Season of Itch
- Posted on: Dec 19 2018
Do you tend to get dry, flaky, itchy skin as the weather cools down? The cold winter months can be brutal for your skin. The main causes of skin irritation are the winter wind, dry indoor air, harsh soaps, low humidity, and cold weather sunburn.
Some conditions require visiting your dermatologists, but there are several steps you can use to prevent and treat dry, itchy skin at home.
Tip 1: MOISTURIZE- Even if you think your skin is moisturized, apply another layer. Creams tend to be more hydrating than lotions, but both are effective. Apply your moisturizer immediately after your bath or shower while your skin is still damp. It will help lock in the moisture.
Tip 2: Use gentle soaps and moisturizers such as Vanicream products. (fragrance free, sensitive skin, no additives)
Tip 3: Limit your bath or shower to 10-15 minutes and turn down the temperature to avoid drying out your skin. A hot shower feels great, but it strips your skin of its natural oils.
Tip 4: Wear lip balm. The skin on our lips is extremely thin, making them more prone to damage not only from the sun, but also extreme cold and wind. Choose a moisturizing lip balm that feels good on your lips and has SPF in it.
Tip 5: Be aware of the sun, even on cloudy days. The sun’s rays can cause skin damage, even in the winter months. Did you know that the snow is a better reflector than water? It bounces 80% of the sun’s rays back to us, which is why you can still get a sun burn, even in the winter. It’s important to use a good physical sunscreen all year long, no matter what the weather is like! Look for sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Tizo mineral sunscreens offer a wide variety of cosmetically elegant sun protection that also work as makeup primers, replenish moisture, and are offered in both tinted and non-tinted options.
Elta MD offers a facial sunscreen made for acne-prone skin that comes in both tinted and non-tinted options.
Tip 6: Hydrate yourself and your house. Dry indoor air caused by heaters can irritate your skin. Use a humidifier to pump moisture into the air. Don’t forget to drink water to keep your skin at the optimal hydration level. The recommended amount is 6-8 glasses daily.
Tip 7: Get your diet into the mix. A diet rich in healthy fats can help prevent dry, itchy skin. Omega- 3s are essential fatty acids that help make up your skin’s natural, moisture-retaining oil barrier. Flax, walnuts, safflower oil, tuna, herring, halibut, and salmon are all rich in Omega-3s.
Tip 8: Bundle up! Exposure to cold air and wind can damage the skin. Wear gloves, scarves, and other winter accessories to reduce your skin’s exposure to the dry elements of the air.
Tagged with: Dr. Jenifer Lloyd, Dr. Madeline Tarrillion, Dry Skin, Jenny Potter PA-C, Lloyd Dermatology Center, Skin Basic, Skin care, Tips, Winter itch, Winter Tips
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