Winter is Coming! - A Dermatologist’s Advice for Winter Skin

By Dr. Valerie Tokarz

Now that the leaves have fallen, we are starting to feel the loss of humidity in our climate and our skin is beginning to feel the effects of temperature fluctuations going from outdoors to indoors. These changes cause the outer layer of our skin to work hard to keep up the armor and retain hydration within our skin. The following are some recommendations on how to keep your skin from drying which can cause irritation, itch and eczema flares.

WASH: Use gentle cleansers, avoid any “puffs, sponges or scrubs” in the shower (they harbor bacteria and can tear fragile skin). If especially dry, just apply soap to “stinky areas” (groin, underarms, hands and feet). Women: shave at the end of your shower, try an oil based wash or mild soap as your shaving cream. Avoid scented soaps as the fragrances can cause irritation or even allergic reactions when your skin is dryer.

MOISTURIZE: Do this within 3 minutes of getting out of your shower to “lock in” moisture from bathing. If your skin is especially scaly or bumpy (upper arms or buttocks), use a lotion/cream with ingredients such as: UREA, LACTIC ACID, SALICYLIC ACID to help gently exfoliate the dead skin cells. At the same time use ingredients with humectants such as: GLYCERIN. To help smooth skin use DIMETHICONE containing products which helps maintain the barrier on the outside of our skin.

DRY HANDS: If you get rough, dry hands, especially from washing, then do the following in the evenings. Soak your hands a few minutes in warm water. Even if you don’t have time, run under warm water for 30 seconds. Apply a thicker moisturizer such as a cream or an ointment (vaseline like). This will lock in moisture. If really dry, wear light cotton gloves to bed over the ointment. For patients with eczema flares, you may need a prescription topical steroid to calm down your skin.

Tips:
• Avoid rough fibers (Wool) on sensitive skin
• Avoid HOT showers or baths as these can release histamine and make you itch
• Re-apply moisturizer throughout the day, especially after washing hands
• Products I like: ISDIN Uradin Lotion (Contains: Glycerin, Dimethicone, Urea, Lactic Acid); Elta Moisturizer Ointment, Elta Barrier Cream, ISDIN Age Contour Cream, Dove brand soap, Cera/Ve Cream or Ointment

Have more questions? Contact our office at 401-886-5277 today.