Cold weather can exacerbate some skin conditions, so we look at how to recognise and treat any dryness to keep your visage smooth and supple.
WORDS: KATY SUNNASSEE. IMAGES: SHUTTERSTOCK AND VARIOUS BRANDS.
There’s no denying that cold and windy weather affect your skin. Winter brings with it a range of conditions that can be exacerbated. But it’s not only the temperature outside that’s to blame. ‘You need to consider all environments, both internal and external, and the impact of these on skin,’ says Dr Unnati Desai, a GP and dermatology lead at Nuffield Health (nuffieldhealth.com).
Outdoors, the air is drier and colder, which can instantly dry out your epidermis. ‘We’re also travelling from outdoors to indoors, and the shift in temperature from cold to warm can play a part,’ says Dr Desai. ‘Central heating, air conditioning and open fires can all impact skin and dry it out. The best advice is to ensure your skin is hydrated, both internally and externally.’
Lifestyle habits can also cause a big impact. Drinking alcohol can lead to enlarged blood vessels, resulting in flushing of the cheeks, which can have short-term or long-term effects. ‘When blood vessels become damaged, it causes permanent redness; in chronic alcoholics, this results in red palms and soles, too. This can also result in larger oil glands and therefore larger pores,’ says Dr Desai.
And with the party season upon us, you may also end up sleeping less than usual – but skimping on sleep affects your skin. ‘When you’re sleep-deprived, the amygdala in your brain becomes more reactive. The amygdala handles emotional processing and increased reactivity adds to stress,’ says Dr Desai.
Stress causes your body to increase adrenaline and cortisol, which leads to inflammation and reduction in skin firmness. ‘Stress also increases sebum production. While needed, in large amounts sebum can leave your skin oily, increasing your risk of acne or other irritations. Sleep can reduce the body’s stress response and avoid these negative beauty effects,’ she says.
Psoriasis and eczema can also worsen during winter. Both conditions are exacerbated by the dry air indoors and the cold outside. If you suffer from either of these, it’s important to use emollients and soap substitutes, as regular soap is drying due to its alkalinity. ‘Well-hydrated skin is less likely to flare up. The greasier the emollient the better, but for many people this doesn’t always feel great, so it’s best to use a c
