How to Care for Your Sensitive Skin This Winter with Eco-Conscious Tips and ECOS® Products
4 minute read
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Winter can be harsh on our skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Low temperatures, indoor heating, and dry air can leave it dehydrated, irritated, and vulnerable. When sensitive skin comes into contact with products that aren’t hypoallergenic, the effects can be even more severe. Ingredients like synthetic fragrances, dyes, and certain chemicals can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, leading to redness, itching, and even allergic reactions.
That’s why choosing products specifically formulated for sensitive skin is crucial—not just to avoid immediate discomfort but to maintain the long-term wellness of your skin and your family’s, including your baby’s.
At ECOS, we believe personal care and environmental care go hand in hand. Keeping your home clean while caring for the environment and your family’s skin health is possible with the right products.
Eco-Conscious Tips for Protecting Your Sensitive Skin
Here are practical, eco-conscious solutions to protect your skin this winter while maintaining a sustainable lifestyle:
1. Hydrate from Within
The skin is our first line of defense against germs, but for it to function properly, it needs to be well-hydrated. When the skin is dry, cracked, or dehydrated, small fissures form, making it easier for bacteria and other microorganisms to enter, increasing the risk of irritation and infections. Keeping the skin hydrated not only makes it look healthier and smoother but also strengthens its natural barrier, helping to better protect us from potential illnesses. Applying moisturizer and drinking enough water are simple and effective ways to care for our skin and reinforce its protective function.
Hydration starts from the inside. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel as thirsty as during warmer months. Incorporating water-rich foods like citrus fruits and leafy greens, as well as more soups and broths into your daily diet, can also help. Dry skin doesn’t cause serious harm to your body, but it’s often uncomfortable. Plus, it’s responsible for premature aging since dryness accentuate fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Choose Hypoallergenic Cleaning Products
Hypoallergenic products are essential to prevent irritation, especially in winter when skin tends to be drier and more vulnerable. Conventional detergents and soaps can contain strong fragrances, dyes, and harsh chemicals that damage the skin’s barrier. Opt for hypoallergenic products for washing personal clothing, bedding, and towels that come into direct contact with your skin.
ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is formulated with several plant-based ingredients—its main cleaning agent is a coconut-derived surfactant! It is made without dyes and artificial fragrances and is safe even for the most delicate skin, including babies’. Use cold or warm water instead of hot, and follow the dosing instructions on the label. Cold water helps save energy, and in fact, a significant portion of energy consumption in washing comes from the energy required to heat the water. This detergent is also effective in quick wash cycles, making it ideal for protecting your clothes while saving energy.
3. Avoid Long, Hot Showers
While a hot shower might feel tempting in winter, hot water can strip your skin of its oils, leaving it dry and tight. Opt for warm showers and use gentle soaps like ECOS® Hypoallergenic Hand Soap, which can double as a body wash. Its plant powered formula cleanses without drying.
4. Moisturize Immediately After Bathing
Apply a moisturizer or hydrating cream right after your shower to lock in moisture. Look for products with ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter, known for their soothing and nourishing properties. It is also important to pay attention to skin hydration throughout the day, especially on the hands, as they are one of the most exposed areas to factors that can dry them out, such as frequent washing, temperature changes, and the use of cleaning products. Small cracks around the nails may seem harmless at first, but if left untreated, they can worsen, become painful, and even increase the risk of infections. Regularly applying moisturizer and protecting the hands from cold and harsh chemicals can help keep the skin in good condition and prevent discomfort.
5. Humidify Your Home Sustainably
Dry indoor air can worsen skin dryness. Use a humidifier to balance indoor humidity levels, and ventilate your home regularly to improve air quality.
6. Protect Your Skin from the Cold and Wind
Before heading out, make sure to cover your skin with scarves, gloves, and hats. This will not only keep you warm but also shield exposed areas like your hands and face from the elements.
7. Choose Eco-Conscious Household Products
Remember that the products you use to clean your home can also impact your sensitive skin. ECOS® products, such as the All-Purpose Cleaner, are safe for surfaces and for you, thanks to their formulas made with thoughtfully selected ingredients. This is especially important if you frequently touch surfaces cleaned with harsher products and notice irritation or eczema, or if you have young children at home.
For dishwashing, ECOS® Dish Soap is an ideal choice. This concentrated gel effectively cuts grease while being gentle on your hands, as it contains no harsh chemicals. Just a few drops are enough to clean a large number of dishes, helping you save while demonstrating its eco-conscious and efficient design.
8. Care for Your Skin with ECOS®
Sensitive skin, like a baby’s, is prone to irritation, so it’s essential to choose gentle and safe products. ECOS® Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent is designed to protect delicate skin with its hypoallergenic formula made without dyes. It removes stains effectively without exposing sensitive skin to unnecessary irritants.
9. Read Labels and Support Sustainable Brands
Finally, prioritize products that are respectful to both your skin and the environment. All ECOS® products are Safer Choice certified, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can care for yourself while caring for the planet. To learn more about the care we put into our plant-based formulas, visit our Green Chemistry page.
At ECOS, our commitment is to provide products that help you live a more sustainable life. This winter, protect your sensitive skin and your family’s while making a difference by choosing eco-conscious solutions.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic. Contact Dermatitis
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742 - EHS Today. Dermatologists Warn Eczema is on the Rise
http://www.ehstoday.com/archive/article/21914321/dermatologists-warn-eczema-is-on-the-rise - Mayo Clinic. Wrinkles
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/wrinkles/symptoms-causes/syc-20354927