Common Winter Skin Issues & How To Manage Them

Keeping your complexion on point throughout the winter months isn’t always as straight forward as it might first appear. Often simultaneous with the season of excess and over indulgence, as well as unforgiving cold weather conditions, our skin health takes a battering during wintertime leaving it susceptible to a whole host of winter skin conditions including Winter Itch, Windburn, Chafing, Eczema & Winter Acne.

Chartered Chemist, Chartered Scientist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and skincare formulator Bruce Green explains some of the most common skin conditions to challenge our skin health throughout the winter months.

Winter Itch

The main way that winter affects our skin is by drying it out. Most of us will have dryer skin during the winter due to the combination of dry, cold air outside and central heating inside In the most extreme cases this can cause a skin condition known as winter itch (Pruritis Hiemalis) that is a bit like dermatitis. Winter itch mostly occurs on the legs and is usually caused by both dry winter air and friction caused by winter clothing such as tights and can be aggravated by certain types of material such as wool. The most common place on the body for winter itch to occur is on the legs and although rarely visible (aside from maybe appearing dry), causes the skin to itch. The itching sensation can often occur suddenly and is most commonly experienced when clothes are removed, or at night. Reduce and soothe the symptoms of winter itch by wearing lighter fabrics indoors that won’t irritate skin Apply a light, fragrance free moisturiser such as SOS SERUM 15-200ml or SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30 15-200ml, to hydrate the affected area of the skin and calm and soothe inflammation.

Windburn

Cold winter wind can cause windburn, a skin irritation that causes dry, red, burning skin Although differing from sunburn in that it damages the outer layer of the skin and doesn’t cause long term damage, wind burn can be prevented in the same way as preventing sunburn by applying sunscreen such as the SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream 15-200ml, to exposed skin, in addition, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when you’ll be outside. Scarves, coats and hats can help reduce the skin’s exposure and keep your skin protected and healthy Wind burnt skin can be soothed by applying a moisturiser such as the SOS Serum or SOS H20 Day Cream SPF 30 (both 15-200ml) to the affected area.

Chafing

Although many people associate chafing with the hot summer months, colder weather with less atmospheric moisture, tends to dry out skin, leaving it more susceptible to rubbing and chafing Winter attire such as tights can exacerbate the problem. Formulated to cool, heal and repair problem skin, the soothing SOS Serum makes an ideal cure for skin chafing. It contains anti inflammatory Wasabi and calming Burdock Leaf Extracts, alongside the refined extract of cooling Peppermint and Lauromacrogols which act as an anaesthetic to soothe and desensitise the skin.

Eczema

Many people find that their eczema flares up more frequently during the winter months. A combination of cold dry air, indoor central heating systems, wearing lots of thick layers of clothes, taking hot baths and wearing too many bed coverings at night can all contribute to the skin becoming drier and eczema flaring up. The skin is unable to stay moist on its own and using a gentle but effective moisturiser such as the SOS Serum can help to provide rapid relief from the discomfort. The soothing effect of Wasabi & Burdock Leaf Extracts combined with the cooling sensation from the refined extract of Peppermint, deliver comfort, moisturisation and protection. In addition, keep well hydrated and add moisture to the air by placing large bowls of water around the home. The water evaporates and adds moisture, helping the skin to stay naturally hydrated. Home flowers and house plants can also add atmospheric moisture.

Winter Acne

Although acne is often associated with perspiration in warmer weather, it can also be problematic in the winter months as the skin responds to cold, dry air by producing more sebum (the oily substance that is a key component of acne). Keep winter acne at bay by cleansing skin twice a day with a mild, alcohol free cleanser such as SOS Cleanse 15-200ml. Ensure water isn’t too hot as this could dry out skin and exacerbate the problem It’s also important to keep skin hydrated as when dehydrated, your skin sends signals to your glands to produce more oil. Drink plenty of water and avoid petrochemicals, fragrances and synthetics. It’s also a good idea to wear a high quality, broad spectrum sunscreen. The SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream and SOS Serum will moisturise soothe and protect the skin simultaneously, helping to keep it healthy and acne free.