Healthy Skin In Winter Weather

By Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD

Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center

. http://www.visagederm.com/

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Healthy Skin In Winter Weather

Winter can be harsh on skin. Here are some tips I share with my patients.

Moisturizing soaps. Use Dove soap or body wash (sensitive skin versions available), Aveeno skin relief body wash, or if you must have fragrance, Lever 2000. My male patients love Dove for Men face and body wash. Stay away from antibacterial soaps as they are drying to the skin, unless you were advised to use them for a specific condition. For eczema, there is a plethora of moisturizing cleansers from Cetaphil, Cera Ve, and Aveeno.

Emollients. As unsophisticated as it may seem to some, Vaseline or white petrolatum, is the best moisturizer. Aquaphor, a thicker white petrolatum is also an excellent alternative. Vanicream has developed Vaniply an ointment for very sensitive skin. If the thought of dousing yourself in Vaseline doesn't excite you, I also recommend Curel Ultra Healing, Aveeno Skin Relief cream or ointment, Cetaphil or Vanicream skin creams. After showering or bathing, pat your skin dry, and immediately apply your moisturizer to lock in moisture.

You may have been able to get away with lighter lotions during the summer, when the air was humid. However, winter weather may require heavier creams or ointments.

Humidifiers. Many newer homes are heated with forced air, which is drying. If your home does not have a built-in humidifier, using a safe, cool mist, or warm mist humidifier at night will humidify the air and keep skin moist. This can be helpful for those with eczema.

Nonsteroidal Moisturizers. These products, such as Hylatopic Plus, were formulated for individuals with eczema or dry skin to restore the skin's barrier function. A prescription is required to obtain these products.

Many antibacterial gels are alcohol-based, and can be drying, as is hand washing. So when you reach for your Purell, be sure to reach for your moisturizer.

Now what about my face, you ask

A non-comedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen (SPF 30) is recommended. UV rays may cause hyperpigmentation and wrinkling, even in winter. Wearing sunscreen on snowy days is advised as the sun reflects off of the snow and onto you.

Bionect is an excellent hyaluronic acid moisturizer (prescription required). Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule found naturally in the skin and imparts moisture.

For dry lips Aquaphor works well, especially Aquaphor with SPF 30. Lip gloss wearers, just make sure gloss stays on the lips and not past the vermillion (line) border of the lips as this may cause black heads and acne around the lips.

For dry hands, Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula, Cera Ve Therapeutic Hand cream, Aquaphor, and Tetrix Cream (requires a prescription) are great.