What measures can be taken to prevent dry and cracked skin in winter?
July 2, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Bernd Schlosser
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Dietrich Walter and every year in winter I suffer from extremely dry and cracked skin. I especially struggle with this problem on my hands and face. I have already tried various moisturizers, but none have really helped so far. I am worried that dry skin could not only be uncomfortable, but also lead to serious skin problems.
I have tried to regularly moisturize my skin and also make sure to drink enough water. However, my skin always seems to become particularly dry in winter. I have also tried not to wash my skin too often with soap and avoid hot showers, but that hasn't helped much either.
Could you perhaps give me some tips on how to effectively prevent dry and cracked skin in winter? Are there any specific products or home remedies that work particularly well against dry skin? Are there certain nutrients that I should increase in my diet to support my skin from the inside out?
I would greatly appreciate your advice, as I really don't know what else to do to take care of my skin in winter. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dietrich Walter
Dear Mr. Walter,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a dermatologist. I'm sorry to hear that you struggle with extremely dry and cracked skin every winter. Dry skin can not only be uncomfortable, but can also lead to serious skin problems, so it's important to take appropriate care measures.
It's good that you have already tried to regularly moisturize your skin and drink enough water. These are important steps to maintain skin moisture. However, there are other measures you can take to prevent dry skin in the winter.
An important tip is to increase the humidity in your home, especially in heated rooms. Dry air can cause the skin to dry out even more. Therefore, use a humidifier to keep the humidity at a comfortable level.
It's also important to use gentle cleansers for your skin to avoid further irritation. Avoid frequent washing with soap and use pH-neutral products. Also, make sure not to shower for too long or with water that is too hot, as hot water can further dry out the skin.
When it comes to caring for your skin in winter, I recommend using rich moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter. These help to retain moisture in the skin and protect it from drying out.
Additionally, you can also use specialized products like urea-containing creams that can nourish and regenerate particularly dry skin. Home remedies like coconut oil or aloe vera gel can also help moisturize and soothe the skin.
In terms of diet, it's important to consume sufficient omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc, as these nutrients can support skin health. Fish, nuts, seeds, and green vegetables are good sources of these nutrients.
I hope these tips help you effectively combat your dry skin in winter. If you have any further questions or need individual advice, I am happy to help. Thank you again for your inquiry.
Sincerely,
Bernd Schlosser
