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Skin Cracking This Winter? Here’s How to Stop It

Dry and cracked skin not only looks unsightly but is a sign of damage to your overall complexion. The winter season can easily make your skin dry and cracked, so to help alleviate this condition you would have to make changes to your routine and lifestyle. Constant moisturization is a must during this season, along with daily SPF. If increased moisturization isn’t working, here are three other ways you can help alleviate cracked skin:

  • Swap out your products – Your very own skincare products might be causing your dry skin. A lot of skincare products do contain active ingredients that can dry out your skin, and their effects become maximized in the winter time. Reduce the usage of products that contain higher levels of active ingredients like salicylic acids or glycolic acids. Swap out lighter cleansers with thicker ones that are oil-based to help keep your skin properly lubricated. Avoid using astringent toners that can strip the oils from your skin. Another thing you should avoid is over-exfoliating. It might be tempting to exfoliate your skin when you see the cracked or dry patches but exfoliating can further damage your complexion, making your skin not only dry but also inflamed. 
  • Keep your surroundings comfortable – This is the time of the year when the heater is on to help keep your house nice and warm. However, this can easily dry out your skin with the lack of moisture in the air. Invest in a humidifier that can help keep your surroundings comfortable. You might also be tempted to take long hot baths, or steaming showers. These might also be causing your cracked skin because the hot water can strip the sebum off your skin. Sebum is your body’s natural lubricant, produced by your skin. Opting for short, lukewarm showers is much preferrable.
  • Visit your dermatologist – If you’ve done plenty of what’s mentioned previously but continue to have dry or cracked skin, you might want to pay your dermatologist a visit. Sometimes dry and cracked skin can be a symptom of other conditions like eczema. Eczema is an autoimmune skin condition that historically flares up during the wintertime because of the environmental conditions. However, only your dermatologist would be able to correctly diagnose what may be causing your cracked skin, and properly give you a treatment plan.