Cancer treatments may make your skin dry, itchy and cracked, which is worse in the winter because the humidity level drops. Here are easy ways to give your skin the extra care and attention it needs this winter.
Bundle up.
Dry, windy weather conditions can aggravate dry skin. Therefore, it is very important to wear clothes that will protect your skin from freezing temperatures, including a coat, hat, scarf that wraps around your face, gloves or mittens, heavy socks, and waterproof shoes or boots. Dressing in layers is also a good idea. Put clothes made from soft, breathable fabrics closest to your skin and then add a warm sweater or fleece on top.
Limit the amount of time you spend in the bath or shower.
Personally, there’s nothing like a long, hot bath or shower to make a cold, dreary day a little better. However, according to the experts, it’s best to stick with short (no more than 10 minutes), lukewarm baths/showers to prevent dry, itchy skin. Also, consider using a washcloth rather than a loofah or a sponge.
Use gentle soaps and laundry detergents.
The chemicals, scents, and perfumes found in many soaps, cosmetics, lotions, and laundry detergents can dry out and irritate skin that has already been affected by winter weather or cancer treatment. Choose gentle “fragrance-free” or “unscented” soaps and detergents or products that are made for babies.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.
It is best to use creams or ointments rather than lotions, because the thicker consistency helps prevent skin dehydration better. Try to apply the moisturiser all over your body within 15 minutes of showering and at night before bedtime.
Drink lots of fluids.
Keeping your skin healthy and hydrated not only depends on what you put on it, but also what you put into it. Women should aim to consume at least nine cups of water each day and men should shoot for 12.5 cups. This includes the water found in food, as well as what you drink. If you aren’t a fan of plain water, try drinking a flavoured water or herbal tea. Eating foods with a high water content, like lettuce, watermelon, broccoli, soup, and yogurt is another good option.
Wear sunscreen.
Even in the winter it is important to put on sunscreen before you head outside. You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation, is water resistant, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Much of what you need to do to protect your health is common sense, but the key is to make these strategies part of your regimen during the winter.
