No more dry skin this winter
Winter is not exactly kind to our skin. In fact, it is a time when our skin suffers the worst form of damage with excess dryness and increased UV exposure.
The lack of humidity in the air dries the skin, making it itchy, red and flaky, and even causing cracking and bleeding. Plus, most people are more lax with sunscreen because it is “winter” however, the damaging UV rays are still present and are more intense in areas with snow to reflect them back to your skin. Needless to say, this leads to long-term damage. However, it is within our means to minimize this damage.
- The cold weather forces us to use hot water to wash and bathe, but hot water dries the skin further. Limit bath times to five to 10 minutes once a day, and try to use warm or lukewarm water instead of hot water.
- Retain skin moisture by applying a thick cream twice a day. Vaseline is a good alternative although some people don’t like it due to its greasiness. Apply a moisturizer on the hands each time after washing your hands as hands tend to dry even more. Skip products containing alcohol or fragrances which dry the skin even further.
- Use broad spectrum sunscreen SPF every day no matter what.
- Get rid of the dead skin cells on the face with a gentle exfoliation process. Don’t overdo this however, as excessive exfoliation could damage the skin. Twice a month is enough.
- Don’t scratch or wear materials which irritate the skin.
- Dr. Amanda Lloyd and her team are here to help you if winter is wreaking havoc on your skin. She will evaluate your skin, make an assessment and give you suggestions on how to improve your skin’s heath.
Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Amanda Lloyd effectively tackles all skin issues including dry winter skin in Encinitas, CA. Call Skin and Vein Institute at (760) 642-6674 to book an appointment with her.
