Winter has officially arrived and the cold is hitting everyone hard, and whilst winter typically means colds and flu, it can also mean dry skin for some of us. Here we take a look at what can dry your skin out, and how you can banish it and make it through to spring with a healthy glow.

What causes skin to dry out?

There are many factors that can cause skin to dry out, some of which are not seasonal. For instance, it can be due to a condition such as psoriasis, or simply due to certain types of soaps, medications or even clothing.

How to avoid dry skin?

1. Moisturise properly - There are many types of moisturisers out there but try to find the right one for your skin and then be sure to moisture regularly. Some products can take up to four weeks to work so be patient and give them a chance. Be aware of when you apply moisturiser so that it is most effective - applying it when your skin is still damp will ensure that you are trapping the moisture still on your skin. Be mindful of any products that might contain parabens and chemicals, these can ultimately be more damaging towards your skin.

2. Sunscreen is not just for summer - It's easy to assume that once summer is over we can ditch the SPF for another year, but it is important to remember that even winter sun can be harmful. UV rays can still break through the surface of the skin even if it isn't a particularly hot, sunny day, so ensure that you are prepared.

3. Stay hydrated - This isn't just key for maintaining healthy skin, but for ensuring you stay healthy overall. Drinking the appropriate amount of water daily has huge health benefits, so try to aim for between 6-8 glasses a day. It might sound a lot but it's easier than you think! 

4. Wrap up and stay dry - During winter the skin on your hands can become even more sensitive and dry as a result of the cold weather. To try and keep them protected wear gloves outside in cold weather, however, be mindful of wet gloves in bad weather as this can end up damaging your skin more, increasing irritation, cracked skin and sometimes causing an eczema flare up.

5. Avoid hot baths - While it can be tempting to jump into a really hot bath after escaping the cold, it can actually be quite damaging to your skin. Hot baths can lead to a break down of barriers in the outer layer of the skin resulting in loss of moisture and dry skin. Try to keep it luke warm and be sure to moisturise after.