10 Tips for Addressing Winter Skin Challenges
1. Avoid long, hot showers
Long, hot showers remove important oils that allow your skin to retain moisture
2. Avoid fragrances and dyes
Always try to use fragrance- and dye-free, mild soaps and cleansers
3. Creams over lotions
Creams are better options than lotions and are more effective
4. Apply creams immediately after bathing
Try to apply creams after getting out of a bath or shower while your skin is still warm and moist
5. Use ointments for painful areas
Over-the-counter skin ointment is a good solution for dry, itchy skin
6. Avoid abrasive fabrics
Avoid harsh, abrasive fabrics that can scratch and worsen itching
7. Change detergent types
A fragrance- and dye-free laundry detergent is always a good option to avoid excessive exposure to irritants
8. Keep home temperatures cool
Lowering the thermostat and running a cool mist humidifier at night allows for your skin to stay hydrated
9. Keep a shorter fingernail length
Cut fingernails short (particularly with children) to decrease the risk of skin trauma caused by excessive scratching
10. Seek a board-certified dermatologist
If any of the techniques above do not improve your condition, contact dermatologist for an assessment
Skin Education Fact: Dry skin (xerosis) can often be problematic in winter. Other skin conditions such as eczema (red, dry itchy patches) and psoriasis (thick, scaly red areas often found on elbows, scalp, hands and feet) can also be worsened.
Dr. Corrie Alford is a board-certified dermatologist, specializing in general and cosmetic dermatology, at MetroDerm P.C. in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a graduate of Spellman College, and earned her medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine. She completed her dermatology residency training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in 2006. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Alford is passionate about providing individualized skin care to enhance the overall health and well-being of her patients.
