When winter comes, do you often feel itchy and even unbearable? Mr. Zhang, a retired teacher, his skin becomes unusually dry and itchy every winter. He told me that sometimes it itched so much that he could barely sleep, and tickling seemed like the only solution, but it made it worse.
This is not uncommon. Many people think it's just a "little annoyance" in winter, but in reality, persistent itchy skin can be a sign that our skin health is under threat. The effects of low temperatures and dry environments in winter on the skin cannot be ignored.
Winter skin mystery: why is "itchy skin" unbearable?
In winter, our skin is often faced with an uncomfortable challenge: a constant itching sensation. This is not just a small problem, but a skin reaction that is closely related to our living environment and Xi. So, what causes itchy skin in winter?
1. The humidity drops, and the skin is in a hurry
First of all, the humidity of the air in winter is usually low, especially if heating is used indoors. The moisture of the skin evaporates easily, resulting in dry skin. Dry skin loses its normal protective layer and is more susceptible to external irritants, which triggers itching.
2. Cold climate, invisible enemy of the skin
The cold climate causes the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, slowing down blood circulation in the skin. In this condition, the surface of the skin receives less nutrients and oxygen, resulting in a decrease in skin metabolism and a slowdown in skin cell turnover, which can lead to dry and itchy skin.
3. The double impact of indoor heating and hot water bathing
During the winter months, people tend to use heating and hot water to bathe against the cold, but these practices are actually harmful to the skin. Heating further reduces the humidity of the indoor air, while hot bathing destroys the natural oils on the skin's surface and damages the skin's protective layer, which can exacerbate skin dryness and itching.
4. Clothing friction, invisible irritation
Heavy clothing worn in winter often rubs against the skin, especially synthetic fabrics. This friction can irritate already sensitive and dry skin, exacerbating the itching sensation.
5. Dry skin, nature's signal
Itching is actually telling us that the skin needs extra attention and care. When the skin is dry, it releases chemicals such as histamine, which irritate nerve endings and trigger itching.
Itching exacerbates skin problems: why you should avoid this instinctive reaction
When the cold climate of winter brings dry and itchy skin, many people's first instinct is to scratch it with their hands. However, this seemingly natural behavior can actually cause more serious damage to skin health.
Tickling leads to a disruption of the skin barrier
As the first line of defense of the human body, the skin has the function of protecting internal tissues from external factors. When we scratch with our hands, especially too hard, this can cause microscopic cracks and breakdowns on the skin's surface, disrupting the skin's natural barrier function. Not only does this disruption make the skin more susceptible to moisture loss, leading to further dryness and itching, but it can also make the skin more susceptible to bacteria and other external contaminants.
Inflammatory response and itching vicious cycle
Tickling isn't just physical damage to the skin. It also triggers a range of biochemical reactions, including inflammation. When the skin is irritated, the body releases inflammatory mediators such as histamine and prostaglandins, which can exacerbate the itchy sensation of the skin. Therefore, tickling actually exacerbates the sensation of itching, creating a vicious circle: itching on the skin leads to tickling, and tickling makes itching worse.
Alternative solutions
In order to effectively break this vicious cycle, the key is to find alternative ways to tickle. First of all, using the right moisturizer can help maintain the skin's moisture and reduce dryness and itching. Secondly, a proper cold compress can relieve the itching sensation in a short period of time while avoiding physical damage to the skin. In addition, some mild anti-itch creams can also be used under the guidance of a doctor to control itching and reduce inflammation.
Effective Relief Strategy: No more troubles about itchy skin in winter!
1. Hydration is key: Choose the right products and your skin won't dry out anymore
Moisturizing product options: A moisturizer or lotion with no added fragrances and colors and low irritation is recommended. These products effectively lock in moisture and reduce itching caused by dryness.
How to apply: After bathing, when the skin is still slightly damp, use a moisturizing product to improve the moisturizing effect.
Reapply frequently: Especially in winter, depending on how dry your skin is, you may need to apply moisturizer multiple times a day.
2. Gentle bath: Reduces irritation and soothes the skin
Choose bath products: It is recommended to use gentle, soap-free cleansing products, which are less likely to damage the skin's natural oils.
Control water temperature and bath time: Avoid using overheated water and bathing for long periods of time to reduce skin irritation.
Wipe gently: After bathing, gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it roughly.
3. Adjust indoor humidity: suitable environment to reduce itching
Use a humidifier: Placing a humidifier in your home or office during the dry winter months can be an effective way to increase air humidity.
Natural method: In addition to humidifiers, you can naturally increase indoor humidity by placing a basin of water or a wet towel.
4. Clothing selection: comfortable materials to reduce friction
Choice of material: It is recommended to wear cotton or silk clothing, which is less irritating to the skin and has good breathability.
Avoid tight clothing: Clothing that is too tight may increase friction and irritation, leading to more itchy skin.
5. Healthy Eating and Living Xi: Internal conditioning, external soothing
Dietary advice: Maintain a balanced diet and eat more foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, to help improve skin condition.
Moderate exercise: Moderate exercise can improve blood circulation and contribute to skin health.