From autumn to winter, it is a season when skin dryness becomes a concern.

“Even though I moisturize thoroughly, my skin still feels dry.”

“My face feels tight by the evening.”

“My hands and shins get dry and itchy.”

Do you have such concerns?

When it comes to dealing with dryness, we tend to think about buying more highly moisturizing cosmetics.

However, it is actually important to review your daily habits, such as face washing, bathing, and the timing of your moisturizing routine.

In this article, we have summarized seven dry skin measures to incorporate in autumn and winter, based on advice from dermatologists introduced by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Before buying expensive cosmetics, why not check your daily habits first?

1. Do not wash your face or body with hot water

When it gets cold, hot baths and showers feel good, don’t they?

However, washing for a long time with hot water can be a burden on dry skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people with dry skin take baths or showers for about 5 to 10 minutes using water that is not too hot.

Also, when washing your body, it is important to wash gently without scrubbing hard.

Things to be mindful of starting today

• Avoid water that is too hot

• Refrain from long showers

• Do not scrub with a towel

While enjoying your bath time, you want to be conscious of minimizing irritation to your skin.

2. Moisturize not only after bathing, but also whenever you feel dryness

Are you mindful of when you apply moisturizing cream?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying moisturizer while your skin is still damp after bathing or washing your hands.

It is also useful to apply additional moisturizer whenever you feel your skin is dry.

However, it is not the case that it is ineffective unless applied within one minute of bathing.

In a small study published in the Journal of the Japanese Dermatological Association, no significant difference in stratum corneum moisture content was observed after two weeks when moisturizer was applied one minute versus one hour after bathing.

The important thing is to continue moisturizing without forcing yourself.

Try to build a habit of moisturizing after your bath, while also caring for your skin whenever you feel it is dry.

3. Consider cream or ointment types for areas with severe dryness

There are various types of moisturizers, including lotions, gels, creams, and ointments.

Generally, lotions have a relatively light feel, while creams and ointments contain more oil and can be expected to work by preventing moisture from escaping the skin.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends creams or ointments over lotions for skin that is severely dry.

For example,

• an easy-to-use moisturizer for the entire face

• cream for cheeks that are particularly dry

• a protective moisturizer for fingers that tend to get flaky

You can also choose products according to the area and the degree of dryness.

However, products with high oil content are not suitable for everyone.

Consider your skin type and susceptibility to acne, and choose what works best for you.

4. Check the ingredients for moisturizing components

When choosing a moisturizer, do you decide based only on the product name or reviews?

Paying attention to ingredients can also make it easier to find products that suit you.

Typical moisturizing ingredients include the following:

Ceramides

A type of lipid present in the skin’s stratum corneum, it plays a role in retaining moisture and supporting the skin’s barrier function.

Hyaluronic acid

It has moisture-retaining properties and is used in cosmetics as a moisturizing ingredient.

Glycerin

A representative moisturizing ingredient that has the property of attracting moisture.

Petrolatum

It works by protecting the skin’s surface and suppressing the evaporation of moisture.

However, just because a specific ingredient is included does not necessarily mean you will get a high moisturizing effect.

The usage experience also varies depending on the concentration, the overall formulation design, and compatibility with your skin.

It is important to choose products that you find easy to use while understanding the characteristics of the ingredients.

5. Do not choose facial cleansers or body soaps based solely on cleansing power

While keeping your skin clean is important, over-washing can be a cause of worsening dryness.

People who are particularly prone to dryness should also be careful about how they choose their facial cleansers and body soaps.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends mild cleansers and fragrance-free products for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Also, the strength of the lather does not necessarily mean it is better at cleaning.

Removing dirt while not washing more than necessary.

It is good to be mindful of this balance.

6. Pay attention to the dryness of your room

Autumn and winter are seasons when you have more opportunities to use heating.

When the air in the room is dry, you may find that your skin feels dry more easily.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a humidifier as one way to combat dry skin.

However, a humidifier is not always necessary.

You can start by checking the indoor conditions with a hygrometer and consider humidifying if needed.

If you use a humidifier, it is also important to clean it regularly according to the product manual to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.

Try looking not only at your skincare but also at the environment you spend your time in.

7. Do not force exfoliation on dry skin

When your skin is flaky, do you ever feel like you want to remove the dead skin cells?

Some people might think they want to make their skin smooth using scrubs or peels.

However, it is not recommended to apply strong friction or exfoliation to skin that is already dry and sensitive to irritation.

The American Academy of Dermatology also warns against excessive exfoliation on skin that is peeling due to winter dryness.

Prioritize washing gently and moisturizing properly first.

If you have redness or a stinging sensation, it is important not to force yourself to try new cosmetics and to consult a dermatologist instead.

Start with just three. Dry skin measures to begin today

I have introduced seven methods so far, but you do not need to change everything at once.

Why not start with the following three?

1. Do not make your bath water too hot

2. Moisturize after bathing or washing your face

3. Apply extra moisturizer to areas where dryness is a concern

All of these can be started with the skincare products you already have.

Before buying new cosmetics, simply reviewing your daily usage can be the first step in combating dryness.

Summary | Moisturizing in autumn and winter starts with small daily habits

When it comes to dry skin care, it is easy to focus on new cosmetics.

However, to keep your skin in good condition, your daily face washing, bathing, and moisturizing methods are also important.

Rather than using many expensive products, it is better to consistently continue care that suits your skin.

If you start to notice dryness in autumn and winter, why not start by reviewing your usual lifestyle habits?

Note that if you experience persistent severe itching, redness, or cracking, it may not just be dryness but could be related to a skin condition. If self-care does not improve the situation, please consult a dermatologist.

References and Sources

American Academy of Dermatology

Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/dermatologists-tips-relieve-dry-skin

How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/dry/pick-moisturizer

The Japanese Dermatological Association Journal (2011)

Relationship between bathing and application timing on the effectiveness of moisturizers

https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/dermatol/121/7/121_1421/_article/-char/ja

*This article introduces general skincare information and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of specific diseases.