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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.
Sean Fitzsimmons, PA-C is a Colorado native whose journey into medicine has been shaped by a lifelong curiosity and commitment to patient care. Prior to becoming a member of the provider team at Vanguard, Sean’s passion for dermatology developed during his three years as a medical assistant at Vanguard Skin Specialists, where he received awards for exceptional patient satisfaction. He has also served as a Physician Assistant in urgent and primary care settings in Pueblo and Cañon City.
