How To Winterize Your Skin

By Syed Amiry, DO

Do you find your skin dry, irritated, or uncomfortable in the winter? Do you suffer from “winter itch”? Some people even endure painful, cracked skin that can be unsightly. It can be difficult to keep skin hydrated, healthy and comfortable during this season.

To prevent dehydrating the skin, try these helpful hints.

Turn down your thermostat. As the temperature drops outside, the furnace pumps out more dry heat into your home. Dry, indoor heat can dehydrate the skin.

Use a humidifier in the bedroom if the humidity is low. It can replace some of the moisture in the air of your home during this drier season.

Take a short, lukewarm shower no more than daily. Long, hot showers may provide temporary relief, but cause irritation and itching hours later. Thus, limit your shower to less than 10 minutes and avoid hot water.

Use a mild, fragrance free cleanser. Deodorant and anti-bacterial soaps strip the natural oils in the skin and may cause more irritation. Avoid exfoliating scrubs or loofahs because these are too abrasive for dry, sensitive skin.

Moisturize. Gently pat your skin dry with a towel after showering. Do not rub. Then, apply a lotion from the neck down while the skin is still damp. Although lotion does not add actual moisture, it traps it in the skin. When picking a moisturizing lotion, look for one with any the following ingredients ceramides, mineral oil, petrolatum, glycerin, dimethicone, and hyaluronic acid. Also, make certain the moisturizer is fragrance free and for dry or sensitive skin. Consistent use of lotions during the day may help prevent dryness from returning.

Keep well hydrated. Drinking water helps keep the skin moisturized and is easy to forget during winter time.

Choose a dye-free, fragrance-free detergent to wash clothes. Residual detergent on clothing may exacerbate already irritated skin.

Opt for layers of cotton and other non-irritating fabrics to keep warm. Prickly sweaters, such as wool, keep you warm in the cold months, but intensify itching.

Wear sunscreen every day. Even in winter your skin is exposed to the sun. The exposure increases dryness, speeds up the aging process and increases your risk of skin cancer. Daily use of a sunscreen protects the skin from damaging rays as well as provides a layer of moisture to the skin.

Changing your routine to include some of these tips can help maintain hydrated skin and prevent dryness. If not, see your skin care professional. Extremely dry skin may require a prescription cream or ointment to alleviate symptoms.