Healthy Winter Skin

By Sharleen St. Surin-Lord, MD

Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center

. http://www.visagederm.com/

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Healthy Winter Skin

Winter can be harsh on skin. Here are some tips

Soaps. Dove and Aveeno bars and body washes are moisturizing. And since men need love too, there is Dove for Men. Unless you were advised to do so by your doctor, refrain from using antibacterial soaps as they are drying. For eczema, there is a plethora of moisturizing cleansers from Eucerin, Gold Bond, and Aveeno.

Emollients. You may have been able to get away with lighter lotions during the summer, when the air was humid. However, winter weather requires heavier creams or ointments. Curel Ultra Healing, Gold Bond, Aveeno Skin Relief Ointment, Cetaphil or Vanicream skin creams are great for the winter months. Vanicream has developed Vaniply an ointment for sensitive skin. After bathing, pat your skin dry, and immediately apply your moisturizer to lock in moisture.

If you need extra strength moisturizers for dry, itchy, flaky skin, see your dermatologist. We have moisturizers such as Hylatopic Plus and Tetrix that were formulated for individuals with eczema or dry skin to restore the skin's barrier function. Dermatologists also prescribe exfoliating lotions. Some even firm and tighten loose skin.

Humidifiers. Many 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, especially for those with eczema.

This is flu and virus season, so frequent hand-washing and antibacterial gels will cause dry hands. It is helpful to keep a moisturizer in your pocket or near the sink to moisturize after washing. Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula, Cera Ve Therapeutic Hand cream, and Aquaphor are great for hands.

Now what about my face, you ask

A non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 30 is recommended. UV rays may cause hyperpigmentation and wrinkling, even in the winter. Sunburns while shoveling snow are often mistaken for windburn. Please wear your sunscreen before shoveling or snow blowing.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a powerful moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule already in your skin that imparts moisture. It's now the “it” product in skin care, since it is a humectant that draws in moisture. Neutrogena Hydroboost is an over the counter HA moisturizer. Dermatologists have access to even more potent forms of this moisture magnet.

For dry lips To keep your lips kissable (especially in February), Aquaphor works well, and Aquaphor with SPF 30 protects your lips from sun damage. Neutrogena colored lip balms with SPF 30 add some pizzazz. Lip gloss lovers make sure gloss stays on the lips and not past the vermillion (line) border of the lips as this causes black heads and acne around the lips.

If you have tried all of this, and you still need a little help, call your dermatologist. Look good, feel great, ascend!