Tips to prevent skin irritation in winter

Lazy winter days filled with cozy blankets, crusty toasts by the fireside with endless hot beverages are just perfect until you realize your skin is a mess with no sound explanation. The low humidity and freezing temperature in winter can give you a winter itch. The moisture content in your skin drops as the temperature drops, which can cause skin irritation.  Many people experience this problem during the winter season. 

Causes

Our skin’s outer layer contains natural oils, which keep your skin smooth, soft, and moisturized. Low temperature can strip your skin of essential moisture, which can be intensified with blower and heating equipment used in the home. Some of the other causes include a viral infection or sensitivity to fragrance-based products. These extreme conditions can strip your body of natural oil, causing dry skin and irritation. Symptoms may include sensitivity, flaking, itching, and redness. When the weather is extreme, you will have to put some extra effort to keep your skin at its best. Here are some tips you can follow for your skin and make the most out of this season. 

Avoid hot water bath-

Frequent hot baths or showers can strip your skin of natural oils and cause skin irritation. Instead, use lukewarm water to keep your skin hydrated and bathe for not more than 10 minutes. 

Be wise with products-

Avoid using fragranced soaps for a bath as they can lead to winter itch skin. Instead, go for soaps that contain moisturizing ingredients such as jojoba oil, olive oil, vitamin E, and glycerin. Shampoos, conditioners, detergents with a lot of fragrance can aggravate your skin conditions. So, buy only fragrance-free products.

 Go with natural products like the Pilgrim White Lotus Natural Face Mist & Toner. Its alcohol-free formula puts all the moisture back in your skin cell. The White Lotus purifies the pores and hydrates your skin while the Witch Hazel replenishes the moisture, soothes skin irritations, shrinks pores, and prevents blemishes.

Lastly, Camellia flowers nourish the skin and moisturize it. It is a must product for achieving a firmer and brighter skin.

Moisturize your skin–

After you come out of the shower, pat dry and moisturize your skin with winter care moisturizing cream while your skin is still damp. Use heavy creams or an oil-based moisturizer to help seal water in the skin and preserve moisture. You can also choose a cream with Aloe Vera gel or vitamin E extracts. Apply a generous amount of the moisturizer and reapply it whenever you wash your hands. It is a crucial step for winter skin protection. Apart from the moisturizer, don’t forget to treat your skin with a night serum. We recommend Pilgrim Vitamin C Night Serum that is the best non-greasy and easily-absorbed formula for fighting against signs of environmental damage and premature aging. Often referred to as ‘Liquid Gold’, it will repair your skin while you are asleep.

Apply sunscreen-

The prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause skin irritation, as in winter snow can reflect up to 75% of UV light. So, make sure that you apply sunscreen before going out. Reapply it after every two hours. 

Shaving techniques-

Use lukewarm water for shaving, it will make your hair soft. Use only organic-based shaving gel that contains soothing ingredients such as moisturizing oils and aloe vera. Wash with cold water to seal off the pores and pat dry with a clean towel. Remember to apply moisturizer to replace the lost moisture and soothe the skin. 

Oil massage:

Oiling your body throughout the winter season is one of the best ways to prevent skin irritation. In winter, skin irritation is caused by a lack of moisture and cracked skin. Oil heals the cracked skin and supplies moisture to it. If you have oily skin, it would be better to use baby oil. However, for dry skin, you can use olive oil, castor oil, or just mustard skin.

Humidifier-

Use a humidifier to help retain the lost moisture in the air due to the continuous use of the blower. Place it in the areas where you spend most of the time to get the best results. 

Protect your hands-

Give a little special attention to your hands, they are more prone to developing dryness as they are more exposed to harsh weather. Cover your hands with gloves before going out and always carry a hand cream. Apply a hand cream whenever you wash your hands and make sure it includes sunblock ingredients for winter skin protection against sun exposure. 

Diet-

Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids to neutralize your skin and prevent dehydration in your skin cells. Also, eat lots of fresh fruits and green veggies to keep your skin hydrated. Add sweet potato, walnuts, and oranges to your diet to relieve dry, itchy skin. Drink 7 to 8 glasses of water every day to keep your skin hydrated, which helps fight skin irritation and rashes.

Comfortable clothing-

Wear loose-fitting clothes made from soft, smooth, and natural fabrics. It will help prevent extra heat from being confined against the skin and reduce skin irritation.