Winterize Your Skin

Tips for a healthy glow amid the cold and snow
During the blistery, cold winter months, we protect ourselves by layering on hats, gloves and sweaters but aside from efforts to keep warm there are even greater health threats posed to the skin. Lack of moisture in the skin during the winter season causes cracking, chapping and irritation. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), the sun can also be just as damaging to the skin in the winter as it is during the summer.

People don’t realize the health threats associated with the glaring sun and bitter cold temperatures of the winter season. At times, the wind and sun combination is so harmful that it can cause serious burns and skin conditions such as eczema.

Healthy skin takes year round maintenance, so ASDS offers the following dos and don’ts as we enter the chilling winter months:

Do's: 

• Do Moisturize: Moisturizer helps protects against the harsh elements. It’s best to apply moisturizer directly after a bath or shower to help seal in and replenish the skin with the necessary water and oils.
• Do Pamper Your Hands: Wearing gloves are a simple, easy way to help protect hands from the cold temperatures and dry air that triggers eczema. Nails can also become brittle; gloves can also help eliminate cracked and splitting cuticles and nails.
• Do See a dermatologic surgeon: If you develop dry and itchy skin or eczema, don’t let the skin condition get worst. For more information or to find a dermatologic surgeon near you, visit the Find a dermatologic surgeon section of the ASDS Web site.

Don'ts:

• Don’t Forget the Sunscreen: Since the snow reflects sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sun during the winter are still strong. Participating in winter recreational activities without applying sunscreen may result in severe burns.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Apply and Press: Don’t forget about the lips: One recent study shows that only six percent of Americans are aware that ultraviolet rays can cause lip cancer. The study also revealed that men in North America have a five to 10 times greater incidence of lip cancer than women. So, during the winter months men and women alike should apply lipblocks or lipsticks that contain a high SPF.
• Don’t Take Long Hot Showers: While everyone enjoys basking a long hot shower, the hot water can strip the skin of its natural elements contributing to dry skin. Instead, use lukewarm water for a shorter period of time, and your skin will benefit in the long run.