After the intense heat of summer, winter brings a refreshing change that’s a welcome relief.

While hot showers feel soothing and relaxing, they’re not the best for your skin.

The combination of cold winds, low humidity, and the warmth of hot showers can removes the skin of it's natural moisture, leaving it dry, dull, and flaky.

<h3>The Winter Weather's Impact on Skin</h3>

Winter’s cold, dry winds lack moisture, and this dry air strips the skin of it's natural hydration. With humidity levels already low and further reduced by indoor heating systems, winter can be harsh on your skin, leading to dryness, dullness, and flakiness. For those with preexisting skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, or xerosis, the season can exacerbate these issues.

<h3>How Hot Showers Affect Skin Health</h3>

The outermost layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum, is rich in lipids and ceramides that help retain moisture and keep your skin soft. However, hot showers can disrupt this balance. The hot water removes the skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky.

<b>Damage to the Skin's Protective Barrier</b>: Hot showers increase trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and damage the skin’s lipid layer. This weakens the skin’s barrier against environmental stressors, resulting in dryness, dehydration, and flakiness.

<b>Skin Sensitization</b>: The heat from hot showers causes blood vessels to dilate (vasodilation), which can aggravate skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. People with sensitive skin should avoid hot baths whenever possible.

<b>Loss of Natural Moisturizing Factors (NMFs)</b>: The skin’s barrier also contains urea and amino acids, known as NMFs, which help retain moisture. Hot water washes these away, leaving the skin more prone to dehydration.

<h3>A Gentle Winter Skincare Routine</h3>

To protect your skin from the harsh winter elements, follow these tips:

<b>Shield Your Skin Outdoors</b>: Cover exposed areas with scarves, gloves, and hats, and never leave the house without applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

<b>Combat Dry Indoor Air</b>: Use a humidifier with a HEPA filter to add moisture to the dry indoor air caused by heating systems.

<b>Exfoliate Gently</b>: If you regularly exfoliate, opt for gentle chemical exfoliators like AHAs or BHAs, which help maintain moisture levels without irritating the skin.

<b>Limit Shower Time</b>: Keep your showers under 10 minutes, using lukewarm water instead of hot to help retain your skin's moisture.

<b>Hydrate Immediately</b>: After showering, apply a thick, hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture.

While hot showers may feel soothing during the winter, they can take a toll on your skin, triggering dryness and irritation. With extra care and a nourishing skincare routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, supple, and protected all season long!