Winters skin care. Winter Skincare Tips – 10 Dermatologist Approved Tips from Dr. Husienzad

12.08.202304.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common winter skin issues? How can you keep your skin healthy during the winter? Discover 10 dermatologist-approved tips to combat dry, irritated skin this season.

Содержание

The Impact of Winter on Skin

Cold, dry air can easily irritate your skin during the winter months. The decrease in the important skin protein filaggrin, combined with dry indoor heat and harsh winter winds, can lead to various skin issues. Understanding how winter affects the skin is the first step in maintaining healthy, glowing skin all season long.

Common Winter Skin Issues

Winter brings a unique set of skin challenges. From eczema and psoriasis to rosacea and Raynaud’s disease, several common skin conditions can worsen during the colder months. Staying on top of skin moisture is crucial for managing these winter skin woes.

Eczema

Eczema, a prevalent skin condition affecting over 31 million Americans, is often triggered by the cold, dry weather of winter. Characterized by inflamed, red, and itchy patches, eczema flare-ups can be frustrating during this time of year.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that causes red, scaly patches. The decreased sunlight and cold weather of winter can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, leading to more frequent flare-ups.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes facial redness and flushing. Cold weather is a well-known trigger for many individuals with rosacea, leading to worsening of their symptoms.

Keratosis Pilaris

Also known as “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition that causes rough, bumpy patches on the skin. These bumps often become more pronounced during the dry winter months.

Raynaud’s Disease

Affecting up to 10% of Americans, Raynaud’s disease causes the blood vessels in the fingers and toes to spasm in response to cold, leading to decreased blood flow and a white, numb appearance. This condition can be particularly bothersome during the winter.

10 Dermatologist-Approved Winter Skincare Tips

While your regular skincare routine may not require a complete overhaul, implementing a few key changes can help your skin stay healthy and hydrated throughout the winter. Here are 10 tips from dermatologist Dr. Husienzad to keep your skin glowing all season long.

1. Moisturize Frequently

Opt for thick, creamy moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and petrolatum to lock in moisture and prevent water loss. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream, and Vaseline are excellent choices.

2. Switch to Hydrating Cleansers

Avoid harsh, drying cleansers during the winter months. Instead, choose gentle, fragrance-free, and hydrating options like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, BMD Gentle Cleanse, and La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Cleanser.

3. Moisturize Acne-Prone Skin

Even if you have oily, acne-prone skin, using hydrating, oil-free, and fragrance-free moisturizers can help combat excess dryness and peeling during the winter. CeraVe Facial Moisturizer, Neutrogena HydroBoost Moisturizer, and BMD Moisture Lux are great options.

4. Limit Hot Showers

While a long, hot shower may be tempting in the winter, it can further strip your skin of its natural oils. Limit showers to 15 minutes and use lukewarm water to avoid irritating your skin.

5. Avoid Harsh Scrubs and Scented Products

Loofahs, bath mitts, and harsh scrubs can irritate dry skin and lead to eczema flare-ups. Opt for gentle, fragrance-free products to avoid further drying out your skin.

6. Humidify Your Environment

Using a humidifier in your home and office can help add moisture back into the dry winter air, preventing your skin from becoming overly dehydrated.

7. Protect Your Skin from the Elements

When venturing outside, be sure to bundle up and protect your skin from the harsh winter wind and cold. Wear gloves, scarves, and other protective clothing to minimize exposure.

8. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen. UV rays can still damage your skin, even in the winter. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

9. Exfoliate Gently

Sloughing off dead skin cells can help your moisturizers and other products penetrate more effectively. However, be sure to use a gentle, non-irritating exfoliator to avoid further drying out your skin.

10. Supplement with Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function. Consider adding a fish oil or algae-based supplement to your daily routine.

By implementing these 10 dermatologist-approved tips, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing all throughout the winter season.

Winter Skincare Tips – 10 Dermatologist Approved Tips from Dr. Husienzad

Introduction

Cold, dry air can easily irritate your skin. Luckily, there are many ways to combat the causes of dry winter skin and keep your skin smooth and supple all season long.

While this article spells out 10 approved winter skincate tips, and we highly recommend you read the full article, here are the key points we will focus on:

To keep blustery conditions from bothering your skin, consider implementing these 10 skincare tips recommended by Bryn Mawr Dermatologist, Dr. Husienzad.

What Happens to Your Skin in the Winter?

Filaggrin, one of the most important proteins in our skin for maintaining the barrier function and natural moisturizing factors, decreases during the winter. It also decreases with age and hormonal changes. This combined with the dry cold weather, low humidity, and indoor heating that dehydrates our skin leads to dryness and worsening of skin conditions for many people.

5 Common Winter Skin Issues

Getting on top of skin moisture is one of the key components to maintaining skin health during the winter. Between the cold air, harsh winter winds, and dry indoor heat, it is easy for skin conditions to flare up. Here are five common winter skin issues that may worsen during the wintertime.

1. Eczema

Eczema is a common skin condition affecting over 31 million Americans. Characterized by inflamed, red, itchy patches of skin, eczema is caused by a combination of immune system activation, environmental triggers, and stress. Cold dry weather can trigger eczema flares in winter.

2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-term disease that causes red, itchy scaly patches on the skin, which flare up for a few weeks or months before subsiding or going into remission. The most common sites for psoriasis are your knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. While there is no cure for psoriasis, your dermatologist can devise a treatment plan to help you manage your condition. Cold weather and decreased sunlight can cause worsening psoriasis in the winter.

3. Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition causing blushing or flushing in your face and eyes. Rosacea may flare up for weeks or months before subsiding or going into remission. If left untreated, rosacea can lead to permanent damage to the skin and eyes. Cold weather is a common trigger for many.

4. Keratosis Pilaris (‘Chicken Skin’)

Keratosis Pilaris, also known as “Chicken Skin,” is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps on the skin. These skin-colored or reddish bumps can appear on your arms, legs, or buttocks. These are often more pronounced when the skin is dry, such as during wintertime.

5. Raynaud’s Disease

Affecting up to 5 to 10% of Americans, Raynaud’s disease occurs when blood vessels in your fingers and toes spasm in response to cold, stress, or emotional upset. This leads to decreased blood flow, causing your fingers or toes to turn, cold, white, and numb, and can be a bothersome issue during the winter.

Importance of Winter Skin Care

You do not need a major overhaul of your skin care regimen during the colder months. You should, however, focus on more hydrating varieties of your products, and reduce irritating products to combat the dryness that winter inevitably brings.

10 Winter Skincare Tips from Dr. Husienzad