How to Battle Dry Skin from Coast to Coast
Here's a handy little article I found about battling dry skin in the winter. Keep reading to see some advice from a dermatologist. I kinda already knew this stuff, but it's informative nonetheless...Eileen
By Sarah Bernard | The Thread – Wed, Nov 2, 2011
What you eat and how you take care of yourself (getting enough sleep, consistently removing your makeup before bed) has a lot to do with how your skin looks and feels. But weather is also a major player. Cool, dry air, which is what many of us are experiencing right about now, accelerates moisture loss and leads to itchy, flaky skin. But what if you live in the rainy Pacific Northwest or have a sun-soaked, less humid California address? We invited New York-based dermatologist Dr. Lisa Airan to our studio to talk us through a battle plan for each area of the country.
No matter where you live, Dr. Airan’s most important tip for battling dry skin is this: Take short luke-warm showers. The get-in-and-get-out approach will keep your skin from losing hydration. And here are her more specific tips according to which region of the country you’re in:
Winter means a drop in humidity and, for many, lots of time spent indoors in dry heat. A humidifier can do wonders to rehydrate skin and mucous membranes in the nose and mouth. Dr. Airan also recommends some moisture multi-tasking. While you’re in the shower, use a moisturizing body washto lock moisture into your skin the way a cream rinse locks moisture into your hair.
Residents here experience extreme daily temperature variation. Dr. Airan recommends wearing moisture-packed sunblock even in winter to battle uneven pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
This region's states have the gentlest climate, skin-wise, because the air is not as dry. Because of the consistent humidity, though, Dr. Airan suggests moisturizers with a quick dry-down time so your skin won't feel greasy.
When you experience intensely cold winters, as Dr. Airan notes, you can’t moisturize enough. Go with the heaviest cream you can to replenish all the water your skin will be losing.
The temperatures may be on the warm side, but the air here is extremely dry. In addition to slathering on the cream post-shower, Dr. Airan suggests a moisturizing body wash to double up on the hydration.
Year-round sunblock is a must. A humidifier is a great idea to add some moisture to the (mostly) dry air. Dr. Airan recommends changing the weight or your moisturizer— from light to heavy— during winter season.
Because the area gets a lot of rain, and therefore a lot of humid air, a heavy moisturizer may never dry on your skin. Dr. Airan suggests a lightweight formulation even if it means re-applying several times a day.
