Winter Dry Skin Refresher
As the temperatures drop and winter weather arrives, it’s time to reevaluate your seasonal skin care routine. Learn how to prevent and treat the dreaded winter dry skin—and keep you and your skin comfortable.
What causes dry skin?
Nearly all of us have experienced dry skin, also called xerosis or xerosis cutis. Learn why.
External factors
Changes in the weather, particularly low humidity and indoor heating during winter months
Detergents, cleansers, sanitizers, and soaps
Skin irritants, especially preservatives, dyes, and fragrances in household products and cosmetics
Excessive washing and drying
Genetics
Genetic conditions can contribute to dry skin and are very common. Diseases such as Keratosis Pilaris, Ichthyosis Vulgaris, and Atopic Dermatitis are examples of such conditions. Patients with these conditions benefit from gentle skin care regimens that can be prescribed by your dermatologist.
Inflammation related to skin diseases
The inflammation occurring in skin diseases, especially eczema and skin allergies (contact dermatitis), causes decreased production of skin barrier molecules and can cause dry and sensitive skin. This feeds into a cycle where the inflamed skin more easily reacts to external triggers, which then contribute to worsening inflammation and symptoms.
Aging
Normal aging decreases lipid production. Gradual changes occur for everyone and may not be noticeable until they cause signs and symptoms or are magnified by external or seasonal factors.
Other causes
Other medical conditions can also contribute to dry skin, including diabetes. Commonly prescribed medications used to control blood pressure and high cholesterol also play a role.
How do you prevent and treat dry skin?
Avoid external triggers, including:
Harsh soaps, detergents, cleansers
Fragrance (look for fragrance-free which is not the same as unscented)
Alcohol-based products such as gels and sanitizers
Dyes and preservatives (more ingredients are not necessarily better)
Hot showers/excessive washing
Note: Many products labeled as natural, organic, or plant-based can still contain strong and irritating dyes or fragrances
Treat with moisturizer.
Lotions:
Lotions are mostly water-based, frequently found in pump bottles, and have a liquid consistency.
They are quickly absorbed into the skin without much residue, which makes them easy to apply.
However, they contain few lipids and therefore offer only a small benefit in terms of skin protection and repair of dry skin.
Examples: CeraVe® Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Cetaphil® Moisturizing Lotion, Aveeno® Moisturizing Body Lotion
Creams:
Creams have a thick consistency and are usually found in jars.
Although they can seem greasier, this represents lipid content, which is protective for dry skin.
Examples: Eucerin® Original Healing Cream, CeraVe® Moisturizing Cream, La Roche-Posay® Lipikar Balm AP+
Ointments:
Ointments are typically fully oil-based, have a jelly-like consistency, and offer the most protection.
Ointments can be effective when the skin remains dry despite treatment with other types of moisturizer.
These are typically petrolatum-based.
Examples: Vaseline®, Aquaphor® Healing Ointment, Vaniply™ Ointment
Be shower and bath savvy.
Shorten showers and baths to help decrease the amount of natural lipids removed from the skin.
Use warm but not hot water.
Use mild, fragrance-free moisturizing cleansers.
Apply moisturizer right after a shower or bath to slightly damp skin—this can lock in the moisture.
MAKE THIS ROUTINE A HABIT LIKE BRUSHING YOUR TEETH.
Is it time to see your SSDP board-certified dermatologist?
Of course, in some cases, home care isn’t enough. As board-certified dermatologists, we have additional options available to help—and can ensure your skin condition is diagnosed and treated correctly.
Any questions? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
