Tips for Dry Winter skin: Who does not know it? Winter ensures dry spots on the legs, which are challenging to conquer. Miss Dr. med. Daniela Kleeman explains why this happens and how to take care of stressed skin soft as a baby.
Summer is barely over when the color of our legs changes from golden brown to chalky white. We will have to put up with this if we should not soon be fleeing to tropical regions. However, with fair skin, there is usually also a loss of moisture, which is noticeable through white, unpleasant flakes. But why do so many people suffer from dry winter skin?
In order to properly solve this mystery, we have Dr. med. Kleeman, a dermatologist with a focus on dermatosurgery and aesthetic medicine, was interviewed. The doctor, with her own practice in Zurich, sheds light on the dark and gives helpful tips for the proper care of stressed winter skin.
Table of Contents
Style: Where Does the Dry Skin Come From? And Why are Legs Especially Affected?
Dr. med. Kleeman: As soon as it gets colder, the air becomes drier, and the rooms are also heated. This leads to the skin drying out faster. In cold temperatures, the skin also produces less sebum and is, therefore, more susceptible. Arms and legs have less sebum glands than other parts of the body, such as the face. As a result, they dry out particularly quickly.
How Often Should the Body and Especially the Legs be Applied?
Basically, you should always apply cream if the skin is dry and itchy. In old age, more and more skincare is required, as sebum production decreases over time.
Can you Take care of Yourself?
No, not true. Too greasy creams can, however, produce an occlusive effect, whereby the cream layer covers the skin so densely that neither air nor water can penetrate. This can lead to pimples.
What Should We Pay Attention to When Picking Our Body Lotion?
Creams and lotions should preferably contain urea and ceramides – these binds the moisture in the skin. As a rule, the ureas are labeled on the packaging under the name Urea.
Body lotions or oils? What is More Effective?
Actually, it doesn’t really matter when choosing. Lotions and oils can also be used together to combat dry skin. Oil baths are particularly recommended! These leave a protective lipid film on the skin. If the legs still feel dry after the bath, additional creams may be applied.
What Symptoms are Worrying? When Should you See a Doctor with Dry Skin?
At the latest, when the skin is so dry that it tears open and eczema develops, a doctor should be consulted. These are mostly dehydration eczema that conventional lotions and oils cannot fight. Often only creams containing cortisone can help.