Intermountain Health dermatologists offer tips to maintain healthy skin in cold and dry conditions.
Intermountain Health dermatologists advise that you can keep your skin hydrated and healthy even when the temperature is low and heating systems are drying out the air.
Doctors recommend that you cover your skin when going outside, especially during the winter. Wear long sleeves, gloves, and hats to keep your skin protected.
Keratosis Pilaris, a very common condition, is made worse by dry weather. On the skin, small patches of rough bumps that are discolored and have a tiny texture tend to form. These bumps are often asymptomatic.
The condition is treated by using prescription creams or moisturizers.
Many of the skin problems that people experience during winter can be attributed to how they bathe.
Bryce Desmond MD, dermatologist of Intermountain Alta View Hospital, Sandy says that the temperature of bathing water is a leading cause for dry skin during winter.
Experts say that even though it might seem natural to increase the temperature of water on colder weather days, it can dry out your skin. Hot water can cause skin irritation and strip it of its natural oils, which keep it healthy.
The Dr. Desmond said, “There is nothing more relaxing at this time of year than taking a warm bath or shower. But it can also cause skin issues in winter.” Turning the heat down and having a short shower will make a big difference. Lathering on thick creams or lotions can make a huge difference.
The number of dry, cracked hands is also on the rise.
We are in the middle of cold and flu season, and people tend to wash their hands more. The constant use of hot soap and water leads to bleeding and cracked skin.
Dermatologists say that there are other things we do which can aggravate dry skin.
You can avoid this by following these tips:
Select the right soap: Washing with soaps that are harsh or abrasive can remove natural moisturizing agents from your skin. Look for a product that is moisturizing and recommended for dry or sensitive skin. This will replenish any oils lost.
Never Scrub Your Skin: Washing clothes and brushes can remove the skin layer that is essential for retaining moisture.
Pat Dry Dermatologists suggest that you pat dry the skin and leave it slightly damp.
Use creams or ointments After showering, moisturize your skin for a few minutes. Doctors recommend using creams and ointments over lotions because they contain less oil.
Dermatologists say that people who shower or wash their skin too often can cause problems with the skin.
In our culture, we over-cleanse and this can remove a lot healthy things from your skin,” Dr. Desmond said. “Unless you have soiled skin, soap is only needed on the face, feet, or folds.”
The use of sunscreen is another important way to protect your skin. Even on cloudy or rainy days, UV rays are still harmful to the skin.
When there are extreme redness and pain, it can be a sign that something more is going on than just dry or eczema. Experts suggest that if skin issues persist or worsen, you should consult a dermatologist.
Visit https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/dermatology to find a dermatologist near you.
Intermountain Health
The company is headquartered in Utah, with additional locations across the Western U.S. Intermountain Health Select Health, which has more than 1 million members and is part of a non-profit health system, includes 34 hospitals and approximately 400 clinics. It also offers other services. Intermountain’s mission is to help people lead the healthiest possible lives. It is widely recognized for its leadership in healthcare transformation by using best-practice evidence to deliver consistently high-quality results at affordable costs. For up-to-date information and announcements, please see the Intermountain Health newsroom at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news.
