Studies have shown that our skin changes on a molecular level in dry, cold conditions. As a defense mechanism, our skin increases the thickness of the top layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), to prevent water loss during dry conditions.
The cold weather months can greatly compromise skin health, triggering such conditions as xerosis (dry skin) or eczema (itchy, dry, reddish patches or lesions on the skin) which can vary in severity.
The good news is the human body is quite remarkable. Our body, in numerous ways, has a great ability to acclimate to colder temperatures. People have always lived in a wide variety of climates. To adjust to these climates, humans have adapted physiologically, genetically and culturally.
Finally, remember that the face is adapted to being exposed to the elements. So, it is a good idea to keep the extremities and torso warm in bed, then you can leave the head above the covers. The tip of your nose may get cold, but it won't stop you sleeping, and it is good to breathe fresh air!
Did you know that the cold itself can be a direct sensitive skin irritant? According to the Mayo Clinic, cold urticaria is a skin reaction due to the cold that appears within minutes of exposure. Some symptoms of this condition include: Temporary hives or welts of the area exposed to the cold.
As the skin temperature gets lower the skin first perceives thermal discomfort, then cold and cold pain. At the same time the skin loses finer elements of tactile sensation, it feels numb and at the end of this development the skin does not sense even pain any more.
Studies have also found cold weather reduces inflammation and pain, and that runners who go out in the cold weather recovered faster from their workouts. The cold weather also helps us burn more calories, so if you're looking to boost your winter workout, the cold temps might help.
The best way to develop a greater tolerance to low temperatures is to expose yourself to the cold. Go outside for a couple of hours each day with the necessary items of clothing such as gloves, boots and hats since, in general, the extremities are the ones that get cold the fastest.
Low body weight.
If you have lost significant weight recently or have always been thin, you might be more sensitive to colder temperatures.
By creating a protective barrier and locking in moisture, it helps prevent direct contact with freezing temperatures and maintains the skin's natural defenses. However, it's important to combine Vaseline with other preventive measures, such as dressing appropriately for cold weather and staying hydrated.
In research compiled as recently as two years ago, it was determined that people living in cooler regions of the world may live an average of 2.2163 years longer than those who don't.
In temperatures 13° to 31°, you must layer up accordingly, especially the hands and the feet and try to get indoor every 20-30 minutes. If the wind chills measure at 13° or lower, you are at a high risk of frostbite, and it is better to move inside the house.
"The optimum environmental temperature for skin (and for the human body) is around 64.4 °F – 71.6 °F," stated Bell. "This allows for optimum heat exchange between the body (at 98.6 °F) and the outside."
The good news about cold weather
Firstly, you're likely to get less sun exposure, and therefore experience less of the sun damage that causes ageing. You're also less likely to get flare-ups triggered by sweat or heat. Cold can lessen the effects of inflammation, and reduce puffiness.
The winter months can cause havoc with your hair, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. Colder temperatures versus central heating along with woolly hat wearing and the after effects of a 'full-on' festive period can all have a negative impact on your hair's overall health, leaving it in need of some TLC.
Body Mass and Temperature Perception: Professor Neil Spratt explains that body mass, particularly muscle mass, is a key factor in how people perceive temperature. Larger or more muscular individuals tend to feel colder less because they generate more heat and have a smaller surface area relative to their volume.
The perception of cold begins when nerves in the skin send impulses to the brain about skin temperature. So when we feel chilled, it's often due to a drop in temperature in the fingers, toes and other exposed extremities.
The smaller you are the more efficiently you can cool down. Although there is a downside, short people will find it harder to stay warm in colder climates.
A series of studies have found that consistent exposure to cooler temperatures will “train” the body to feel less discomfort in the cold, a process known as habituation. The studies also determined that people who undergo this sort of cold weather acclimation will shiver less.
However, with so many potential culprits, it can be hard to know what vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold. Typically, it's a lack of vitamin B12 or iron. Iron deficiency can slow down thyroid function, which can lead to a condition called hypothyroidism, making you feel cold.
But, researchers say close to 20% of the global population (about 1.5 billion people) show no signs of α-actinin-3 in their bodies due to “a mutation in the gene that codes for it.” So, these individuals have more slow-twitch fibers in their muscles, making them much more resistant to both cold weather and overall ...
Sleeping in a cooler room can help you sleep better, meaning you're more likely to wake up feeling rested and refreshed—and in a better mood.
Cold showers can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve circulation, lower stress levels, and reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. Hot showers, meanwhile, can improve cardiovascular health, soothe stiff joints, and improve sleep.
In the winter, decreased moisture in the air and frequent use of heaters causes increased evaporation of water from the skin. This results in dry skin that is more prone to rashes. There are several skin conditions that are caused by or worsened by cold temperatures.