At Compassion Dermatology, we take great skin seriously. If you live in the Southlake Area and want great skincare from dedicated professionals, look no further. We are now heading into the summer but it’s never too early to have notes for our winter skincare. And as we know, Texas weather changes suddenly. We understand that cold, dry air can cause skin irritations that lead to blemishes and blotchy areas. Fortunately, you can minimize the effects of winter weather and dry indoor air by following our tips below. First, let’s find out what happens to skin during the wintertime.
What Happens to Your Skin in the Winter?
You may not know what filaggrin is. However, it’s very important to your skin health. Filaggrin Is a protein that forms a barrier that protects your skin. It acts as a natural moisturizer but you have less of it in colder weather. Unfortunately, your body also produces less with hormonal changes and aging. This can cause a severe effect during the cold season or times of low humidity. Indoor heating can exacerbate the loss of this natural moisturizer. Often, that means dry skin and worsening of certain chronic skin conditions.
Here are five skin conditions affected by the winter weather in the Southlake Area.
Eczema
Millions of Americans suffer from eczema, characterized by red, itchy patches on various parts of your body, including your arms, neck, and face. Flare-ups are caused by environmental issues such as stress and cold, dry weather.
Psoriasis
In dermatology, we often see psoriasis also worsened during the winter. You will most likely develop psoriasis on your elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk. Visit our office for immediate treatment and follow the tips below to help keep your skin in good condition to minimize outbreaks. Unfortunately, decreased sunlight is one of the major triggers of worsening psoriasis conditions.
Rosacea
Rosacea Looks like blushing and affects your face, particularly the area around the eyes. You may have flares for weeks or even months before it subsides. When left untreated, it can damage your skin and eyes. Cold weather is often a trigger for the condition.
Keratosis Pilaris (‘Chicken Skin’)
The descriptive common name for this condition is chicken skin. It’s characterized by dry, rough patches or tiny bumps. Although harmless, it can cause self-consciousness as it causes reddish bumps on the legs, arms, and buttocks areas.
Raynaud’s Disease
When blood vessels in your toes and fingers spasm due to stress, emotional upset or cold, it can lead to a condition called Raynaud’s disease. Related decreased blood flow can cause bothersome issues as it leads to cold or numb extremities.
If you experience any of these conditions or other unexplained changes to your skin this winter, it’s important to make a dermatology appointment to assess the impact on your health and well-being.
Importance of Winter Skin Care in the Southlake Area
You don’t have to drastically change your skincare routine during the winter. However, it’s important to focus on hydration. Ensure that the products you use don’t dry or irritate your skin, as that can exacerbate the effects of winter weather and dry indoor air due to your heating system.
Consider adopting some of the following dermatology tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing when cold weather settles in. Of course, it’s a good idea to talk to your dermatologist before changing the products you use on your skin.
Moisturize Frequently
Thick moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and ceramides assist with sealing moisture into your skin.
Use Hydrating Cleansers
During the winter months, skip harsh cleansers in favor of ones that will hydrate your skin. Avoid anything that says squeaky clean on the label as that probably means it strips away natural oils. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers are often the best options for removing makeup without over-drying your skin.
Take It Easy on Acne-Prone Skin
Speak with your dermatologist on how to keep your acne under control without overly irritating your skin. Often, your dermatologist will recommend oil-free and fragrance-free products that moisturize your face without causing peeling and skin damage.
Take Warm Not Hot Showers
Few things feel as good as hot water to warm up on a cold winter day. However, those long hot showers can dry out your skin. Instead, limit showers to 15 minutes and use warm rather than hot water.
Avoid Harsh Scrubs
Bath mitts, loofahs and scrubbers with rough textures can cause eczema and other skin conditions to flare up. Instead, choose gentle body washes and unscented soap to gently clean your skin.
Exfoliate Gently
Using gentle exfoliation is one of the best dermatology tips you can follow. Avoid harsh scrubs in favor of products with lactic acid and moisturizers. Lactic acid can gently exfoliate dead skin without irritating it.
Use Sunscreen
Although you may see less of the sun during the winter months, it’s important to use sunscreen. The sun’s UVB rays, though weaker in the winter, can still cause aging effects. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 30+ and apply it throughout the day.
Skip the Second (or Third) Drink
Alcohol dehydrates your body, including your skin. So, limit your alcohol intake to help your skin retain its healthy glow.
Here’s a bonus dermatology tip: Using humidifiers while you sleep can improve your skin’s moisture retention.
Carry Lip Balm With You
Did you know that your lips can become sunburned in the winter? It’s true. To prevent chapping and sunburn, bring lip balm with you to work, during errands, and keep it handy as you relax or work around the house.
Schedule a Dermatology Appointment Today
Contact Compassion Dermatology to schedule an appointment to discuss wintertime skin concerns. Our beautifully appointed office in the Southlake Area and highly skilled dermatology team will help you feel welcome and at home right away. We’ll also do whatever we can to improve the health and beauty of your skin.
Photo by puhhha at Shutterstock
