If you are experiencing tight, dry, cracked and irritated skin, you are not alone! Cold air contains less humidity; in turn we crank up the thermostat. While trying to keep warm in our homes, vehicles and workplaces we are drawing surface moisture from our skin and mucous membranes.Here’s how to combat the dry skin winter blues:Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize- Apply a full body slather daily, ideally twice a day. I am still shocked to find out that there are people who never apply lotion, not even to their freshly shaven legs!- Do not forget about those areas of the body that are the most exposed and susceptible to dry heat like the hands and lips. Apply moisturizers to these areas as often as you can remember throughout the day. At night, those simple cotton gloves and booties are great for helping lotion to penetrate your hands and feet, while giving a cloth protection from surface moisture evaporation.- Change the type of moisturizer you are using. That lightweight lotion you were using in the summer may no longer be enough. You may need to switch to an oil-based product during the winter months.- Use a humidifier. They are relatively inexpensive and add much needed moisture into the air. Keep one close to your bed while sleeping. Your face, sinuses and throat will thank you in the morning.
Change how you Shower- Avoid hot prolonged showers. Hot water can compromise the lipid layer of the skin. This leads to moisture loss and irritation. Try to shorten the length of your shower to around 10 minutes.- Apply your lotion or body oil IMMEDIATELY after a shower. I am talking about within the first 2 minutes! It is important to trap and lock-in any surface moisture that is left on the skin after toweling off. If “Out of sight, out of mind” is a saying that pertains to you when it comes to remembering to use lotion after showering, then leave it on the ledge of your tub where it is visible.- Gently pat your skin dry. If your skin is already feeling irritated chances are it is because your skin’s acid mantle and its protective lipids are compromised. Be gentle, rubbing the skin roughly can further aggravate sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis.
Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal MoniqueChantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!
