Dry Skin: Never In Season

There are so many things to look forward to this winter - the holidays, snow days, and cozy fires, to name a few. But if you’re familiar with dry, flaky skin, you might be dreading the dropping temperatures and high indoor heat. As winter blows into the New River Valley, make sure you prepare your skin so you can enjoy the new season.

If you’ve ever experienced dry skin in the winter, you’ve probably thought “why now, why me?” The answer is fairly simple. Moisture escapes when there are not enough protective oils and water on the outer layer of your skin. Due to low humidity during winter months, this can be intensified.

Face Care

There are a few ways you can keep your face looking fresh for your winter festivities. To maximize the amount of moisture in the air in your home, place a cool air humidifier in the room you spend the most time in. This will help increase the level of moisture in the air and in turn, in the skin’s barrier layer. You can also change your diet to aid in skin health (Thanksgiving is an exception, of course), by increasing your daily intake of fats, such as walnuts and olive oil. Try to limit your caffeine and alcohol intake too, as it can dehydrate you and dry out your skin.

Next, swap out face wash for a light exfoliation three times per week to wipe away dead skin so your moisturizers can do their work. Aim for light scrubs that contain glycolic or lactic acid.

When moisturizing, switch to a heavier face cream with ceramides or hyaluronic acid, rather than using a lotion. Use this product in the morning and at night if your skin is dry or cracked.

Body Care

Although hot showers may be tempting after a cold day, it can make your whole body dry. Hot water strips the skin of its natural moisture and can make your body flaky and itchy. Try to take cool or warm showers, and limit shower time to less than ten minutes. Soap can also dry out your skin, especially bar soap. Try using a small amount of a moisturizing body wash instead. After washing your skin, pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing, and apply moisturizer right away so you are able to trap as much moisture as possible.

Hand Care

Dry hands and cracked knuckles can be especially painful in cold temperatures. To combat this discomfort, coat your hands with a thick moisturizer before bed to allow your hands to absorb moisture while you sleep. Be sure to apply some on your cuticles as well, especially if you get your nails done for holiday parties. Keep moisturizer with you so you can put some on after washing your hands.

When to See Your Dermatologist

If you’ve tried all these tips and still suffer from dry, flaky skin, consult your dermatologist. If you believe you are suffering from dry skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, or a bacterial infection, be sure to contact us.