We are well within winter season, and with that, the battle against dry skin resumes, as well as clients' complaints about itchy, red, dry and flaky skin. We asked Elizabeth Mullans, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Uptown Dermatology, for her best tips on keeping skin healthy and moisturized.
What do you suggest for clients with patches of dry, flaky skin?
How do you modify a skincare routine for the winter?
Dry skin occurs when there is no humidity in the atmosphere. Typically, we notice this at the end of summer, because summer is a humid time and in the winter the humidity drops abruptly, and our skin reacts to that and reflects it.
You should always look for something that holds the water in the skin, like petrolatum, which is popular. Hyaluronic acid and lactic acid binds water and keeps it in the skin, especially on dry areas like around ankles and heels of the foot. There are also different degrees of heaviness—something lighter, like a serum, would be for your face, while a lotion cream or oil would be for the body.
How can clients prevent dry skin before it starts?
Moisturize skin with “unscented” cream free of additives, fragrances and perfumes.
How do you best protect the skin barrier during the winter months?
- Use fragrance-free lotions, soaps and detergents.
- Wear cotton loose-fitting clothes. Wool and other rough-feeling fabrics can irritate your skin, causing itching.
- Frequent hand washing or application of hand sanitizer can result in dry, irritated skin. You may want to use a moisturizer to prevent or treat dryness.
- Creams moisturize better than lotions, but creams are often more "goopy."
- Use hypoallergenic, fragrance and dye free detergent specifically formulated by dermatologists for sensitive skin to avoid irritation or worry of itchiness altogether.