Dry winter skin and the choice of fabric
Short answer: Dry winter skin is made worse by friction from rough fabric. A smooth layer against the skin reduces the irritation that would otherwise pile on top. Shorter, cooler baths, moisturiser and mild washing also help, and if your skin is very irritated, talk to your doctor.
Why skin gets dry in winter
Cold outdoor air holds little water, and heated indoor air is even drier. The skin loses moisture around the clock, and the skin barrier gets weaker. Then everything is felt more clearly, from fabric and detergent to a hot shower. Many first notice it as tight skin or a slight itch once the heating comes on.
What friction does
Rough fibres rub against a weakened skin barrier every time you move. It happens many times a day, and even small rubbing can be felt when the skin is dry. That is why clothes that feel fine in summer can suddenly irritate in winter. The fabric has not got worse, but the skin is more vulnerable.
What the fabric does
Smooth fibres such as bamboo viscose glide instead of rubbing. The fabric lies flat against the skin and does not create the same friction as coarse fabric. It does not make dry skin normal, but it can mean one irritation less. See bamboo underwear for women as an example of a smooth inner layer.
The innermost layer
The innermost layer matters most, because it sits closest and touches the skin all day. Choose a smooth, loose layer under wool or thicker clothes. That way the warmth comes from outside, without the scratching against the skin. A bamboo long sleeve T-shirt for men can serve as that innermost layer.
Wool and dry skin
Coarse wool can scratch dry skin, and many know it from a tight neckline. A smooth layer underneath solves it for most, so you can still wear your wool jumper. That is practical, because you do not have to give up warm clothes, only place a soft layer between the skin and the wool.
Baths and moisturiser
Shorter and cooler baths are gentler on the skin than long, hot ones. Apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp, so it holds moisture better. Apply after every bath and otherwise when the skin feels tight. They are small habits, but they help more than many think.
Detergent without perfume
Avoid detergent with perfume if your skin is dry or irritated. Detergent residue in clothes lies against the skin all day. Rinse once extra and do not use more detergent than needed. If you want to test whether it makes a difference, try a mild detergent for a few weeks and watch whether the skin changes.
Bedding and the night
You lie against your bedding for many hours, so it counts too. Smooth bedding rubs less on dry skin than coarse bedding, and it supports a calmer night. See bamboo bedding if you want a smooth layer under you. It matters most if your skin itches at night and you turn a lot.
Humidity indoors
A humidifier can raise the humidity indoors and with it the moisture of the skin. It helps most in the bedroom, where you spend many hours. Also air the rooms regularly, and do not set the radiator to maximum if the room feels dry. If your skin is very dry or irritated despite these steps, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is wool bad for dry skin
Coarse wool can scratch. A smooth layer underneath solves it for most people, so you can keep your wool jumper and still have calmer skin through the day.
How often should you moisturise
After every bath and otherwise when the skin feels tight. Apply while the skin is slightly damp, so it holds moisture better. If in doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Does a humidifier help
Yes, it raises the humidity indoors and with it the moisture of the skin. It helps most in the bedroom, where you spend many hours while the heating dries out the air.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
