Taming Dry Winter Skin
- January 31, 2011
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- Skin Care Blog
Low humidity and indoor heating take a toll on our skin during winter months. Many people with otherwise normal skin suffer from dry skin, cracking lips and eczema due to the lack of moisture in the air. There are several easy ways to combat these problems from the inside out.
- Place a humidifier in your bedroom. A humidifier will moisturize your skin and prevent sore throats, dry noses and nose bleeds. It is important to add a little antibacterial solution (this is sold beside the filters) so that mold does not grow inside, which can cause asthma and allergies to flare.
- Limit showers and baths. One a day is perfectly fine, but the hot water will dry your skin very quickly. To combat this, use cooler water and only stay in for a few minutes. Use soap or body wash only where you need it, as most people don’t need to lather up from head to toe. After toweling off — while skin is still damp — apply a thick moisturizer from your neck to your feet. I like Eucerin and CeraVe brands — these are non-irritating, inexpensive and can be found at every drug store. If you find that these are too greasy, I recommend bathing at night and then putting on pajamas or a robe after moisturizing. If you have rough spots, simply apply a little over-the-counter hydrocortisone to the spots.
- Avoid harsh cleansers on your face. Acne products in particular can be very drying. If you use a Retin-A or Retrinal product, try to limit use to two or three times a week to minimize flaking and peeling. If you do use these, you can put moisturizer on top of the acne product before bed. I also recommend putting aside strong exfoliators, like Clairsonic brushes, until the weather gets warmer. For the day, it’s fine to start with your usual facial moisturizer. If your skin still feels or looks dry, just layer another moisturizer on top. I personally like Avene Tolerance Extreme or Atopalm Cream.
- Keep lip balm and hand cream with you at all times. For lips, I recommend using lip balms (Nivea is my favorite) and then applying lip gloss or lipstick on top for some color. Hands often need special attention, so carry a hand cream in your bag and apply frequently.
Happy Winter!
For more information on Dr. Saltzman’s practice, click here.