Dry, itchy, flaky skin. It's winter and your skin is paying the price. Harsh winter weather can take a toll on your skin. When the temperature drops, so does the humidity and moisture in the air, which causes the skin to lose vital moisture.
Through the use of various skincare products and minor changes in your routine, dry skin can be eliminated.
"Everybody should be wearing a sunscreen everyday," said Dr. Drew Anderson of the Dermatology Center in Muncie. "Skin cancer is preventable." He recommends applying sunscreen on your hands and face during the winter.
Dr. Anderson said to use a mild soap. Soaps that contain perfumes can dry the skin. He said Dove and Cetaphil soaps are the best.
"Make sure you have all the soap rinsed off," said Dr. Anderson.
Any soap remaining on the body will have a drying effect.
To alleviate dry skin, Dr. Anderson suggests applying a moisturizer once or twice a day. The best time to moisturize is following a shower.
Dr. Anderson prefers the results of a moisturizing cream to that of a lotion. He recommends creams made by Cetaphil, Eucerin and Lubriderm.
Although lips are often not remembered to be a part of the skin, it is essential to care for your lips in the winter as well. "I recommend a lip balm that has a sunscreen in it with a SPF of 15 or higher," Dr. Anderson said. Lips are just as susceptible to cancer as the rest of your skin.
The dry winter air can also result in nosebleeds. "Put a small layer of Vasoline in your nose; it really will cut down on nosebleeds," Dr. Anderson said.
According to Dr. Anderson, a visit to your family doctor or dermatologist is needed "if someone has tried an over-the-counter lotion and is not getting any relief."
Michelle McDowell, Nurse Practitioner at the University Dermatology Center in Muncie, stresses the importance of sunscreen in the winter as well. "The sun can reflect off the snow," said McDowell. The reflective sunrays can intensify the sun's effect. Sunscreen is particularly important when going skiing or during other outdoor winter activities.
"People don't drink enough water," said McDowell. She finds it important to stay moisturized inside and out by drinking plenty of water as well as using a good moisturizer.
McDowell favors oil-free moisturizer for the face to prevent clogging the pores. For sensitive skin, look for a product without any added fragrances or color. The classic petroleum jelly formula continues to be a reliable and effective product as well.
Good skin care is important not only in the winter, but also throughout the year. "Be aware of all your landmarks on your body," said McDowell. She recommends a good skin exam once a year. Consult a doctor "if something doesn't feel right or look right." McDowell said to consult a doctor if you have used an over-the-counter product for over a week and your skin condition has not improved.
Dr. James Ong of Saint John's Medical Center in Anderson urges people to wear gloves and a scarf when being exposed to the winter weather.
Dr. Ong explained that vasoconstriction is in part what causes the skin to become dry in the winter. Vasoconstriction is the constriction of the capillaries.
"Capillaries close off, cut down blood flow, and the blood goes in away from the body," Dr. Ong said. He said when you are hot, the moisture comes to the surface of the skin and creates sweat. The opposite happens when you are cold and the moisture leaves the surface of the skin.
"Hot water can dry out the skin," Dr. Ong said. Try taking a quick, cool shower and cut down on the use of soaps. "The oils we wash off are designed to protect the skin," stated Dr. Ong.
Products recommended by Dr. Ong for healthier skin include Eucerin, moisturizers with petroleum jelly and lip balms with a petroleum jelly solution.
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