Caring For Dry Skin During Winter Months - Advice From a Sarasota Dermatologist
You've probably noticed that winter weather can be harsh on your skin.
As a dermatologist, I thought I should explain why this occurs, and what you can do about it.
Your skin depends on moisture to remain hydrated and healthy.
During winter months, the combination of lower temperatures and reduced humidity extracts moisture directly from your skin.
In fact, the relative humidity can drop below 30%, making it even more difficult for your skin to maintain its best level of moisture.
This causes skin lipids, which form the barrier that keeps moisture in and skin soft and healthy, to decline by approximately 40%.
When the natural moisture evaporates from the top layer of skin (which is no thicker than a sheet of paper), it results in drier, redder, flakier, itchier, and older looking skin.
How do you combat dry skin during winter months? Be sure to keep well moisturized! Pay attention to proper bathing techniques and liberal use of effective moisturizers.
You should take a short bath and/or shower only once in a 24 hour period.
While longer baths and showers, especially with hot water, can be quiet relaxing, they will also increase the loss of natural oils from the skin and worsen skin dryness.
Use milder, less drying soaps like Dove, Neutrogen Dry Skin Formula (unscented), Aveeno Cleansing bar for dry skin, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Apply a moisturizer within minutes of getting out of the shower or tub.
This will help seal the water in the skin before it can evaporate.
Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day and evening when possible especially to areas more prone to dryness and when itchy.
It is always best to use a moisturizer that contains an effective sunscreen, especially for the face.
There are many great moisturizers that are available without a prescription like Cetaphil Moisturizers, Aveeno Moisturizers, and Neutrogena Moisturizers.
Ask your dermatologist for samples.
Most dermatologists will have samples and coupons for some of the products I mentioned.
Keep in Mind, I always recommend you see a dermatologist to ensure you receive the proper treatment of all your skin conditions.
As a dermatologist, I thought I should explain why this occurs, and what you can do about it.
Your skin depends on moisture to remain hydrated and healthy.
During winter months, the combination of lower temperatures and reduced humidity extracts moisture directly from your skin.
In fact, the relative humidity can drop below 30%, making it even more difficult for your skin to maintain its best level of moisture.
This causes skin lipids, which form the barrier that keeps moisture in and skin soft and healthy, to decline by approximately 40%.
When the natural moisture evaporates from the top layer of skin (which is no thicker than a sheet of paper), it results in drier, redder, flakier, itchier, and older looking skin.
How do you combat dry skin during winter months? Be sure to keep well moisturized! Pay attention to proper bathing techniques and liberal use of effective moisturizers.
You should take a short bath and/or shower only once in a 24 hour period.
While longer baths and showers, especially with hot water, can be quiet relaxing, they will also increase the loss of natural oils from the skin and worsen skin dryness.
Use milder, less drying soaps like Dove, Neutrogen Dry Skin Formula (unscented), Aveeno Cleansing bar for dry skin, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
Apply a moisturizer within minutes of getting out of the shower or tub.
This will help seal the water in the skin before it can evaporate.
Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day and evening when possible especially to areas more prone to dryness and when itchy.
It is always best to use a moisturizer that contains an effective sunscreen, especially for the face.
There are many great moisturizers that are available without a prescription like Cetaphil Moisturizers, Aveeno Moisturizers, and Neutrogena Moisturizers.
Ask your dermatologist for samples.
Most dermatologists will have samples and coupons for some of the products I mentioned.
Keep in Mind, I always recommend you see a dermatologist to ensure you receive the proper treatment of all your skin conditions.
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