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Harsh winds and frigid temperatures, along with dry indoor heating, can transform your skin from soft and supple to itchy and flaky! Good thing there are ways to winter-proof your skin.
Most everyone suffers from irritated skin in the winter. Doctor Susan Taylor says “The skin changes as the seasons change, and particularly in the winter, we notice that the skin becomes very dry, it becomes flaky and shy, and it can become very itchy.”
Doctor Taylor says preventing this winter misery starts in the shower. “Limit your bath or shower to about five minutes. We want you in and out; you have to be efficient,” says Taylor.
Other important tips:
Use lukewarm water, not hot
Once you’re done, lightly pat dry
Seal in the moisture with a lotion or cream
Dr. Taylor says to look for moisturizers with humectants that draw moisture to the skin, or thicker ones, called occlusives, which create a protective barrier.
“You can use something as simple as white petrolatum, also known as Vaseline, we also have Eucerin and Aquaphor. They’re all inexpensive. They can be purchased at any store, grocery store or pharmacy,” says Taylor.
Your skin will also benefit if you add humidity to your home with a humidifier, or by placing pots of water, or even houseplants in your rooms. When you’re heading outside, remember to wear a hat and scarf because the wind is an abrasive that can damage your skin.
Dry Skin
The outer layer of skin forms a protective barrier for the other layers of skin
and the tissues underneath. As we age, the skin can lose some of its moisture
content, causing patches of rough, dry skin. The name for this condition is
xerosis. In more severe cases, the skin can become red, inflamed and itchy.
This is dermatitis.
Cold temperatures increase the risk for dry skin because colder air holds less
humidity. In addition, heated indoor air typically has low humidity levels. The
cold temperatures, wind and heated indoor air pull or evaporate moisture from
the skin, increasing levels of dryness.
Fending Off “Winter Skin”
While we can’t change the temperature or climate, there are some things that
can be done to keep skin healthy and reduce the risk of skin drying.
Dermatologist, Susan Taylor, M.D., has some tips:
Limit the time spent in a shower or bath. Long baths and showers wash away the
protective fats in the skin. Experts recommend no more than five to ten minutes
in the shower or bath.
Bathe with warm water. Hot water washes away skin fats more readily than warm
water. The heat from the water also promotes evaporation of moisture from the
skin.
Use mild soaps or cleansers. Some soaps are very harsh and abrasive and can
damage the protective outer layer that holds in moisture. Skin toners and
astringents also dry out the skin.
Avoid vigorous towel drying. This can also remove the protective barrier.
Instead, pat dry the skin.
Use moisturizers. Moisturizers don’t add water to the skin. Instead, they help
seal in moisture. Apply a layer of moisturizer after towel drying. Taylor also
recommends using a moisturizer before going to bed. For very dry hands or feet,
put on gloves or socks to add another layer of protection for the skin. Most
people need a heavier moisturizer during the winter and a lighter one for the
summer.
Don’t forget the lips. Many people get dry, chapped lips during the colder
months. The symptoms are often caused by licking the lips. When the moisture
from the saliva evaporates, the lips feel even drier. A layer of plain
petroleum jelly works well to keep the lips moist. Be aware that some flavored
lip balms contain ingredients that can be irritating for some people and
promote lip dryness and cracking. Long-wear lipsticks can also cause
irritation.
Use a humidifier. Humidifiers increase the level of humidity in the air. They
are especially important in homes with hot air furnaces, which tend to dry out
the air. Pans of water placed throughout a room will also add some humidity.
Use sunscreen. Even though people spend more time inside during the colder
months, sun protection is still important. The sun’s rays can damage the skin
any time of the year.
Hydrate. Skin is nourished by blood. If we don’t drink enough fluids, blood
volume decreases. Water is the best hydrator. Alcohol and caffeine promote
fluid loss.
Cover up outdoors. The wind and cold air promote skin drying. Cover as much
exposed skin as possible. Wear gloves, a scarf around the neck and a hat on the
head.
AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For general information on skin care:
American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org
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