Chartered Chemist and skin health expert Bruce Green looks at 6 common cold weather skin issues and how to manage them
The UK is experiencing another cold snap, which for the 60% of people in the UK suffering from a skin disease (1 in 10 from eczema alone) can be problematic.
Cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that zaps moisture from the skin leaving it susceptible to a whole host of winter skin conditions including winter itch, windburn, sunburn, acne, chafing and eczema.
Chartered Chemist, Chartered Scientist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and skincare formulator Bruce Green explains some of the most common skin conditions to challenge our skin health as the cold weather strikes.
Winter Itch
The main way that cold weather affects our skin is by drying it out. Most of us will have dryer skin during the winter due to the combination of dry, cold air outside and central heating inside. In the most extreme cases this can cause a skin condition known as winter itch (pruritis hiemalis) that is a bit like dermatitis. Winter itch mostly occurs on the legs and is usually caused by both cold, dry air and friction caused by winter clothing such as tights and can be aggravated by certain types of material such as wool. The most common place on the body for winter itch to occur is on the legs and although rarely visible (aside from maybe appearing dry), causes the skin to itch. The itching sensation can often occur suddenly and is most commonly experienced when clothes are removed, or at night. Reduce and soothe the symptoms of winter itch by wearing lighter fabrics indoors that won’t irritate skin. Apply a light, fragrance-free moisturiser such as SOS SERUM (£16, 50ml, www.sosserum.co.uk) to hydrate the affected area of the skin and calm and soothe inflammation.”
UV damage (Sun Burn)
“Yes, it happens. Many people (wrongly) assume that you can’t possibly get sunburn when it’s cold or during the winter months. This is simply untrue. While the UV index is lower in the winter months, the sun’s UV rays are still powerful enough to give you visible sun damage. Altitude and weather conditions increase the possibility of you getting sun burn in the winter – snow alone can increase the winter sun’s intensity by up to 80% so it’s important not to ditch the sunscreen. Invest in a good quality, broad-spectrum sun protection product such as the SOS SPF50 (£15, 30ml from www.sosserum.co.uk). Coral-reef safe, fragrance-free, and containing mineral-based filters, this broad-spectrum, 5*(Boots star rating system) sun cream contains mineral-based filters and uses and ultra-sheer form of Zinc Oxide for protection from UVA/UVB and blue light. It also contains antioxidant vitamin E – a natural anti-inflammatory to soothe and calm the skin and help fight the effects of damaging free radicals.”
Windburn
“Cold wind can cause windburn, a skin irritation that causes dry, red, burning skin. Although differing from sunburn in that it damages the outer layer of the skin and doesn’t cause long-term damage, wind burn can be prevented in the same way as preventing sunburn – by applying sunscreen such as the SOS SPF50 (£15, 50ml, www.sosserum.co.uk) to exposed skin. In addition, wear clothing that covers exposed skin when you’ll be outside. Scarves, coats and hats can help reduce the skin’s exposure and keep your skin protected and healthy. Wind burnt skin can be soothed by applying a moisturiser such as the SOS SERUM (£15, 50ml, www.sosserum.co.uk) to the affected area.”
Chafing
“Although many people associate chafing with the hot summer months, colder weather tends to dry out skin, leaving it more susceptible to rubbing and chafing. Winter attire such as tights can exacerbate the problem. Formulated to cool, heal and repair problem skin, the soothing SOS SERUM (£15, 30ml, www.sosserum.com) makes an ideal cure for skin chafing. It contains anti-inflammatory Wasabi and calming Burdock Leaf Extracts, alongside the refined extract of cooling Peppermint and Lauromacrogols which act as an anaesthetic to soothe the skin.”
Eczema
“Many people find that their eczema flares-up more frequently during cold weather. A combination of cold dry air, indoor central heating systems, wearing lots of thick layers of clothes, taking hot baths and wearing too many bed coverings at night can all contribute to the skin becoming drier and eczema flaring. The skin is unable to stay moist on its own and using a gentle moisturiser but effective moisturiser such as the SOS SERUM (£15, 50ml, www.sosserum.com) can help to provide rapid relief from the discomfort of eczema flare-ups. The soothing effect of Wasabi & Burdock Leaf Extracts combined with the cooling sensation from the refined extract of Peppermint, deliver comfort, moisturisation and protection. In addition, keep well hydrated and add moisture to the air by placing large bowls of water around the home. The water evaporates and adds moisture, helping the skin to stay naturally hydrated.”
Winter acne
“Although acne is often associated with perspiration in warmer weather, it can also be problematic as the skin responds to cold, dry air by producing more sebum (the oily substance that is a key component of acne). Keep winter acne at bay by cleansing skin twice a day with warm using a mild, alcohol-free cleanser such as SOS CLEANSE (£15, 50ml, www.sosserum.co.uk). Ensure water isn’t too hot as this could dry out skin and exacerbate the problem. It’s also important to keep skin hydrated as when dehydrated, your skin sends signals to your glands to produce more oil. Drink plenty of water and avoid petrochemicals, fragrances and synthetics. It’s also a good idea to wear a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen. The SOS SERUM and SOS SPF50 (both £15, 50ml, www.sosserum.co.uk) will moisturize, soothe and protect the skin simultaneously, helping to keep it healthy and acne-free.”
