This time of year, patients complain about dry patches, rashes, itchy skin, and more. Our cold, winter weather means your skin has to cope with a host of cold weather problems and probably isn’t very happy. So here are some winter weather hacks to help you protect your skin in cold weather:
Moisturize
Use a moisturizer to create a protective layer on your skin to help it retain more moisture. Consider a cream rather than a lotion and use it from head to toe. Remember to choose ones specially formulated not to clog pores and appropriate for your skin type. When in doubt, ask us!
Hack: Apply your moisturizer when your skin is still a bit damp right after you shower, bathe, or wash your face. Apply a non-fragranced one daily. Get into the routine of applying it twice daily before your skin gets dry and itchy.
Hydrate
Dry air can dry out your skin. That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated to keep your skin looking its best. Keep drinking water.
Hack: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your skin its healthiest.
Protect
It’s certainly harder to keep your hands and lips from drying out, cracking, and itching. For your hands, the best thing you can do is to wear gloves when you go outside. And since you can’t easily cover your lips, you’ll need to protect them with a non-irritating lip balm.
Hack: Keep extra hand cream and lip balm in your purse, backpack, briefcase, or car.
Stay dry
Fewer things will make you and your skin unhappy in cold weather than wet hands or feet. Sometimes, keeping them dry can be a real challenge but worth the effort. Wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin and cause itching, cracking, sores, or even eczema flare-ups.
Hack: Keep extra socks and gloves or glove liners around…just in case.
Take warm showers
Although a hot shower or bath may feel great on a cold day, it can strip your skin of its natural oils and actually dry out your skin.
Hack: Choose warm water and moisturize immediately afterwards.
Use sunscreen
Sunscreen is not just for sunny summer days. The winter sun can still damage your skin. Always apply sunscreen to your face and your hands if they’re exposed. Reapply frequently if you stay outside for a long time.
Hack: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 regardless of the temperature or UV level.
Have itchy, cracking rough spots?
Consistency is key for effective skin care during winter…and all year round. But, even when you follow a good routine, you may still get itchy, bumpy, or rough spots. Don’t scratch…no matter how hard that may be. It can create a secondary infection, which worsens the problem. Instead, see us. Often times, a prescription topical steroid can help calm down inflammation and itching. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment.