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By Dr. Adam Vaudreuil
The winter is upon us, bringing us snow capped mountains, hot cocoa, and our favorite winter sports. However, with shorter and colder days, many Coloradans may also notice their skin becoming drier. The combination of cold weather and indoor heating tends to dry out our skin in the winter months, and dry skin can often lead to increased itching. This is especially true in Colorado where we already live in a drier climate. A good moisturizing/gentle skin care routine is extra important during this time of year, so follow these tips to help you through the winter months!
Showering and Bathing for Winter Skin
Taking a bath or shower daily is an integral part of anyone’s daily routine. However, try and keep showers/baths limited to 10 minutes or less and use lukewarm water. Water that is too hot and for prolonged periods of time can strip the skin of natural oils, leaving the skin dry and irritated. It is also helpful to gently cleanse the skin and avoid scrubbing with a brush or washcloth, which can create additional irritation.
Dermatologist Soap and Cleanser Recommendations
Many soaps are very drying and harsh on the skin. We recommend gentle cleansers that are hydrating for the skin and “fragrance free.” Some examples of soaps our Vanguard dermatologists recommend are: CeraVe Hydrating Skin bar Hydrating Cleanser, Vanicream Gentle Body Wash and Cleansing Bar, Dove sensitive skin unscented skin bar, La Roache-Posay Lipikar Wash.
It is also important to search for a laundry detergent that is fragrance-free and dye-free, as these extra chemicals can irritate sensitive skin. All Free and Clear liquid detergent is one option.
Picking the Right Moisturizer for Your Body
Moisturizing is the most important step when caring for dry and itchy skin. When our skin becomes too dry, our barrier to the outside environment becomes “leaky,” leading to inflammation, irritation, and itching. Moisturizing helps to maintain our skin barrier and prevent this irritation. The best time to moisturize is immediately after a bath or shower, pat yourself dry, and then apply your moisturizer while your skin is still a little damp (within 2-3 minutes). This will help lock in the moisture and prevent additional water loss. Thicker ointments and creams work better than lotions.
Some recommended moisturizers include: Vaseline (greasy, may stain clothing), Aquaphor (greasy, may stain clothing), Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Healing Ointment (greasy, may stain clothing), Eucerin Original Healing Cream, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream.
Dermatologist Recommendations for Your Face
Even in the winter months, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen. To find the right sunscreen and moisturizer for your face, you can schedule a complimentary skincare consultation at clara, Vanguard’s retail skincare division.
Hopefully, these tips can help keep your skin soft and moisturized all winter, and remember, the additional dryness in the winter months can exacerbate already present skin problems for people with conditions like eczema.
Visit Our Dermatologists in Castle Rock and Parker, CO
If you are having difficulty keeping your skin under control with these tips alone, it may be a good idea to see your dermatologist for additional help during this time of year.
Dr. Adam Vaudreuil is a board-certified dermatologist who practices medical and surgical dermatology. He is accepting new patients in Castle Rock and Parker.
