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Dermatology

Caring for Skin Through the Dry Colorado Winter

Caring for Skin Through the Dry Colorado Winter

By Sean Ftizsimmons, PA-C

For anyone that has lived in Colorado long enough, dry skin is an ongoing and evolving problem for many of us here. As we head into winter, the combination of weather changes, lifestyle factors and decrease in humidity can lead to an increase in dry, irritated and cracked skin. Effective skin care during Colorado’s winter months can help to relieve dry skin and even prevent flare ups of certain rashes, such as eczema. Below are some tips and tricks to help combat the dry skin this winter.

Lifestyle Changes to Combat Dry Skin

  • Limit exposure to open fires and indoor heating, which can further dry our skin.
  • Use an indoor humidifier to counteract low humidity, especially in the bedroom.
  • Wear protective clothing outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to cold wind.
  • Limit hot showers and baths, which can lead to loss of the skin’s protective layer. Opt for shorter showers with lukewarm to cool water, which limit that loss of protection.
  • Make sure to stay routinely hydrated throughout the day.

Moisturizers for Dry, Sensitive Skin

Apply a moisturizing cream liberally and frequently—ideally about a shot glass worth should cover the entire body. This is best done immediately after showering/bathing while the skin is still damp. Ingredients to look out for include:

  • Humectants, which attract and retain water in the skin (such as glycerol/glycerin, urea, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid)
  • Occlusives, which provide a physical barrier to reduce water loss (such as petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, paraffin)
  • Emollients, which soften and smooth the skin (such as fatty acids, triglycerides, lanolin, squalene, and natural oils)
  • Barrier lipids, to rebuild the body’s natural protective layer (such as ceramides and cholesterol).

Avoid products with alcohol, lactic acid and glycolic acid, which can sting and irritate the skin.

Other Tips for Treating Dry Skin

  • Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers to clean the skin.
  • Even in the wintertime, our skin is still susceptible to sunburns and long-term damage, including an increased risk for skin cancer. Wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and sun protective clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

What To Do When Dry Skin is Persistent

When dry skin does not improve with these tips and tricks, our skilled dermatology providers can help you to develop a plan to get long-term relief.

Call Vanguard Skin Specialists today at (719) 355-1585 to schedule an appointment, or use our convenient appointment request form. Our highly qualified doctors and providers look forward to helping to ensure your skin stays healthy and clear for a lifetime.

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Sean Fitzsimmons, PA-C

Sean Fitzsimmons, PA-C

Sean Fitzsimmons grew up in Colorado Springs in a family grounded in service—his father served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, and his mother immigrated from the Philippines and continues to serve in childcare and hospitality. As a child, he split his time between Colorado and England, skateboarding, snowboarding, and running competitively, always curious about how his surroundings and people worked.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, gaining early clinical exposure in a sleep laboratory and developing his interest in health and medicine. After working as a medical assistant at Vanguard Skin Specialists for three years, he received top patient-satisfaction awards and discovered his passion for dermatology.

To deepen his expertise, Sean completed his master’s in physician assistant studies at Midwestern University, focusing his capstone project on current treatments for plaque psoriasis—a serious skin condition many patients face. After serving in primary care in Pueblo and Cañon City, he returned to dermatology full-time with Vanguard.

Today, he provides dermatologic care to children and adults, delivering thoughtful diagnostics, education, and treatment in conditions ranging from eczema to skin cancer. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, car detailing, building racecars, playing board games, and spending time with his wife Caroline and their two dogs Coconut and Butter. His background, curiosity, and heart for people drive him to blend skilled dermatologic care with warm, personal connection.