Skin Clinic MD

Here are some tips for fighting dry winter skin:

Clean up gently: The products you use to cleanse your can either preserve your skin’s moisture or wash it away. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, facial cleansers and toners containing alcohol tend to strip the skin of its natural oils. Look for moisturizing facial cleansers and mild, fragrance-free soaps or body washes.

Additionally, you’ll want to keep baths or showers short and use warm — not hot — water. Exposure to hot water breaks down the skin’s protective barrier.  Apply lotion within five to 10 minutes after bathing.

Choose a new moisturizer: To help lock in moisture in the winter, you’ll want to switch to an oil-based moisturizer.  Even those with oily skin will want a light oil-based moisturizer. Those with dry skin should use a heavier oil-based moisturizer. Those with combination skin might need multiple products.

When choosing a new moisturizer, be sure to check labels for non-comedogenic ingredients, which don’t cause acne. After you’ve selected a moisturizer, use it at least twice a day — in the morning and in the evening.

Exfoliate often: Sloughing off the dead skin cells at the surface of your skin is helpful because it allows moisturizer to go deeper into the epidermis.  If you over-exfoliate though your dry skin can get irritated and oily skin will react by producing even more oil.  Twice a week is recommended.

Microderm abrasion is a popular spa treatment for removing dead skin cells.

Shave carefully: Using dull blades, going against the grain, skipping shaving cream and applying too much pressure while shaving can irritate the skin, causing cuts, nicks and razor burn. To minimize the effects of shaving on already-dry skin, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends shaving after bathing, when the hairs are softest. Use a shaving cream or gel and allow it to sit on the skin about three minutes before starting. Shave in the direction the hair grows, and be sure to change your razor blades every five to six shaves.

Protect your hands: Your hands take a beating in the winter because the skin is thinner and has fewer oil glands. They’re often exposed to cold weather and wind, and the threat of flu tends to make people wash their hands more frequently.  The key to happy hands in winter is reapplying moisturizer frequently.

There also are spa treatments that can help get the hands into tiptop shape. Aberle said some clients ask for microderm abrasion treatments to rid their hands of dead skin. Others ask for exfoliating manicures. A paraffin wax treatment involves slathering the hands in a thick hand cream and then dipping them in the wax to help the moisturizer work its way deep into the skin.

Don’t forget the SPF: You might not be basking in the sunshine for hours at a time, but the sun’s rays can still have a harmful effect on your skin.  To protect your skin, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to your face and hands 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Consider moisturizers and lip balms with sunscreen blended in.

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