Dermatology 101 Chapter Two: Guide to Winter Skincare
So what’s the impact of cold weather on your skin?
Unquestionably, the cold, dry weather brings new challenges for skin care.
Your once smooth heels become dry and cracked, and your back and legs are constantly itchy. For the next several months, as we deal with the cold weather, we have to pay attention not only to our environment, indoors and out, but also to the way we treat our skin.
Whether we spend a little or a lot of time outdoors, skiing or shoveling or walking, we get exposed to dry, cold wind, which depletes the moisture in our skin. The result: dry and sometimes itchy patches.
Even areas covered by clothing are at risk, though to a lesser degree. Exposed areas, such as hands, will dry and chap. Those painful fissures (cracks) at the fingertips seem to take forever to heal. Lips will dry, and when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays (yes, even in the wintertime!), are at risk of developing skin cancers.
When we take a hot shower to warm up, we deplete our natural oils/waxes that help us bind moisture in the skin.
The great news is that there are ways to battle the winter and keep your skin healthy and smooth.
1. Moisturize Daily****
2. Humidify your home
3. Limit showers and baths to 5 minutes, and follow up with moisturizer while skin is still damp
4. Use lip products that contain protective moisturizers and UV block
5. Purchase protective clothing, including gloves
***Guide to selecting a moisturizer:
Oil in water emulsion -- These are the greasy creams and ointments that create a barrier to help prevent the skin from losing water.
Lactic Acid Creams -- These can be Over the Counter (otc) or prescription creams that help restructure the outer layer of the skin to help retain water.
Urea containing creams -- These soften the skin and are available over the counter in lower strengths and by prescription in higher strengths. They are particularly good for rough and thick areas such as elbows, knees and heels.
It is best to rotate different creams, using one in the morning and another in the evening.
With a few changes in your cold weather skin care, you can stay smooth and comfortable!
