Winter Skin Care: Treating Dry and Chapped Skin
When winter arrives, it has a nasty habit of bringing both snow and dry skin along with it. Some people are not as affected as others, but it can be an irritating season for those negatively affected by the weather. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute can provide you with tips and tricks on how to avoid and treat dry and chapped skin.
As the Seasons Change so Does our Skin
If you know ahead of time your skin takes a turn for the worst when winter arrives, these tips can help prevent a severe case of dryness. If you’re new to the dry skin season, these tips can help treat your case of dryness. The dry cool air can wreak havoc on your face, hands, feet, legs and/or scalp. Sometimes all areas are affected and sometimes one area is affected, but severely. The first symptoms you will notice are cracking, scaling and redness. Once you notice these symptoms it is time to find the proper treatment.
How to Treat Dry Skin
Dryness affects our scalp, hair, body and face but can be treated if taken care of in a timely manner. A common breeding ground for the dry winter air lies in our scalps. You will know your scalp has been affected if you notice symptoms including itching, extreme dryness or dandruff on the scalp. In a mild case of dryness these symptoms will go away on their own. In a severe case, a specific shampoo dedicated to rejuvenating the scalp area will need to be purchased or, if severe enough, prescribed by your dermatologist. A prescription strength shampoo will help exfoliate, moisturize and remove oils and dandruff buildup.
Not only is the scalp affected by the dry winter air, but so is your actual hair. Signs of our hair being affected included dullness, split ends and our hair feeling heavy. Whether you notice these signs or know they are on the way because of prior experiences, you will want to discuss with your dermatologist a specialized shampoo and conditioner. A specialized shampoo and conditioner can help bring life back to your hair through moisturization.
Our hair isn’t the only area that needs moisturization. Our bodies need it too. It is important to always stay hydrated with water, but even more so in the winter. If your winter skin includes a dry skin rash on your hands, feet or legs, water will help to replenish and rehydrate your body. In addition to water, a good, non-irritating body lotion will brighten your skin tone and soften your dry skin.
Adding moisture back into your routine doesn’t stop at the hands, legs and feet. We need to continue to moisturize our face as that is often the most affected by winter. As the weather becomes dry and crisp, unfortunately so does our face. To combat this, we recommend finding a moisturizing cleanser. It should be gentle on the skin and leave your face soft and glowing.
Contact Us
Winter doesn’t have to be the most dreaded season of all. If you are in the Bloomington, Illinois or surrounding area, complete this form so we can help you with your winter skincare. The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute look forward to helping you keep the dryness away.