Four Ways To Stop Cracked Skin

What is cracked skin? 

Cracked skin appears when dry or irritated skin is triggered by external factors, causing minor splits or cracks and sometimes including pain, redness, or itching. Those external factors include dry, cold environments, harsh irritants like soaps and detergents, frequent hand washing, medications, and underlying health and skin conditions (e.g., athlete's foot, contact dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, etc.). Although most cuts are usually superficial, appearing only on the top layer of the skin with thick calloused skin around the split, some can become deep, cutting into the dermal layer of the skin (fissure). Cracked skin can also be categorized as broken skin. Broken skin can also include abrasions, scrapes, and cracks. The most common areas for cracked skin are the hands, feet, and lips. However, cracked skin can be seen anywhere on the body. 

Why Does Your Skin Crack When It's Cold?

The combination of cold outdoor air and heated, dry indoor environments during the colder seasons can strip moisture from the skin, leading to dry, cracking skin and irritation. It also disrupts your skin's ability to minimize TEWL. TEWL is transepidermal water loss, the amount of water vapors seeping out of the top layer of your skin ( epidermis), not due to sweating. Lack of moisture in the air increases TEWL by 25%. The shift in temperature also shocks your body to pull from your skin's natural oils ( lipids) toward vital organs for survival. 

To combat these effects and maintain healthy skin throughout the cold season or winter, it is vital to adopt a few lifestyle habits and a consistent skincare routine. This article outlines four simple yet effective steps that can help keep your skin hydrated and nourished during the colder season.

How to stop your skin from cracking :

1. Hydrate from Within

Adequate water intake is one of the most underrated tips for maintaining your skin hydration. The human body is made up of an average of 60% water and relies heavily on it for day-to-day function. Some of those functions include regulating inner body temperature, maintaining blood volume, delivering oxygen to all body parts, lubricating joints, and allowing our body's cells to grow, reproduce, and survive. In addition, your skin relies on water for its elasticity ( ability to stretch), regulation of sebum (oil) production, restoration of its slightly acid PH level, and ability to retain moisture. 

During winter, most people drink less water and focus on food intake for energy sustainability. However, if you don't drink enough water, your body will prioritize the water it receives for vital organs and strip it from your skin. Adequate water intake supports your body's daily functions and minimizes dehydration and dryness. Adult males are encouraged to drink up to 3 liters ( 3.2 quarts) and adult females up to 2.2 liters ( 2.3 quarts ) per day.

In addition to drinking water, incorporating hydrating foods into your diet can be beneficial. Adding fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers, watermelon, squash, spinach, celery, and strawberries, can also increase hydration levels. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can help strengthen the skin's barrier function, thus reducing TEWL and preventing moisture loss. By prioritizing hydration internally and externally, you can support your skin's ability to retain moisture during winter.

2. Choose the Right Cleanser

Cleansing helps to remove excess dirt, bacteria, and other impurities that can disrupt your skin's barrier. Cleansing is the first step in any skincare routine; think of it as a clean slate or a new canvas. You don't want to apply your other skincare products without having a clean medium (skin) to use them on. There are a lot of cleansers in the market; be on the lookout for gentle hydrating cleanser without soap (sulfates) or drying alcohols, so it will not dry your skin further or strip all your skin's natural oils. Our soothing gel-to-foam cleanser is an excellent choice, a soap-free, water-based, pH-balanced cleanser packed with ingredients like aloe vera, rose hydrosol, and glycerin that hydrates while cleansing your skin.  

During your night routine, it is encouraged to use an oil-based cleanser before your water-based cleanser to remove sunscreen, makeup, dirt, dead skin cells, and bonds to oil-soluble impurities inside the pores( blackheads and whiteheads). Oil-based cleansers can also restore some of the oils lost throughout the day. 

When cleansing your face, be mindful of the water temperature. Hot water can further dehydrate the skin, so it is advisable to use lukewarm water instead. After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than vigorously rubbing it. This approach helps retain moisture on the skin's surface, providing a hydrated base for subsequent skincare products.

3. Incorporate a Rich "Thick" Moisturizer

Winter skin often requires more intensive moisturization than other seasons. Applying a rich moisturizer after cleansing is vital for locking in hydration. Moisturizer is a broad term for any emulsion that hydrates and protects the skin. It can be in lotion, cream, gel, ointment, or butter. These products usually contain humectants, emollients, and occlusives, which attract and retain moisture in the skin.

Using a thicker cream or butter rather than a lightweight lotion during winter will offer more moisture when the temperatures drop. Additionally, applying moisturizer immediately after cleansing can help seal in moisture more effectively. For those with dehydrated skin, consider layering products—using a hydrating serum on your face underneath a cream moisturizer can significantly soothe your cracked skin. For your body, after a warm shower, leave your skin slightly damp and cover with a moisturizer, then use an occlusive ointment with petroleum jelly for extra protection.

If you need a thicker moisturizer that soothes and helps lock in moisture, check out our Fountain of Youth Masque with colloidal oats and licorice root. We also offer a variety of other moisturizers, including body butters! 

4. Protect Your Skin from Environmental Stressors

Wind and cold temperatures can lead to chapped lips and dry patches on the face and body. To mitigate these effects, consider applying a barrier product, such as an occlusive ointment or balm, to exposed areas of the skin before heading outdoors. Ingredients like petrolatum, silicones, or waxes ( beeswax or carnauba wax) can create a protective layer that helps prevent moisture loss.

In addition to protecting your skin from the elements, it is essential to consider indoor conditions. Central heating can create a dry environment that further exacerbates skin dryness. Using a humidifier in your home can help maintain moisture levels in the air, benefiting your skin and overall comfort. Additionally, limit long, hot showers or baths, as these can strip natural oils from the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for shorter showers and follow up with moisturizer immediately afterward.

In conclusion, maintaining hydrated and healthy skin throughout the year requires a thoughtful approach to skincare. You can combat cracked skin effectively by prioritizing hydration from within, choosing gentle cleansers, incorporating rich moisturizers, and protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Implementing these four simple steps into your daily routine will enhance your skin's appearance and improve overall comfort throughout the colder season. Embracing these practices can lead to a more resilient complexion that withstands the challenges of winter weather.