Over half of the Irish public fail to adjust their skincare routine for cold weather, according to new findings.
In a survey conducted by McCabes Pharmacy, 54.1% of respondents said they don’t alter their skincare ritual during winter, and a further 6.2% said they didn’t know it would make a difference.
While one in five respondents said they change their skincare regimen during the winter months, a similar proportion confessed to not having a skincare regime at all.
Further findings revealed that a third of the Irish public suffers from skin problems during winter including cracked lips, skin irritation and painful, dry skin.
However, protect skin from harsh weather conditions by using skincare products designed to keep it smooth and hydrated.
Lisa Byrne, superintendent pharmacist at McCabes Pharmacy, said: “When your skin is dehydrated, it might seem logical to lather it with lots of hot, soapy water but this can actually worsen the dryness. It is recommended to avoid long hot baths, keep showers short and only use warm water.”
If dryness isn’t acknowledged, skin can crack and cause bacteria to seep through. This can provoke cellulitis—a bacterial skin infection that can cause pain, redness and swelling.
Selene Daly, dermatology clinical nurse specialist, at Sligo University Hospital, said: “Using a soap-free wash along with a moisturiser is a way of combatting winter dry skin. Increasing the frequency of the moisturising along with changing to a greasier cream can also help.”
Cream cleansers are gentler and helps hydrate the skin, while oil-based moisturisers form a protective layer and preserve extra moisture. Serums, night masks and night oil can also help to retain moisture.
However, in order to prevent further dryness and irritation it’s advisable to avoid alcohol-based products, harsh peels and masks, as well as over-exfoliating and using harsh soaps.
Selene added: “Using physical exfoliators for dry skin is not recommended. These are made from peach kernel, which is abrasive to skin and can trigger an allergic response or a flare of eczema.”
People who suffer from atopic eczema usually have extremely dry skin because it is incapable of retaining enough moisture. Cold and dry weather can commonly trigger the symptoms of this condition, which include dryness, cracking and itchiness.
Although some products need to be adjusted through different seasons, SPF should be used year-round to protect the skin from the constant presence of UVA light in winter sun and the glare from snow.
