David J. Corallo, D.O., FAOCD Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery

Skin Care Newsletter (Winter Update)

Dec 31, 2008

Winter Skin Care Tips

Now that much of the nation is experiencing the cold days of winter, it may be useful to remember some basic winter skin care tips.

As the temperature drops, air loses its ability to hold water (humidity). Outdoor exposure to cold, low humid air can leave the skin dry and irritated. Adding insult to injury, the hot forced air used to heat many homes can further dry out the skin. As it dries, skin becomes cracked and itchy. This is sometimes referred to as “winter itch” and is especially common among people with atopic dermatitis, or whose skin tends to be dry on normal days. Some practical tips include:

1) Moisturize!
If you don’t normally apply a moisturizer to your skin, now may be the time to get in the habit. If you use a moisturizer but are still experiencing dry skin, you may benefit from applying the moisturizer more frequently. You may also want to consider changing to a more effective moisturizer. (ointments  are more moisturizing than creams, and creams are more moisturizing than lotions.)

Moisturizer Examples:

• Ointments: Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, Aquaphor
• Creams: Original Eucerin Cream, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, Vaseline Cream, Eutra/Elta Neutrogena Hand Cream)
• Lotions: Vaseline Intensive Care, Lubriderm, Curel

Before going outside, apply a heavy layer of moisturizer to your face, hands, and any other exposed area.

Look for a moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen ( SPF of 15 or higher ) because the winter sun can still damage the skin, and snow reflects much more light.

Also remember to moisturize your skin immediately after bathing, ideally within three minutes. Pat-dry your skin to keep water in, and then apply moisturizer immediately to prevent water evaporation.

The Eczema & Sensitive-Skin Education (EASE) Program provides a helpful resource for people seeking information about eczema and sensitive skin, including the myriad of personal care and household products on the market.

2) Use a humidifier.
Placing one or more humidifier around your home can help to humidify the dry air and prevent your skin from becoming dried and cracked. . Small inexpensive humidifiers can be easily found at most pharmacies or hardware stores.

3) Dress in layers

Excessive sweating and overheating is a common trigger of winter itch. Wearing layers of clothing allows you to add or remove items to keep your body heat in a comfortable range. Remember to wear cotton fabrics next to your skin.

Read more about winter skin care.

Indoor Tanning and Teens

Winter is a busy time for indoor tanning salons as their clients seek to maintain a tan during the darker days. Efforts have been underway in many states to restrict or limit tanning by children under 18 years of age. But they aren’t working. Tanning salon employees are either reluctant to enforce the rules or simply aren’t checking their young customers’ ages. This is extremely unfortunate, because the ultraviolet light of indoor tanning puts users at risk for melanoma and other skin problems.
He or she may also benefit from viewing the YouTube video , “Indoor Tanning is Out” by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Learn more about the risks of indoor tanning.