9 unexpected reasons why you age faster in winter

People often associate winter with dry, flaky, and dull skin. But not everyone understands why cold weather can increase the signs of aging.

1. Significant lack of humidity in the air

Perhaps the most obvious problem with winter is that the cold, dry nature of the weather is not good for your skin. The harsh environmental conditions of winter often disrupt the skin’s balance, causing redness and sensitivity. This sensitivity can make you more susceptible to skin conditions like rosacea, which tend to worsen in the winter and can lead to premature aging over time.

2. You are prone to stress

The cold winter weather and humid air will make people feel uncomfortable, even very stressed and tired. The increase in stress hormone, cortisol, can have a negative impact on the skin, causing premature aging, darkening and damaging the skin texture.

3. Not applying sunscreen

Sunscreen is important for skin, even in winter. While UVB rays decrease in cold weather, UVA rays do not. These are responsible for most of the DNA damage that leads to skin cancer and premature aging. So it is best to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

4. Bathing in water that is too hot

When it's freezing outside, the feeling of warming up in a super-hot shower feels great. But doing so will only dry out your skin faster. Dendy Engelman, MD, a dermatologist at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, says hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to cracking, especially in the winter. Also, don't take too long in the shower. The optimal shower time is 20 minutes, then apply moisturizer immediately after.

5. Eat comfortably

Cold temperatures make you feel hungrier and you tend to reach for more high-calorie foods to satisfy this hunger. In addition, winter is also a time of many holidays that make you more susceptible to unhealthy foods such as sweets, greasy foods that can make your skin health worse. Improper nutrition only increases the risk of premature aging of the skin.

Dr. Karrin L.Hermoni, Chief Nutritionist and Science Officer at Lycored recommends eating a combination of different natural phytonutrients from fruits, vegetables, and spices to better benefit your body, especially your skin.

6. Little exposure to sunlight

The human body needs sunlight to synthesize vitamin D. However, in winter, sunlight is often very weak. In addition, due to the cold weather, people will go out less and not be exposed to much sunlight.

Therefore, the body's vitamin D levels decrease during winter. This is one of the reasons for dark circles under the eyes and pale skin.

7. You are more sedentary

Cold weather can make you feel lazy to go out and exercise, making you want to stay inside. Not exercising can ruin your mood, cause weight gain, and increase inflammation in your body, which can lead to heart problems and many age-related diseases.

8. You still exfoliate a few times a week

Dr. Jerome Garden, director and dermatologist of Laser and Dermatology in Chicago, advises against exfoliating in the winter even if you enjoy doing so.

Skin is often drier due to cold, dry air, so drying it out further with cleansers or scrubs will cause more damage. Wash your face only once a day in the winter (unless your face is dirty or sweaty) and use a gentle, extracting cleanser.

9. Washing your hands too much

Hand washing helps prevent many infections, but the combination of water and soap can actually dry out your skin. For this reason, Dr. Garden recommends washing your hands only when necessary, using warm water, wearing gloves when washing dishes, and, importantly, applying a cream or ointment after each hand washing.