Winter Skin Care Tips

Winter is upon us and with it comes dry scaly itchy skin. Eczema (atopic dermatitis), psoriasis and dry skin (xerosis) are worse in the winter when the humidity is low. Cold air has less moisture in it than warm air, and coupled with heavier clothing and indoor heating (plus wood stoves), dry skin is made worse. This results in dry, irritated, itchy skin............frequent complaints that bring patients to the office this time of year.

Remember, that sun exposure is something that needs attention even in the winter. Outdoor activities, such as skiing and snowboarding require proper attention to the care of the skin, both on the slopes and off. Sun exposure during winter activities is both direct sun exposure (being outdoors) and indirect (reflected sun from the ice and snow on the slopes). Remember to take care not to be exposed to the cold winter elements without proper clothing (avoid frostbite and frostnip with scarves, hats and mittens).

Tips for better winter skin

	Minimize bathing or showering to 10 minutes, with luke warm (tepid) water (NOT hot water).
	Use a mild soap such as Dove®, Vanicream, or Oil of Olay® (avoid antibacterial, deodorant and perfumed designer soaps).
	After washing hands, apply a moisturizing hand cream to lock in moisture. The same holds true for body moisturizers. A wonderful new moisturizer for hands and the body that has recently been available in the United States is Trixera, from Avene. Many excellent facial moisturizers are available, with or without sun-protection.
	Consider using a humidifier (winter air is dry) to help with the dryness.
	Do not use the fabric softener sheets in the dryer as the chemicals are not rinsed out and can lead to irritation. This applies to the fragrance-free sheets now available. Liquid softener is fine, because it washes out with the rinse cycle, leaving clothes static-free and soft, with no harmful residue left on the clothes to irritate the skin.
	Remember to use a lip balm (preferably with an SPF of 15+) daily to prevent chapping (cheilitis). Lips are often overlooked and once chapped and cracked, they are prone to infection and irritation. There are several commercially available products, with or without flavor (the nonflavored lip balms are preferred).
	Remember to use your sunblock with an SPF of 30 and titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, YEAR ROUND. The sun IS out in the winter, and its rays are magnified by the ice, sleet, rain or snow. High altitudes encountered while hiking, mountain climbing or skiing/snowboarding cause increased damage to our skin.