Dry winter air can create dry patches of skin where you ordinarily should not have them. They appear out of nowhere, and you wonder what in the world? Why would your skin suddenly dry up in such a weird place? They often appear on your arm or leg, with the surrounding skin as normal as can be!
There doesn’t seem to be any finite answer as to why these 'spots' happen, but there are numerous things you can do to prevent and treat them when they do. After all, dry patches of skin are bothersome, but not detrimental to your health. During winter especially, your skin can crack, chafe, itch and develop these areas of dry skin. Voodoo Ta Ta!
Simple daily routines, such as bathing and towel drying, can actually remove moisture from your skin. Since winter clothes cover more of your skin, they are bound to rub against it more. The tighter they are, the more they rub. That may cause patches of dry skin where you least likely expect them. Wearing looser clothing can help combat the effects of dry patches of skin in winter. Your skin simply breathes better when it's not all bundled up! You might not look as sheik but your skin will be less likely to suffer and become overly dry!
Recommendations for Patches of Dry Skin
When you take your bath or shower, use warm water instead of hot water. Hot water dries out your skin. Try to limit shower time to no more than 15 minutes. Bathing should be done no more than once a day, less if you can stand it. If you bathe too frequently you will remove the natural oils from the skin and that can cause dry patches of skin. Apply lotions and creams when your skin is still moist, right after you shower.
Dry skin is called Xerosis, and is a common problem for many people. Your skin needs moisture to stay smooth and supple, and retain moisture which becomes more difficult as you age. Skin, nails, and hair, lose a great amount of moisture in dry winter months.
The wrong moisturizing lotion can have the same effect. Water-based lotions like Lubriderm, Keri, and Fruit Of The Earth, lotions work great if you have oily skin. However, if you normally have very dry skin, you should use an oil-based creamy lotion like Cetaphil. These types of creams and lotions are superior at trapping and holding moisture in your skin.
Deodorant soaps are often very harsh. If you need them, limit their use to areas that develop an odor such as the armpits, genitals, and feet. Good soaps to use are Dove, Olay, and other soaps that have moisturizers. If you develop dry patches of skin, use skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Lotion, Oilatum-AD and Aquanil.
Do regular skin brushing. Skin brushing helps to remove dead skin cells from your skin and increases lymphatic circulation. When you towel dry, do not rub the skin. Gently pat dry your skin so there is still some moisture left on the skin.
If your skin is overly dry and irritated, you may have to use a lotion before bed time too! Your body heals better when you sleep and rest. The extra moisture will really help with patches of dry skin.
Cortizone 10 cream is great at removing patches of dry skin! You can buy it with moisturizers built right in it now! Apply to the dry areas and watch them disappear. Don't use it for prolonged periods though. Cortisone is a steroid cream. Over time, steroids can thin your skin and leave it more susceptible.
Use a cool air humidifier or a Cool Mist Humidifierin your home during the winter. Try to sleep with your room at a lower temperature, if you're used to having the heat on 70°. Lower temperatures mean higher humidity in the air. Higher temps mean lower humidity. The heat will suck any moisture there is, right out of the air and right out of your skin!
All areas that are exposed to the sun, (such as the face, ears, and hands), should have a moisturizer containing a sunblocks of SPF 15 or greater, especially during winter months. Damaging effects from the sun don't stop just because it's not summer anymore!
For laundry, use 'All-free', 'Tide-free' or 'Cheer-free' detergents. These don't have dyes or perfumes that can cause skin reactions. Avoid using scented fabric softener sheets in the dryer, as the 'scent' can aggravate sensitive skin. Keep irritating fabrics away from your skin, such as wool or other scratchy fabrics. Use cotton percale sheets or satin sheets on your bed.
Avoid itching dry patches of skin and do not pick at your skin. Some areas of the dry patch maybe attached to lower layers of the dermis. If you pick at them, they can bleed and scar! What started out as just a dry skin patch, will now be a constant reminder that you couldn't keep your hand off!
Remember to keep drinking plenty of water and other liquids to keep your skin moist from the inside, too. It's best to prevent dry patches of skin, by using a good skin moisturizer everyday! Your skin gets better protection that way. Yes, it's hard sometimes (and very cold) to apply lotion to your skin everyday, but just do it! Your skin will thank you!
Many women neglect their skin, or only treat it when there's a problem. We apply lotion for cosmetic reasons, but other than that, skincare gets put on the back-burner and falls short of what it needs to be. It's important to remember that your skin is an organ and requires tender loving care in all seasons.
, Keri, and Fruit Of The Earth
, lotions work great if you have oily skin. However, if you normally have very dry skin, you should use an oil-based creamy lotion like Cetaphil
. These types of creams and lotions are superior at trapping and holding moisture in your skin.
in your home during the winter. Try to sleep with your room at a lower temperature, if you're used to having the heat on 70°. Lower temperatures mean higher humidity in the air. Higher temps mean lower humidity. The heat will suck any moisture there is, right out of the air and right out of your skin! 
