8 Ways To Winterize Your Skin
The sun reflecting off the snow; the wind blistering exposed parts; the cold, dry air sucking out the moisture – winter is a tough time to be your skin.
That’s why you need to take steps to winterize your body’s largest organ. Our providers at Associated Dermatology and Skin Care Clinic of Helena see many patients with irritant dermatitis, a broad term describing skin rashes caused by the elements and other things that come into contact with the skin.
Here are eight recommendations for taking care of your skin this winter:
1. Take it easy with the cleanser. Harsh soaps loaded with chemicals dry out your skin. You might not notice in the summer, but when the air is already dry in winter, it can aggravate your skin’s dehydrated condition. Look for unscented soaps that claim to be hypo-allergenic or gentle. Brands specializing in gentle cleansing include Neutrogena, Cetafil, and Vani Cream.
2. …and your laundry detergent too. Look for hypo-allergenic laundry detergent, double-rinse your clothing and avoid dryer sheets, whose residue can stick to your clothing and irritate your skin.
3. Bathe your skin – in moisturizer. As soon as you step out of the bath or shower (which shouldn’t be too hot – that’s drying too) lather on the moisturizer. Your skin’s pores are open and the cells are more receptive to the moisturizing than at any other time. Nurturing your skin within a minute or two of bathing is the equivalent of moisturizing 10-12 times throughout the day. We recommend creams rather than lotions, which tend to provide less nourishment.
4. Humidify. Give your skin a fighting chance by adding a humidifier to your home. It will add moisture, which the heater is removing, especially if you burn wood.
5. Moisturize from the inside. Drink water, that is. Put the liquids back into your body that the wind and cold are sucking out.
6. Don’t forget the sunscreen. Montana in the winter might seem like an odd place for sunscreen, but the rays that hit your skin when you’re cross-country skiing, snowboarding or shoveling come from the same sun as during the summer. The difference is, they’re getting you from both ends as they reflect off the snow. Lather on the SPF 30 or above at least 30 minutes before you head outside.
7. Think beyond your face. Our providers see many winter rashes on the tops of legs, upper arms, upper back, and anywhere clothing rubs against skin. Don’t forget your hands, which need glove/mitten protection against the cold and dry outdoors and against wetness. Ensure you wear gloves when you wash dishes and put moisturizer on immediately after. It’s the evaporation that contributes to dryness.
8. Kiss your lips. Lip balms with menthol or other scents hurt more than they help. Make your lips shine with a plain balm. Even Vaseline is better than balms with lots of stuff in them.
Associated Dermatology and Skin Care Clinic of Helena encourages a “supportive skin regimen” that includes the steps above.
If you’re struggling with chafed winter skin, contact Associated Dermatology for an appointment at (408) 442-3534 or schedule an appointment online at associateddermhelena.com.
