Flaking skin and cold. Do they have a relationship?
I have to fix it now! With the arrival of the cold I have noticed that my skin is drier than normal. Not only do I see it duller, but my skin has also risen (especially around the nose and hands). However... Why is my skin flaky?
What is peeling skin?
Desquamation of the skin (commonly known as “ peeling skin ”) is the unintentional damage or loss of the outer layer of the dermis (that is, the epidermis ). Although many times it is usually a consequence of direct damage suffered by our largest organ (such as cold or sunburn , among others), many other times it can be a sign of an immune system disorder ( psoriasis , for example). .
How does the cold affect the skin?
Low temperatures (as well as other environmental factors such as wind, heat or dryness, for example) can influence our skin in a very detrimental way, creating a cold burn in our dermis .
So much so that, on many occasions, the sebaceous glands of our epidermis can suffer a progressive reduction in sebum production . In this way, not only the barrier function that the skin must have against external factors is altered , but it also suffers a considerable loss of water , nutrients and oxygen . The latter is a direct consequence of the contraction of the capillaries and the irritation and damage that occurs in the dermis.
Thus, due to the cold , the cell renewal cycle is delayed , so a greater amount of dead cells will accumulate and we will feel a sensation of discomfort and tightness in the body.
In turn, the skin aging process will accelerate , since we secrete an excess of MMP-1 protein (a molecule involved in accelerating the aging of the dermis, since it alters the structure of skin tissues ).
What symptoms does skin peeling due to cold cause?
When you have flaky skin , it is normal to feel a sensation of dryness (due to loss of water ) and continuous irritation in the most common areas ( legs , hands , feet and face ). Also, it is common for the epidermis to lift (or have you never heard the term “ peel off ”?)
How to remove peeling skin?
To deal with skin flaking due to the cold (or as a consequence of any other factor), it is essential that you hydrate your skin daily with a
On the other hand, avoid hot water when showering or cleaning your face, as this will only increase the temperature changes your skin will be exposed to. Also, protect yourself from the aforementioned environmental risk factors and avoid tanning in winter or on very cold days. And of course, refuse to scratch the affected areas.
Finally, let me tell you that dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same, and that skin flakiness can be a symptom of both! If you want to know more about their differences… Keep reading!
