The moment the temperature hits below 20, your skin starts feeling dry. Despite everything you do to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, does it get dehydrated, tight, and cracked? We’ve all been through this endless loop of winter weather vs. skin health.
Although colder temperatures and dry air aren’t controllable, there are things we can do to prevent skin dehydration. Today, we will discuss the connection between lifestyle habits and skin dehydration.
What habits can dehydrate my skin?
1. Hot showers and baths
While indulging in a hot, steamy shower or bath is a relaxing experience, extended exposure to hot water can wipe out the skin’s essential natural oil, leading to dryness and flaky skin. Additionally, it can potentially damage your skin barrier health. Opt for lukewarm water. Ideally, around 37-38 degrees Celsius (similar to your body temperature) is recommended. This way, you can effectively clean your body without causing any unnecessary skin damage.
2. Using harsh cleansing products
Cleansers or soaps that contain sulphates, alcohol or parabens can disrupt the skin’s pH balance. Look for pH-balanced products with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and natural oil to nourish and hydrate your skin while cleansing it.
3. Indoor heating
Indoor heating significantly lowers the humidity in the air, which can lead to dry and dehydrated skin. This loss of moisture from the skin’s surface can exacerbate sensitive skin conditions like eczema, making flare-ups more frequent. Additionally, the stark contrast between warm indoor environments and chilly outdoor temperatures puts extra stress on the skin. This can cause blood vessels to become more fragile, often aggravating conditions such as acne and rosacea, leading to redness and irritation.
4. Excessive exfoliation
Exfoliation is key to maintaining smooth, healthy skin, but too much of a good thing can backfire. Excessive exfoliation strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. It can also trigger irritation, redness, and even breakouts. For those with sensitive skin, it's crucial to limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, opting for a gentle method to avoid further damage.
5. Too much caffeine intake
While caffeine doesn’t directly dehydrate your skin, it can reduce its overall hydration levels. As a diuretic, caffeine increases urine production, which can contribute to dehydration in the body, ultimately leading to drier skin. To balance your caffeine intake and maintain skin health, aim for 2-3 cups of coffee or 5-8 cups of tea per day, ensuring you're staying hydrated while still enjoying your favourite caffeinated beverages.
How can we keep our skin hydrated during winter?
In addition to adopting the habits mentioned above, staying properly hydrated is key. Drinking at least 2 litres of water a day is essential because when your body is low on water, it prioritises vital organs over skin health. Be sure to maintain a steady intake of water throughout the day. Finally, using the right hydrator and moisturiser will help protect and nourish your skin, ensuring it stays healthy during the colder months.
For more in-depth tips on achieving healthy skin, download our free Clear Skin Guide.