When the weather gets cold and dry in Sylvan Lake, a lot of people start noticing the same thing.
Their skin gets rough, itchy, and irritated.
For some people it’s mild dryness. For others, it can turn into eczema flare-ups, red patches, cracking, or skin that just won’t calm down.
The good news is that most dry skin problems can improve a lot with a few simple changes at home.
And if you’re not sure what to use, your pharmacist can help you pick the right option.
Why Dry Skin Gets Worse in Sylvan Lake
Dry skin is very common in Alberta, especially in the colder months.
There are a few reasons winter makes skin worse:
- Cold outdoor air holds less moisture
- Indoor heat dries out the air in your home
- Hot showers strip natural oils from the skin
- Wind can irritate skin faster than you expect
- People drink less water in winter without realizing it
Even when you’re doing everything “right,” winter can still be hard on skin.
Common Dry Skin Symptoms
Dry skin doesn’t always look the same for everyone.
Some people get mild flaking, and others get painful cracking or redness.
Common symptoms include:
- Itchy skin (especially at night)
- Red patches
- Rough or bumpy texture
- Dry hands with cracking or bleeding
- Burning or stinging skin after showering
- Skin that feels tight or “stretched”
Dry skin can show up anywhere, but it’s very common on:
- Hands
- Face
- Arms
- Legs
- Elbows and knees
Dry Skin vs. Eczema vs. Dermatitis (Simple Breakdown)
A lot of people use these words interchangeably, but they aren’t always the same thing.
Here’s a simple way to think about it.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is usually caused by the weather, hot showers, or not moisturizing enough.
It often improves quickly once you hydrate and protect the skin.
Eczema
Eczema is more of a long-term skin condition. It can flare up and calm down over time.
Eczema often looks like:
- Red patches
- Itchy, inflamed skin
- Dry skin that keeps coming back
- Skin that gets worse in winter
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term that means “skin irritation.”
It can happen from things like:
- Soaps and cleaning products
- Laundry detergent
- Fragrance
- Hand sanitizer (especially in winter)
- Wearing gloves for long periods
- Working with chemicals or oils
If you’re not sure what’s causing your skin issue, that’s a great reason to ask for help.
What Helps Dry Skin (Simple Steps That Work)
Most people don’t need anything fancy.
The best results usually come from a few consistent habits.
Here’s what helps the most:
- Use warm water instead of hot water
- Keep showers shorter (5–10 minutes)
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing
- Moisturize right after bathing (within 2 minutes)
- Use unscented moisturizer whenever possible
- Wear gloves outside to protect hands from wind and cold
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until their skin feels painful before they moisturize.
If you start early, it’s much easier to prevent flare-ups.
Best Places to Focus on Moisturizing
If you only have time to do a few spots, focus on the areas that crack and itch the most.
For many people in Sylvan Lake, that’s:
- Hands (especially knuckles)
- Face (cheeks and around the nose)
- Lower legs
- Elbows
Hands get hit the hardest because of washing, cold weather, and dry indoor air.
When Dry Skin Becomes a Bigger Problem
Sometimes dry skin turns into something more uncomfortable, especially if it gets infected or inflamed.
Signs you should get it checked include:
- Skin cracking that bleeds
- Oozing or yellow crusting
- Swelling or spreading redness
- Painful skin that isn’t improving
- Itch that keeps you awake at night
- A rash that’s spreading quickly
If something is getting worse instead of better, don’t wait too long.
What You Can Ask a Pharmacist About
A lot of people feel overwhelmed when they look at the skincare aisle.
There are so many products and a lot of them look similar.
A pharmacist can help you choose something based on:
- Your skin type
- Your symptoms (itch, dryness, redness, cracking)
- Your age (kids vs adults vs seniors)
- Any medications you’re already taking
- What you’ve tried before
Sometimes people buy a product that smells nice, but fragrance can make irritated skin worse.
Getting the right recommendation can save you time and frustration.
A Few Extra Tips for Families and Seniors
Dry skin can affect anyone, but it often hits harder for young kids and older adults.
Here are a few simple tips that can help.
For kids
- Avoid long bubble baths
- Use gentle, fragrance-free products
- Moisturize daily even if the skin looks “fine”
- Watch for scratching at night
For seniors
- Keep moisturizer by the bed and use it daily
- Use gloves when doing dishes or cleaning
- Be careful with very hot baths or showers
- Don’t ignore cracked skin (it can get infected)
Need Help? We’re Here in Sylvan Lake
Dry, itchy skin can be more than annoying. It can affect your sleep, comfort, and day-to-day life.
If you’re dealing with dry skin, eczema flare-ups, or irritation that won’t settle down, come talk to us.
At Sylvan Lake Pharmacy, we can help you find safe, effective options and give simple advice that actually works.
You don’t have to guess your way through it.