Winter Watch
Head-to-toe cold-weather tips
Nurturing your skin is something you should do all year long. But skin may need a little extra care during the winter months, when lower humidity, blustery winds and exposure to dry, indoor heat can make it drier and itchier than usual. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your skin from damage.
Maintain Hydration First, experts suggest bathing in warm — not hot — water, and not spending more than ten minutes in the shower during a 24-hour period. Washing with hot, soapy water or washing too often — something we do more often in winter to protect ourselves from germs that cause illnesses, such as the flu — can contribute to dry skin because it removes the natural, protective oils that keep it hydrated.
Preserve Moisture
Be sure to replace those natural oils by applying moistur- izer within three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, to seal the moisture in the skin. You can reapply moisturizer throughout the day, especially to areas most prone to dryness. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends ointments and creams rather than lo- tions to keep skin moist.
Treat Dermatitis
If you have problems with itching, cracking or redness, you may have dermatitis. A dermatologist can prescribe medi- cated creams or ointments to help treat it. You may want to also purchase a humidifier for your home or office to put moisture back into the air where you spend the majority of your time.
Avoid Rashes
Heat rash — which occurs when pores are blocked and perspiration is trapped under the skin — can develop if you overdo it when bundling up to fight the cold. This can cause blisters or deep, red lumps that can become itchy. Wear breathable fabrics to prevent heat rash. According to the Mayo Clinic, heat rash usually clears up on its own.
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