Don’t Stress About Dry, Winter Skin

As temperatures dip and heaters come on, the air inside becomes dry and often you may notice your skin is tight, dry, and cracking. This is one of the most common complaints we hear from our patients and friends!

Before you spend hundreds of dollars on fancy moisturizing creams, take in the following tips to ease that dry, winter skin.

1. Avoid long hot bathing. Short baths or showers in tepid water is the best way to maintain your skin’s natural moisture. It may be hard to dial back the hot water, especially if you bathe in a chilly bathroom in the morning, however try bringing in a small heater to warm up the room. Just be sure to keep the heater away from water and follow all safety instructions.
    
2. After your shower, moisturize within three minutes. We recommend using a product that contains petrolatum, mineral oil, linoleic acid, ceramides, dimethicone, or glycerin. Products with oatmeal or alpha hydroxyl acids also add hydration and soothe itchy skin. (If you aren’t sure if your products include these ingredients, check the product website or do a search on Google.) Beebe dermatology professionals can also provide valuable insight into ways to improve your skin!
    
3. Take care of your face. Do not use harsh abrasives on your face in the winter. Find a gentle facial cleanser and follow it with a daily moisturizer with at least SPF 30. SPF 30 has been shown to block 97 percent of UVA/UVB rays that contribute to premature aging and sunburn.
    
4. Fill the air with moisture. Humidifiers placed in the bedroom can help add moisture to the air and improve your skin. Try placing a humidifier in your bedroom with a few drops of an essential oil such as lavender. This adds moisture and has the soothing aromatherapy effect of lavender.
    
5. Protect your skin from the elements. When traveling, make sure to protect your skin by using sunblock, including a lip balm with sunblock. Reapply every two hours.
    
6. Remove dry or dead skin with gentle exfoliation. About three times a week, gently exfoliate your skin either using a brush or an exfoliation cream to bring out smoother skin. Don’t neglect your heels.
    
7. Stay hydrated. Hydrating your body contributes to hydrated skin, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

If you have extreme dry skin or persistent rashes, consult your dermatologist or primary care physician to have an evaluation done.

Enjoy the winter weather, but don’t let it wreck your skin!

Think it’s more than just dry skin? Talk to Dermatologist Daniel W. Cuozzo, DO, FAAD, or Melissa Taylor, Nurse Practitioner, with the Beebe Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery. Call (302) 645-4801 for more information.