Treating Dry Winter Skin

How to best protect your epidermis against the ravages of cold weather

- Samantha Rideout

AH, WINTER. ’Tis the season for dry skin, along with potential complications, including itching, flaking, cracking, bleeding, rosacea (redness and inflammation) and eczema flare-ups.

There are several reasons for this. First, the air outdoors is drier, because low temperatures cause water molecules to condense into ice or snow rather than remain in the atmosphere. Indoor air tends to be parched as well, an effect of heating systems. Seniors need to take extra care, since cumulative sun damage and slower production of natural oils put them at greater risk of dryness.