10 steps to banish winter skin

Nursing can be an emotional time without added health concerns. When breastfeeding a baby with eczema, you may be concerned about what causes flare ups and whether breastfeeding is involved. Here are some things to consider as you navigate breastfeeding and eczema.

Why does winter cause skin issues to flare up?

Basically, it comes down to cooler weather being less humid. The drier air leeches the skin’s moisture and adds that flaky, scaly feeling as an unwanted side-effect. To combat this, we need to up the moisture in our skin.

Help kick dry skin to the curb this winter, with these 10 tips

1. Keep showers warm

Too-hot water can strip away natural oils. The same can be said for spending too long in the shower. While it’s not very “wintry”, the answer is to take a short, warm shower.

2. Use moisturising cleansers

Reach for these milder options over regular soap. Soap can be harsh on already sore skin, making it dry and itchy.

3. Wash gently

Brushes and abrasive sponges can further irritate dry or broken skin. Use a soft washcloth to gently massage your skin, avoiding rubbing or sloughing.

4. Pat dry

Continue this gentle treatment once out of the shower, patting your skin with a dry towel, to avoid irritating it.

5. Apply moisturiser to damp skin

Before your skin is totally dry, apply your moisturiser. That helps lock in moisture so the cream can really do its thing!

6. Choose fragrance free

Perfumed deodorants, sprays and soaps can further strip away those precious natural oils. Choosing fragrance free options helps your skin maintain them.

7. Avoid wearing wool

Many people report feeling itchy when wearing wool. If you can, don’t wear it at all. However, if you must, wear a soft cotton base layer under the wool. This provides a barrier between your skin and the fabric, and can help reduce itching.

8. Treat itching

Don’t scratch itchy skin – it doesn’t help and can make things worse in the long term. Instead, apply moisturiser or apply a cold pack to help control the sensation.

9. Moisturise before going to bed

Applying a good layer of moisturiser before bed to limbs, hands, feet, elbows (and anywhere else needed!) gives your skin time to absorb it. Nighttime is also a good time to apply thicker creams and ointments that may feel “greasy” during the day.

10. Try a humidifier

These machines add moisture to the air, creating a more humid environment. This may help aid winter skin as a result.

Source:

% https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-dry-skin-in-winter