How to care for dry skin after Tet

The cold weather of late winter and early spring is the time when skin easily becomes dry and itchy, from flaky scalp to cracked heels. The main cause is dry air, combined with indoor heating systems, which reduce the moisture of the skin.

Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist and pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic (Minnesota, USA), explains that if the humidity in the air is lower than the humidity of the skin, water will escape, making the skin more susceptible to dehydration.

Long, hot showers can also aggravate the condition, as hot water strips away natural oils from the skin and disrupts the skin barrier, the outer layer that helps retain moisture. When this barrier is compromised, water evaporates more quickly, leaving the skin even drier.

To protect your skin in the cold season, you can apply the following care measures.

Body

Body skin can tolerate a wider range of moisturizers than facial skin. Common options include traditional creams, body oils, or products containing lactic or glycolic acid to help exfoliate. For very dry skin, products containing lanolin or petrolatum may be more effective.

After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes of bathing while skin is still damp to best seal in moisture. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends limiting bath time to less than 10 minutes and using warm water instead of hot water to protect the skin.

Using a humidifier in your home and maintaining a comfortable temperature can also help reduce dry skin caused by the environment. However, you should clean the humidifier regularly to avoid bacteria buildup.

Hands and feet

Hands and feet are the areas most prone to dryness due to frequent exposure to water and cold weather. To keep them hydrated, apply moisturizer immediately after washing your hands. The skin in these areas is thicker, so thicker creams or ointments will be more effective.

For elbows and heels, products containing lactic acid can help soften rough skin. If hands and feet need deep hydration, apply moisturizer before bed and wear cotton gloves or socks to enhance absorption.

Face

Moisturizers are an important factor in maintaining moisture on the face. When choosing a product, it is important to distinguish between lotions, creams and ointments.

Lotions have a high water content so they absorb quickly but also evaporate quickly; ointments contain more oil so they are difficult to penetrate the skin; creams are a balanced choice, providing effective hydration and keeping water longer.

During the colder months, your face-washing routine may need some tweaking. People who wash their face two or three times a day may need to wash just once to avoid stripping away natural moisture, says Jason Miller, MD, medical director of Schweiger Dermatology Group. If you need to cut back on washing, prioritize washing at night to remove dirt and makeup, while a gentle cleanse may be enough in the morning.

Additionally, cleansers containing salicylic acid can be drying, so opt for a gentler option. Micellar water is also an effective alternative that won't be too drying.

The eyelid area also needs special attention. If the skin in this area becomes dry and itchy, it may be a sign of irritation or an allergic reaction to a skin care product.

Dry and chapped lips should be treated by gently exfoliating with a damp washcloth, followed by an application of a lip balm containing petroleum jelly to lock in moisture. Applying lip balm at night and using a lip balm during the day will help maintain softness. In particular, avoid licking your lips when they are dry, as saliva contains salts and acids that can strip the lips of their natural moisture.