During the coldest season, baths become longer and hotter.
As a result, the protective fat layer of the skin wears away.
In summer, no one forgets to take care of their skin – the strong sun does not allow for negligence.
However, this does not mean that one can let their guard down in winter. The cold weather is also a major enemy of the skin, and neglect can lead to serious dermatological diseases.
The main villain for the skin during winter is the shower, as people take hotter and longer baths. This removes the protective fat layer of the skin, which already becomes thinner naturally when the temperature drops.
This fat layer, referred to by doctors as the “lipid mantle,” is essential for maintaining skin hydration and helps protect against the penetration of bacteria and fungi. Its weakening leaves the skin dry and more susceptible to itching and allergies. Additionally, areas such as the groin, armpits, and feet become vulnerable to infections.
Special attention is also recommended for children, who are more vulnerable to skin problems. Mothers need to double their efforts to ensure that the little ones are always well-hydrated.
Nails, hair, and lips also need attention. In the cold, lips dry and crack, requiring hydration. Hair is especially mistreated due to the combination of hot water and blow dryers. Nails, often neglected, weaken with dehydration and can break and peel. Every time we feel our hands dry, our nails are also dry. Therefore, when applying moisturizer, one must not forget them. Nails are also an important entry point for infections.
If fungal infections are the most common dermatological problems in summer, in winter other diseases stand out.
Atopic dermatitis (or atopic eczema) is one of the most common. It is a chronic allergy, common in children, that occurs due to a deficiency of hydration in the body. It causes itching and even more serious lesions, which can form crusts and release secretions.
Popularly known as “tinea,” skin dermatophytosis is also aggravated during the colder season. Although it is not a serious disease, it causes unsightly white spots on the body, which can embarrass patients.
Another illness, psoriasis, is characterized by the appearance of red plaques with thick scales on the knees, elbows, and scalp. Of genetic origin, it worsens depending on certain environmental factors, such as cold.
To avoid these and other discomforts, here are some tips:
– avoid bathing with water that is too hot: use common sense;
– always use moisturizer (right after bathing, while the body is still damp, is ideal, as absorption is easier);
– do not skip sunscreen, even in the cold (prefer those that contain moisturizer);
– always dry very well, especially in areas more prone to infections, with a soft towel;
– for allergy sufferers, avoid direct contact of wool clothing with the skin: wear a cotton t-shirt underneath.
Source: G1 and www.portaldoconsumidor.gov.br