a naturally dry skin. The cold and dry weather on the outside and the dry heat inside makes the skin dry and flaky during the winter season. Dry skin produces less sebum, the natural lubricant of your body; hence making skin more dry and tight during the winters. Dry skin in winters is also accompanied with flakiness, tightness and cracking of skin. Extreme dryness can cause the skin to crack and even bleed. Using the right moisturiser that suits your skin type is the best way to combat dry skin problem linked with winter season. It is also important to avoid exfoliating products and scrubs to prevent loss of moisture from the skin in the winters. Having lukewarm showers instead of hot showers help in retaining the moisture. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoiding exposing skin to cold dry winds is also important to combat this particular skin problem in the winter season.

Chapped Skin Problem Linked With Winters. Remaining outdoors during the bitter cold of winters is not skin friendly. The combination of dehydrated skin, sun exposure and cold winds can lead to chapped skin. The cheeks, wrists, hands and elbows are the primary preys to the problem of chapped skin linked with winters. In countries, which experience snowfall, chapped skin is the most common winter related skin problem which can be very painful. To help soothe the irritation from the chapped skin, and provide skin the much needed moisturisation, pour water to the affected area, pat it gently with a clean soft towel and apply generous amounts of a nourishing moisturizer.

Cracked Lips in Winters. For many people, the painful cracking of lips is a clear indication of the arrival of the winter season. The skin of the lips is thin and sensitive and the cold dry and windy weather causes the lips to peel off and look crusty which can bleed. Cracked lips are both painful and unappealing and may cause the lips to bleed. To protect your lips from this problem linked with the winters, apply a good quality lip balm on both your upper and lower lips preferably containing natural oils, shea butter and bees wax.

Problem of Itchy Skin in Winters. Using harsh soaps and hot water for baths during the winter season can cause the skin to become dry, parched and itchy. Inflammation and itchiness is common on the hands and legs which can also bleed. Cortisone cream can be used to combat the itchiness in the winter season and using a good moisturizer can help restore skin moisture.

Dandruff Problem in Winters. Medically known as Seborrheic Dermatitis, dandruff is a scalp condition causing the skin of the scalp to shed and leave white flakes on the shoulders and neck. It is normal for the skin of the scalp to exfoliate and peel off, but it becomes a menacing embarrassment when it becomes excessive. During the winters, dandruff worsens due to the scalp becoming dry and flaky. Dandruff is also caused due to fungal infection. Using anti-dandruff shampoos and other homemade remedies can help eliminate dandruff occurring during the winter season.

Eczema Condition Linked With Winters. Eczema is a chronic dermatological disorder characterized by skin irritation, inflammation, itchiness rashes and blisters. These features can be observed commonly in individuals who have extremely sensitive skin or are prone to allergies. The symptoms aggravate during the winter months or when the skin gets exposed to cold dry winds. The common areas where blisters and rashes from eczema are seen are inner portions of the hands and elbows, back portion of the knees, face, wrists, scalp, neck, chest, other areas of the arms and legs along with back. To protect your skin from eczema flare-ups during the winter avoid harsh soaps and take lukewarm, rather than hot showers. Adequately moisturize skin after a bath and if you suffer from allergies make sure you stay away from allergy triggers and continue your allergy medications. Eczema is one annoying skin problem linked with the winter season.

Keratosis Pilaris. A Medical Skin Problem Linked With Winters. Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition where the skin is raised or covered with red or skin coloured pimples resembling that of a plucked chicken, hence commonly known as ‘chicken skin.’ This skin problem affects the areas of the arms, legs and chest and is confused with body acne. Exposure to cold and dry winds during winters makes KP worse. This kin problem affects people of all age groups and sex. KP is not curable, but with correct diagnosis and treatment, its appearance can be managed and reduced even during the winters.

Psoriasis Skin Problem Affected By Winters. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes rapid building up of skin cells. Symptoms include formation of whitish silver scales and itchy dry red patches. Psoriasis flare-ups are common and aggravated during the winters, and low levels of humidity and less exposure to the ultra violet rays of the sun cause psoriasis symptoms to worsen during winters. Phototherapy is the use of light rays to treat psoriasis. Ultraviolet light B is the most beneficial in treating skin psoriasis, a skin problem which is linked with the winters.

Sun Damage in Winters. it is important to remember that just because the sun’s rays are less harsh during the winters than in the summers, they nevertheless exist and one must always wear sunscreen lotion to prevent sun damage and redness of the skin during the winters.

Just like our skin, our hair too is subject to external climatic conditions and the winters bring with it its own set of hair related problems.

Dry And Irritated Scalp & Hair. There is less moisture in the air during the winter months. Dry heat, and wearing beanies and scarves tends to make the problem worse and dries out your hair, skin and scalp. When your scalp becomes dry, it is likely to itch and flake off. Shampooing your hair daily can cause the scalp and hair to dry out even more during the winters. Using moisturising shampoos can help reduce the effects of the winters and combat the problem of dry and itchy scalp in the winter season.

Massage your scalp with coconut oil for 10 minutes before rinsing it out. Excessive dryness of hair and scalp during the winter season must be medically treated.

Split Ends. A Never Ending Hair Problem Linked With Winters. Although split ends can appear at any time of the year, this hair problem gets aggravated during the winters, as the hair dries out more than usual. There is no real or permanent cure to split ends and a simple hair trim is the solution. There are a number of hair products and conditioners available in the market that reduces split ends and repairs the splits by fusing the strands together after continued use.

Problem of Static Hair in Winters. When the temperature falls during the winters, the hair picks up an electrical charge from the dry air, causing it to stand. Lack of humidity in the air causes static hair which can be annoying for people who have fine, thin hair. It is important to add moisture to your hair by using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner and to lock it in by use a hair nourishing serum. Allow your hair to dry naturally and ditch the hair dryer during the winters to deal with this hair problem. One can also use hair gel or cream to smooth over the static hair and sleep on a silk pillow, as it helps hair retain its moisture.

Frizzy Hair in Winters. Due to lack of moisture in the air, the hair gets frizzy and the best way to combat frizzy hair problem linked with winters is regular oil messages and using a leave in conditioner containing ingredients such as panthenol and hyaluronic acid. A leave in treatment will have long lasting effects to resolve this particular hair problem during the winter season.

Dealing with Flat Hair in Winters. Dry cold winters cause the hair to become thin, limp and lifeless. This is a pressing concern for people with fine and thin hair. Apart from being static prone, fine hairs lack volume and harsh winter winds can damage your locks considerably. It is crucial to use a shampoo that boosts your hair volume and conditioners that moisturise your hair rather than weighing it down to deal with the problem of flat hair linked with the winters.

Problem of Brittle, Straw Like Hair in Winter Season. When the moisture level of the air drops during winters, the hair becomes weak, thin and brittle just like straw. Avoid using heating tools like straighteners and curlers and introduce hydrating shampoos and leave in conditioners to your hair care routine to manage this winters linked hair problem.

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