Dry skin

In the bleak mid-winter

The winter months mean more than grey skies and chilly mornings - when the central heating’s switched on, skin dries out.

What’s the problem?

Most working women alternate between a ‘controlled’ environment which is centrally heated in winter with short periods in an ‘uncontrolled’ outdoor environment. Switching between extremes of temperature has a drying effect on skin.

The winter months really give skin the ’big chill’, as central heating dehydrates the skin and we have to face up to the wind and the cold – both of which will further dry and sensitise the skin.

In this section

Why is it worse in winter?

Skin that is dry and sensitive does not enjoy prolonged time spent in the de-humidified atmosphere of central heating which literally strips skin of its natural moisture. The lower the humidity, the faster water escapes from your skin. Approximately 60% humidity balances with skin, lower than this and water evaporates. In winter the centrally heated atmosphere may be much lower than 60% which is why people suffer dry skin more in the winter.

What’s the solution?

Healthy skin has a high water content of between l0 and 20%, if this is leached out by central heating and falls below 10% it becomes dry and dull looking. Regular, daily moisturising is essential to maintain the skin’s natural humidity. A good moisturiser puts water back into the skin, but what is more important is keeping it there.

Tips for healthy skin this winter

Independent skin expert Sue Steward recommends the following tips to protect your skin from a man-made environment, helping to keep it healthy and hydrated:

Place a bowl of water or damp towel on a radiator, this will put water back into the atmosphere. A towel will need re-damping two or three times a day, but notice how much water has evaporated from the bowl at the end of the day, it’s quite unnerving.
Avoid using central heating when you can - snuggle up at night with a hot water bottle instead!
Apply a moisturiser while your skin is still moist from bathing or showering. This will help provide maximise hydration, by trapping moisture into the surface layers.
Drink plenty of water. The body needs water to keep going and if it doesn’t have enough will take it from your skin’s water reservoir. Six to eight glasses of water a day is the recommended amount.
Help skin hold onto moisture by using a mild cleanser in the shower or bath.
If you do have control over the temperature of the central heating, keep it on the low side, and definitely turn it off at night. Cool air is not as drying. Pile on a sweater or a hot water bottle if you’re feeling cold.
If your skin is dry or sensitive, choose a gentle, body moisturiser that is unperfumed, soap and colour free.

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