Seasonal Skin Care

By Nicole Hayre, MD

Cosmetic Dermatology Center

. http://www.cosmetic-dermatology-center.com

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Seasonal Skin Care

Fall is almost upon us, and the weather will soon change. We instinctively protect ourselves from the cooler weather by wearing warmer, more protective garments. The idea of having to bring up the topic of switching our seasonal wardrobes is almost ridiculous, because it is something that we take for granted. But how many of you change your skin care when the weather changes? Do you protect the exposed skin on your face from the harsh winter air with a stronger moisturizer, or do you use the same product all year and just hope for the best?

Let's Face the Facts

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and its primary function is to protect the rest of the body from the environment. It is a natural engineering marvel; however, like most things, it does have its limits. The skin can protect you from extreme heat or cold but only to a point. So if the skin does such a great job of protecting us, why do we have to protect it? Over time, the environment can affect the skin in many different ways. One of the most familiar problems is the effect of sun on the skin over time. Many of us now wear sunscreens to ward off sun damage, including wrinkles and skin cancers. What about protecting it from other environmental assaults?

Cold Air, Dry Heat

Winter exposes our skin to cold air outdoors and dry heat indoors. The combined effect is to dry out the skin. This is why we need to moisturize with heavier moisturizers in the winter.

What Happens To Dry Skin?

Over time, dry neglected skin will become rougher and coarser. Dry skin will also eventually start to itch. This common phenomenon, referred to as “winter itch,” is also a problem with the elderly. Many elderly patients have neglected to moisturize their skin sufficiently, and it becomes very itchy year round. Unfortunately, once the scratching begins, it is a hard habit to break. Dry skin also leads to more flares of several common skin problems, including eczema and psoriasis. Eczema and psoriasis patients who do not moisturize their skin will have more flares in a given time period than patients with comparable disease who do moisturize.

Where To Start

There are numerous good body and facial moisturizing products on the market. A good rule to remember is that the skin on the face and body differ, so they need their own products. Do not use body products on the face (this can cause acne break-outs). Do not take overly hot showers, because this will dry out the skin. In general, body washes are less drying than bars of soap. Always moisturize after showering or bathing.

When gearing up to moisturize, you must take into account your skin type, your usual activities, and the environment. Be careful not to over moisturize. This is actually a common mistake in the warmer months and can lead to acne break-outs. If you need more specific advice, please consult a board-certified dermatologist.