What causes your seasonal skin flare-ups — and how to beat it
Moisturise!
The sudden temperature change when going from the cold outside to a warm building can leave your skin feeling itchy and sore. Protect your skin barrier by applying moisturiser regularly throughout the day and invest in a humidifier to reduce the drying effect the heating has on your skin.
Dial down the water temperature
Hot water can strip the natural oils and moisture from your skin, making it flare up and become irritated. Avoid running a bath or shower at very hot temperatures and pat yourself dry rather than rubbing a towel on irritated skin.
Ditch diuretic drinks
Having a hot drink won’t directly cause winter rash on the skin, but can be dehydrating. Caffeine acts as a diuretic which flushes water out of the body. Make sure to drink plenty of water.
Beware winter woollies
Fabrics such as wool and synthetics can irritate the skin because they aren’t breathable. Wool also contains a natural oil called lanolin, which some people are allergic to, leading to allergic contact dermatitis. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and scratchy fabrics. Wearing a layer of loose cotton or silk underneath any irritable clothing can help.
Embrace fresh air
Spending more time inside can cause increased exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mould. This can be a trigger for eczema flare ups. Try to avoid these triggers as much as possible by buying a dust-proof mattress and pillow covers, keeping windows open to allow fresh air through and keeping away from any animals.
• Tips from the skin experts at Cosi Care