Can cold weather make your skin itch?
Like most of us, you’ve probably experienced dry itching skin through the winter months. What you may not know is that this condition has a name, pruritus hiemalis, and is also known as winter itch.
Cold weather can cause dry itching skin by stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and itchiness. Cold air tends to have lower humidity levels, meaning less moisture in the air to help keep the skin hydrated. Also, when you're exposed to cold temperatures, the blood vessels in your skin constrict to help conserve heat, which in turn, reduces blood flow to your skin and limits the delivery of nutrients and hydration to skin cells.
The combination of these factors can lead to a compromised skin barrier, which can make dry skin worse, allowing irritants, allergens, and bacteria to penetrate the skin more easily, leading to further dryness, redness, and irritation.
To combat the effects of cold weather, it's important to keep your skin hydrated by using a moisturiser that's designed for dry skin types. You may also want to consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home or office. Wearing protective clothing, such as gloves and a scarf, can help to shield your skin from the cold and wind.
Why does my skin itch when I’m cold?
Here are some common itching skin causes:
Dry air
During the winter, the air tends to be drier, which can lead to dry skin and itching.
Hot showers
We want to warm up in winter and hot showers can feel great on a cold day, but they can also strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and itching.
Irritants
Because cold weather can cause dry skin, harsh detergents and chemicals that may not normally bother you can cause itching and irritation because your skin’s normal defences have been compromised.
Skin itch relief
Here are some remedies for itching skin:
Moisturise regularly
One of the best ways to combat itching skin in winter is to moisturise regularly. Use a thick, emollient moisturiser that's designed for dry skin types, and apply it immediately after showering or bathing to lock in moisture.
Take shorter, lukewarm showers
Avoid taking hot showers, as they can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, take shorter, lukewarm showers, and pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it.
Use cleansers formulated for dry skin
Harsh soaps and cleansers can strip your skin of its natural protective barrier, particularly in winter when your skin is already dry and compromised. At Sanex, we create products specifically suited to different skin types, such as dry skin, to help keep your skin performing at its healthy best. Here’s a small selection of some of our gentle cleansing products that you may want to consider using:
Sanex Zero% Dry Skin Shower Gel is formulated with natural moisturisers and fewer chemical ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated. It contains 0% sulphates, 0% fragrances, 0% soap and 0% colourants.
Sanex Expert Skin Health Moisturising Shower Gel gives your skin the hydration boost it needs. Its advanced formula targets the bad bacteria on your skin, while nourishing the good. It’s dermatologically tested, contains 0% sulphates and respects your skin’s natural pH balance.
Sanex Expert Skin Health Pro Hydrate Shower Gel deeply hydrates while boosting your skin’s natural defences by targeting bad bacteria and nourishing the good, helping to make it more resistant to external aggressors.
Sanex Expert Skin Health + Skin Relief is fragrance-free, moisturising body wash which helps to soothe and repair dry, itchy and irritated skin. It provides up to 12 hours of hydration and helps protect and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier with a prebiotic and postbiotic complex. Vegan and sulphate-free, it respects the skin’s natural pH, leaving it more resilient and less prone to dryness after each shower.
Avoid irritants
Try to avoid using harsh detergents or other chemicals that can irritate your skin. Look for gentle, fragrance-free products instead.
Use a humidifier
A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air in your home, which can prevent your skin from becoming too dry.
Wear protective clothing
When you're outside in the cold, be sure to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a scarf, to shield your skin from the elements.
If your itchy skin persists or becomes severe, it's worth consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
The benefits of moisturising lotions in winter
Moisturising lotions are beneficial in winter for several reasons:
Preventing dryness
Moisturising lotions help to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness. By moisturising regularly, you can help to maintain a healthy skin barrier and prevent issues such as cracking and flaking.
Soothing itchy skin
Dry skin can often feel itchy and uncomfortable, but moisturising lotions can help to soothe and calm irritated, red and inflamed skin.
Improving skin texture
Regular use of moisturising lotions can help to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. By hydrating your skin, it will feel softer and smoother, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Protecting the skin
Moisturising lotions can also help to protect your skin from external stressors, such as pollution, UV radiation and harsh weather conditions. They can create a barrier on the skin's surface, preventing moisture loss and shielding your skin from damaging environmental factors.
Overall, moisturising lotions are an essential part of any winter skincare routine. Choose a lotion that's suitable for your skin type, and apply it regularly to maintain optimal skin health.
How Sanex can help your itching skin in winter
We offer a range of skincare products, including body washes and moisturising lotions, that are specifically formulated to help prevent dryness and soothe itching skin. These are some of the ways in which Sanex may help to provide skin itch relief.
- Moisturising ingredients: Many of our products contain moisturising ingredients which can help to prevent itching and irritation caused by dry skin.
- pH-balanced formulas: Our products are formulated to be pH balanced, which means they're less likely to strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt its natural pH balance. This can help to prevent dryness and itching, and keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
- Dermatologically tested: Sanex products are dermatologically tested, which means they're safe and effective for use on sensitive skin. If you're prone to itchy skin in winter, using Sanex products can help to soothe and calm your skin, without causing further irritation or discomfort.
- Mild and gentle: Sanex products are designed to be mild and gentle on your skin, even for those with sensitive skin. This can help to reduce the risk of irritation and itching, and make it easier to maintain healthy skin during the winter months.
