I don’t know about the weather where you are, but greater Los Angeles weather has turned really cold. We have had almost 2 weeks of colder temperatures, including a singular morning temperature of 34 degrees! That’s almost freezing! Now that all of California is dealing with significantly colder weather, lots of cold rainstorms coming through California and it’s getting colder! The rest of the US is having to deal with temperatures so much colder than usual and some have been below zero.
While it doesn’t bother me too much to take a quick walk with my dogs or go for a walk by myself in that kind of weather, it’s still really cold! I have noticed my skin is definitely not liking the outcome of those walks I have been doing. I come back with either a pink face or one that is exceptionally pale. My skin has started to flake and to itch. I have tried some moisturizer and/or lotions and they don’t do much. Plus some products actually make my skin itch more!
I am betting anyone living in the Mid-West and the Eastern portion of the US have it much worse than I do. What can we do about our skin? What products should we use? What products should we avoid?
Dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak is sharing some great tips and tricks for all of us to try.
When the cold weather arrives, so does lowered humidity, making dry and itchy skin an uncomfortable but customary part of the winter season as the body naturally reacts to the abrupt temperature changes. In addition to seasonal changes, drying soaps and detergents can trigger factors such as eczema, psoriasis, and aging creating additional seasonal skin irritation. Julie Russak, M.D., FAAD., Board-Certified Dermatologist and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center provides advice on how to best care for skin in the colder weather.
“Paying careful attention to your own body and taking note of any skin discomfort is one of the first steps to relieve any itching and dryness,” says Dr. Russak. “Because skin irritation is common during the winter, with cold weather as one of the top culprits for itchy skin, there are many over-the-counter treatments available to help quickly address winter itch at the first sign of discomfort.”
To help soothe itchy and dry skin, try the following tips:
1. Pay attention to your skin type. It’s important to use skincare products geared specifically for your skin type – whether it’s normal, dry, oily, combination, or sensitive skin. Oil-free soap is recommended for acne-prone skin and for dry skin, it is best to avoid witch hazel.
2. Apply an intensive moisturizer or ointment when stepping out of the shower. Water evaporates off the skin quickly after a shower and can leave skin feeling dry, making it the perfect time to moisturize skin. Powerhouse ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and petrolatum bind water and help retain moisture. Petrolatum is used in products like Aquaphor Healing ointment which can be used to soothe over dry and cracked skin as well as prevent moisture loss.
3. Use oil-free and fragrance-free soaps, lotions, and creams. Those who frequently hand-wash and bathe use plenty of drying soaps with irritating ingredients which further cause skin discomfort in the winter. Make sure to apply a fragrance-free lotion or hand cream after washing hands to help soothe and subdue dry and patchy skin.
4. Use a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free laundry detergent. Laundry detergent with artificial dyes and skin irritants can trigger skin reactions and cause further irritation to dry skin – especially with all of winter’s extra clothing: layers, scarves, sweaters, hats, and now masks. Try Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin, Free & Clear detergent when washing clothing and face masks—this product is specifically formulated for sensitive skin and dermatologist-tested to help avoid skin irritation and itchiness altogether. Avoid products that advertise “wrinkle-free” such as drying sheets.
5. Advance to a thicker cream or ointment if your lotion isn’t hydrating enough. For those who need extra moisture and protection from the dry air, a cream is a great barrier for the skin since it’s thicker, locking in moisture. For a comprehensive winter skin routine, try a light serum on the face followed by a thicker cream or oil.
6. Avoid extreme temperature changes. A humidifier is great for those who suffer from dry skin and eczema as temperatures fluctuate throughout the seasons. A humidifier can help the indoor spaces maintain a relatively cool environment with a humidity level of 30-40% for the winter months.
“While over the counter options are quick and simple to implement into your lifestyle, make sure to consult your dermatologist before making any extreme changes to skincare and see if these changes are right for your skin conditions,” adds Russak.
Dr. Russak also recommends products with Petrolatum like Aquaphor Healing ointment which can be used to soothe over dry and cracked skin as well as prevent moisture loss.
About Dr. Russak:
Julie E. Russak, M.D., FAAD., is a Board-Certified Dermatologist, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic and Russak+ Aesthetic Center. Dr. Russak has received numerous honors and recognition of her clinical excellence, including being selected as a “New York Super Doctor” by The New York Times. Dr. Russak currently serves as Faculty at Mount Sinai Hospital, where she teaches Dermatology Residents and Medical Students. Her clinical interests and expertise extend to many aspects of General, Cosmetic and Pediatric Dermatology, Skin Cancer, and Dermatologic Surgery.
Dr. Julie Russak completed her undergraduate studies at Hunter College with a B.S. Magna Cum Laude in Biological Sciences with Phi Beta Kappa Honors. During her undergraduate tenure, she garnered a prestigious award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for her studies and excellence in Genetics and Immunology. Dr. Julie Russak attended the New York University School of Medicine, graduating with Honors and the prestigious Marion B. Sulzberger Dermatology Award.
Follow Dr. Russak on these social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Russakderm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RussakDerm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjulierussak/
Thanks to Dr. Russak for these great suggestions and tips. I am starting to use all these tips right away. The last thing I need is any more peeling skin or blotchy pink skin from such cold, dry weather!
Stevie Wilson
LA-Story.com
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