As the weather becomes cooler you might notice your skin becomes drier and more irritated. If you have dry skin this can be frustrating as with the season changes comes new challenges to keep your skin healthy. The combination of low humidity, cold air and indoor heating weakens the skin’s natural barrier. This loss makes your skin lose moisture and results in the dry, itchy skin. There are simple changes that you can make to your skincare routine during these months to stay ahead of your dry skin
Because your skin loses moisture in the winter months, it is important to moisturize to help rehydrate your skin. You typically should do this while your skin is still damp like after a bath/shower to help trap the moisture. In the winter months, you can switch to thicker, cream-based moisturizer because they typically trap more moisture. You also should buy separate moisturizes for your face and body.
Use mild cleansers so that you do not strip your skin of its natural oil. Avoid products with alcohol and look for products that say “gentle” or “moisturizing” on the bottle. Also make sure to not use hot water when washing your skin as this can also strip the skin of oil. Use lukewarm water as this is gentler on your skin’s barrier.
It is important to stay hydrated during the winter months. You can also use a humidifier to help reintroduce moisture to the environment to help prevent your skin from drying out. However, it’s important to make sure you change out the water frequently and clean the humidifier to reduce mold.
While sunscreen is not the first skincare product you think of during the winter months it is one of the most important. It is important to wear it year-round with SPF of at least 30. You can use sunscreen creams as they are more moisturizing. Sun exposure can also increase your risk of skin cancer, so it is important to protect against the sun’s UV rays all year round.
When you go out to shop for winter skincare products it is important that you avoid products with alcohol or fragrances as this can only increase irritation. Expensive products do not necessarily mean they are better. As long as you use a product that is thick and unscented then the price and name of the ointment does not matter. You can ask your doctor or your local pharmacist for help choosing products that are best for your skin.
With the help of these tips, you can protect your skin through these winter months and enjoy healthy skin all winter long. If despite these measures and over the counter creams your skin is still dry and irritated, then consider reaching out to your primary care doctor or your dermatologist to guide you through these winter months.
Dr. Nicole Fakes is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.