Winter is the season for staying indoors, cozying up in a blanket, and sipping hot cocoa. However, it’s also the season for cold winds and dry skin. Regardless of how you feel about freezing temperatures, there’s no avoiding the fact that winter and low humidity can cause our skin to dry out. Indoor heating further contributes to dryness and depletes our skin of moisture and natural oils.
Should you moisturize more in winter?
Absolutely. Our skin is our first layer of defense against viruses and bacteria. It also shields us from the sun’s UV rays.
Failure to keep our skin hydrated can lead to itching, scaling, redness, peeling, cracking, and can make our skin feel rougher. Aside from these unpleasant and sometimes painful symptoms, excessive dryness can lead to infections and skin conditions like eczema.
What Aggravates Dry Skin?
If you have naturally dry skin, you may struggle with it more during winter but there are other things that can aggravate it such as:
- Low humidity caused by fireplaces and central heating
- Soaps, dishwashing liquid, and detergents that have harsh ingredients
- Taking hot showers and baths
- Swimming in chlorinated pools
- Existing skin conditions
Since skin tends to become drier as we age, we need to take more active measures against dryness as the years pass. People who work outdoors and live in cold climates should also be more mindful of keeping their skin hydrated.
Importance of Moisturizers
Using the right moisturizer is one of the best ways to keep our skin healthy and hydrated. Since they’re applied topically, they provide us with quick relief and fast-acting results.
How do moisturizers work? They do two things: keep moisture in while providing skin with additional hydration. They essentially add water and plump up the outermost layers of our epidermis.
When we’re struggling with dry skin, it’s generally better to opt for thicker moisturizers like body balms, butters, and yogurts instead of lotions and ointments. Such formulations offer quicker absorption and longer-lasting moisture.
What Moisturizing Ingredients to Look For
If you struggle with dry skin, look for moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, and petrolatum. Another thing you can do is look for products that contain natural ingredients and aren’t heavily scented. Natural ingredients without heavy fragrances can be gentler on the skin and can deliver moisture that lasts longer.
The following natural ingredients are known for their moisturizing properties:
- Shea butter
- Aloe vera
- Sunflower seed oil
- Petroleum jelly or mineral oil
- Coconut oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
Look for products that carry them to know which ones can deliver better hydration to your skin.
Why Qrema?
All Qrema products are natural, organic, and made to order. You can customize your purchase with the scent of your choice and they will whip up a fresh batch for you.
Qrema carries a wide range of body balms that are formulated with rich, shea butter and other moisturizing ingredients. They come in delicately scented or completely fragrance-free formulations. The company ensures that all of its products are mild and contain non-irritating ingredients so you can give your skin maximum moisture even in the driest of winters.