Expert advice to keep your skin healthy and hydrated this winter

Our skin takes a beating during the harsh Minnesota winters. Low humidity, cold temperatures and lack of sunlight all contribute to dry skin which requires extra attention this time of year. Molly Kozlowski, PA-C, Ridgeview’s Dermatology practice, shares advice for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated this winter and signs to watch for when it may be more than just dry skin.

Five tips for keeping your skin hydrated this winter

1. Moisturize your skin. “‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' Moisturize before you get the winter itch to prevent it,” Kozlowski said. Choose a moisturizer that is free of fragrances and dyes, developed specifically for your skin type—normal, dry, oily, combination, etc. Kozlowski recommends using creams in the winter and lotions during the summer. Her favorite brands include Eucerin and Cerave.
2. Avoid long, hot showers. Because water strips away the skin’s natural oils, you should keep showers to under five minutes and baths to 15 minutes or less. Use warm to lukewarm water if possible; a long, hot shower on a cold winter day may feel good at the time, only to cause itchy, dry skin later. Pat yourself dry after bathing and moisturize within 10 minutes of showering to trap moisture.
3. Hydrate from the inside, out. Drinking the recommended amount of water daily is not only important for overall health and wellness but also plays a large part in keeping your skin hydrated. While the general guideline of eight glasses (64 ounces) is a good amount to try to drink each day, your body may require more depending on your size and physical activity. Upping your typical water intake during the dry, cold months helps moisturize your skin naturally.
4. Humidify your home and office. If you do not have a whole house humidifier, consider using a small stand-alone cool mist humidifier in your bedroom and your workspace. In addition to hydrating your skin, humidifiers help reduce the spread of germs and relieve cold, flu and allergy symptoms.
5. Use gentle cleansers and detergents. Using harsh cleansers and detergents can damage your skin’s moisture barrier and irritate your skin. Choose cleansers that are free of perfumes and dyes and ‘free and clear’ laundry detergents. Kozlowski suggests limiting soap use to areas that need it most—groin, armpits, feet, etc.—a little soap goes a long way.

Psoriasis, eczema, or simply dry winter skin?

Scaly, bumpy, itchy or inflamed skin may be a sign that you have a skin condition beyond what is considered normal for dry skin. These include psoriasis and eczema which are autoimmune skin conditions. While they tend to flare up more during the winter months, these conditions can be present year-round.

“If there are any complicating symptoms, such as blisters or yellow crusts, warmth or pain associated with a rash, you should see a provider for evaluation,” Kozlowski explains. “When using over-the-counter creams—yes, creams, not lotion—daily and the rash does not seem to improve after one to two weeks, it’s time to schedule an appointment.”

Your skin serves as a barrier to the outside world

“It is always good to remember that your skin's job is to be a barrier to the outside world, and when it doesn't do its job due to dryness, you may be vulnerable to infection,” Kozlowski said. She advises taking extra care of your hands and lips. “Use Aquaphor, an over-the-counter healing ointment, on your lips before leaving for outdoor winter adventures. Applying Aquaphor with cotton gloves at night can also do wonders for cracked hands—often this will heal cracks without the need for prescription products,” she added.

Ridgeview’s Dermatology practice provides diagnosis and clinical treatment for a full range of skin, hair and nail conditions. If you feel your skin is suffering from more than just dry skin, schedule an appointment with a provider today.

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