What’s wrong with your rough skin in winter? Dryness, acne … What are the causes, preventive measures, and remedies?

Since winter is the season when the skin tends to dry, the risk of various troubles such as dry skin and acne increases. It may not be possible to maintain healthy skin with regular care alone, so check the remedies and preventive measures in advance. Here, we will introduce in detail the characteristics and symptoms of winter rough skin, coping methods, and preventive measures.

In order to prevent rough skin in winter, it is important to take appropriate measures based on the condition of the skin in winter. First, let’s take a closer look at how winter skin looks like.

Barrier function is reduced

In winter, the barrier function that protects the skin from external stimuli is reduced. Therefore, substances such as dust and pollen, which are not a problem in other seasons, can easily cause skin problems. In addition, when the barrier function of the skin is reduced, the moisture in the skin tends to evaporate, so if left untreated, the dryness may worsen.

The balance between the amount of water and the amount of sebum is out of order

The barrier function of the skin is maintained by the outermost stratum corneum and sebum. In winter, when the air is dry, the skin tends to lose water, and the balance between water and sebum tends to be lost. Eventually, the amount of sebum will decrease and the skin will become dry.

Rough, painful, reddish, etc.

When the dryness becomes severe, not only the skin becomes dry, but also inflammation occurs due to external stimuli, and symptoms such as pain and redness appear.

In winter, the following rough skin is likely to occur.

Fine wrinkles due to drying

When the water in the stratum corneum is maintained, the skin becomes firm. However, when the water in the stratum corneum is lost due to the drying of the air, fine wrinkles are formed on the surface of the skin. Fine wrinkles are the cause of old-looking skin, so you may want to take sufficient measures.

Dry dermatitis

Dry dermatitis is a condition in which the barrier function deteriorates as the skin becomes dry and inflammation occurs due to external stimuli. Symptoms such as pain, redness, strong itching, and blisters appear.

If you can’t stand itching and scratch it, the inflammation will get stronger. You need to get proper treatment at a medical institution as soon as possible.

Acne

When the skin dries, the turnover cycle, in which the cells of the stratum corneum are replaced by new stratum corneum cells, is disturbed. As a result, old stratum corneum cells pile up and narrow the pores. This can cause sebum and old stratum corneum cells to clog the pores and cause acne.

In addition, when the skin becomes dry, the physiological reaction works excessively, and the secretion of sebum increases, which may make acne more likely to occur.

Dullness

When the skin becomes dry, the texture of the skin surface is disturbed, creating shadows due to unevenness and making the skin look dark. In addition, the reduced barrier function of the skin makes it vulnerable to external stimuli, and the melanin pigment secreted to protect the skin deposits on the skin, making it dull.

Let’s take a closer look at the causes of winter rough skin and how to prevent it.

Dryness (low humidity, air conditioner wind, UV rays received in summer, etc.)

Due to the low humidity in winter, the skin is deprived of moisture and becomes dry. Another cause is that the air in the room is dried by the air conditioner. In addition, the damage caused by UV rays in the summer may appear on the skin and dry out.

It is necessary to take measures to prevent the skin from drying out, such as diligent skin care, refraining from using the air conditioner, and taking measures against ultraviolet rays in the summer.

Poor blood circulation due to cold

When the body gets cold due to the cold of winter, the blood flow in the whole body deteriorates. Blood has the role of transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, so poor circulation can lead to a lack of nutrients needed for skin turnover, making it impossible to maintain a healthy stratum corneum.

As a result, the water retention capacity of the stratum corneum decreases and the skin tends to become dry. To prevent poor blood circulation in winter, it is necessary to devise ways to keep the body cool. Wear scarves, thick outerwear, gloves, warm clothing, and drink hot drinks.

Disorders in lifestyle (sleep, diet, exercise, etc.)

Decreased growth hormone due to lack of sleep, malnutrition, and poor circulation due to lack of exercise can disrupt the skin turnover cycle. Try to get a good night’s sleep, a nutritionally balanced diet, and moderate exercise.

I’m rubbing my body and face too much when washing

If you rub your skin too much when washing your face or body, you will lose water and sebum. Lather the cleanser and body soap thoroughly and wash as if rolling the foam on your skin.

summary

In winter, not only the air is dry, but also the skin is dry due to various causes such as wrong face washing and disordered lifestyle. If your skin is dry enough to cause inflammation, it is important to see a medical institution as soon as possible. Eliminate the cause of dryness and continue daily moisturizing care to protect your skin.