I'm not sure if this is a common thing amongst those of us who have eczema, but I find that in the winter my skin gets SO unbelievably dry that it hurts. Hurts to the point I cry (sometimes).
My eczema isn't that bad, in comparison to most people. My skin has little red marks - the only word to come to mind trying to describe it is flaky. My skin is always flaking away, especially when I have leggings on, the inside are white! My arms are much tamer than my legs though. My arms are just patchy and have these little red spots, but my legs just dry out and look like scales. It can be so embarrassing.
I'm not writing this post to moan about my skin. I know there's people out there with far worse conditions than dry skin. And those who suffer with eczema on a greater scale will probably hate me for complaining! But, they will also sympathize with me about how horrendous it is and that sometimes you just want to completely cover up and hide your entire body.
In the summer, my skin dries out in the heat, especially in that weather when it's hot, but not sunny. Sunshine solves my skin problems and makes me all smooth and soft.
In the winter however, my skin is unsolvable. It stings and burns at the same time. Climbing into a bath can be torture. If it's raining and wet my skin dries up so much that it physically cracks and bleeds.
So, I thought, as it's starting to get a little colder (well in Cardiff it is anyway) I would do a few pointers on what i've learnt can help aide dry/sensitive skin in the winter months.
1. Plan ahead - You know winter is coming, so start to prepare your skin. Bathe in warm water, not hot. Use bath milk/oil to soften skin. Exfoliate softly. MOISTURIZE!! Use shower creams instead of gels.
2. Carry Moisturizer with you to school/work - This I learnt whilst at 6th form, having to walk for an hour each day in all conditions my skin would majorly crack. I always carried a small pot of e45 to just chuck on when it got sore.
3. Drink even more water than you regularly do - If you're the sort of person who drinks little to no water, up your intake around now. Get into the habit of having water / squash. It will keep your skin hydrated enough to prevent more cracking than it should. It won't stop it entirely, but can cut it down significantly
4. Wear REALLY long, thick socks or thermals (as flattering as they are) - When you are outside. Keep them in your bag if you're not a lover of wearing socks. I know i'm not. But in the winter I always put them on to walk outside. It stops the snow/rain/wind from hitting your legs - it has an extra layer to get through!
5. Moisturize, a lot! - This is probably the most vital element to follow to survive the winter. I'm terrible for not doing it. When i get out of the bath/shower in the dead of winter, I want to get dressed straight away. Not faff about with lotions. But, like step one, this is something to routine yourself with. Put the towel on a radiator, so you can stay warm when your out the bath/shower and then you can quickly moisturize your body. Do this as often as your body needs it. Mine needs it at least 4 times everyday from Oct-Feb!
6. Don't go from the freezing cold to boiling hot - this is what causes skin to tighten and ultimately crack. This is probably the hardest too, as you can't control the temperature in most buildings you go into. But when you're arriving home from school/work don't go and stand immediately in front of the fire or radiator to warm up. Instead get changed out of the cold clothes and into something warm but moisturize inbetween. Then have a hot drink and than will warm you up from inside.
7. Stay wrapped up! - Wear a coat, gloves, hat, scarf, earmuffs - anything that will retain your body heat. That way your body wont be shocked when forced to brave the cold weather.
8. If it gets that bad, go to your Doctors - This probably sounds so dramatic, but it is seriously worth popping to see your GB. You'll be amazed at how much they can help. I get E45 (the huge bottles with pump dispenser) on prescription along with medicated ointment to put in the bath, all to help prevent and sooth dry sensitive skin. I may sound crazy, but it's worth popping along and seeing what they can suggest!
Hope my little tips/tricks help! I love the winter, it's my favourite time of year. The colder the better. My skin just doesn't agree with it. Hope you all look after your lovely skin this coming autumn/winter! All Images Are From www.weheartit.com
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