As the autumn breeze rises and the leaves turn yellow, we not only usher in a golden autumn, but also enter a season that is extremely challenging for the skin. Have you noticed that at the turn of autumn and winter, your skin begins to become dry, and even peeling, itching and discomfort appear? This is not only a common phenomenon, but also a common problem for middle-aged and elderly friends.
Imagine waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror to find that the sides of your cheeks are slightly dry and the fine lines on your smile seem more noticeable than ever. Or when you are partying with friends, you can't help but scratch your itchy arms. These subtle changes can be a little embarrassing and even affect your comfort and mood in your daily life.
Uncover the truth about dry skin – it's not just the weather that's responsible!
In autumn and winter, our skin often suffers from a "dryness crisis". Many people blame it on cold, dry weather, but in fact, there is much more to dry skin than that. In this section, we'll take a deep dive into the multiple factors that contribute to dry skin and provide strategies to address them.
1. Drop in air humidity
First of all, air humidity is indeed an important factor in skin moisture. In autumn and winter, humidity drops, and moisture on the skin's surface evaporates more easily. Not only does this dry out the skin, but it can also lead to impaired skin barrier function, further exacerbating dryness.
2. The effect of age
As we age, the skin's natural ability to retain moisture gradually declines. This is due to a decrease in the skin's natural moisturizing factors and a decrease in the ability of the sebaceous glands to secrete. Therefore, middle-aged and elderly people are particularly prone to dry skin in autumn and winter.
3. Xi and environmental factors
Prolonged exposure to too much heat or cold, frequent use of hot baths, or the use of over-degreasing cleansing products can all cause additional stress on the skin. In addition, the use of indoor heating can also lead to dry indoor air, further weakening the skin's ability to retain moisture.
4. Inadequate diet and water intake
A lack of essential fatty acids and vitamins in the diet, as well as an inadequate daily intake of water, can cause the skin to lose its natural radiance and elasticity, speeding up the drying process.
5. Underlying health problems
Certain health conditions, such as thyroid insufficiency or abnormal glucose metabolism, can also affect the health of the skin, leading to problems such as dryness.
Preventing dry skin in autumn and winter: a practical guide
In autumn and winter, dry skin is a common problem, especially for middle-aged and elderly people, who need special attention and care. This section will provide practical precautions to help you effectively cope with seasonal dry skin.
1. The importance of indoor humidity
In autumn and winter, indoor temperatures tend to rise due to heating, which causes the air humidity to drop, which in turn dries out the skin. The use of a humidifier can effectively regulate the indoor humidity and provide the necessary moist environment for the skin. Keeping indoor humidity between 40%-60% is ideal, which helps to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
2. Choose the right skin cleansing products
In autumn and winter, skin care begins with cleansing. It's crucial to choose a gentle, soap-free cleanser, as overly strong cleansers can strip the skin's surface of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Washing your face with lukewarm water instead of hot water can reduce the loss of moisture from your skin.
3. Hydration is key
In autumn and winter, the skin needs extra hydration. Choose a moisturizer that is right for your skin type, especially those that contain natural moisturizing factors such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to help lock in moisture and reduce dryness. Remember to apply moisturizer immediately after washing your face, as this is when your skin is most likely to absorb moisturizing ingredients.
4. Sunburn protection
While the sun isn't as intense in winter as it is in summer, prolonged exposure to sunlight can still cause skin dryness and damage. Using a day cream that contains SPF can provide the necessary protection against further dryness and damage to the skin caused by UV rays.
5. Diet and water intake
Maintaining adequate hydration is equally important for maintaining healthy skin. In addition to direct drinking water, you can also hydrate through food, such as eating fruits and vegetables with high water content. At the same time, a balanced diet, foods rich in fatty acids and vitamins, such as fish and nuts, also have a positive effect on maintaining healthy skin.