by As the winter season approaches, it’s important to protect your skin from the harsh weather conditions that can lead to dryness, irritation, and even rashes. Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, an assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, shares some helpful tips to keep your skin looking and feeling its best during the winter.
During winter, the lack of humidity in the air and the use of indoor heaters can cause our skin to dry out. This dryness makes our skin more susceptible to developing various types of rashes. To combat this, Dr. Oyerinde suggests making some changes to your everyday skincare routine.
If you typically use lotion, consider switching to a thicker cream-like moisturizer. Similarly, if you already use cream-like moisturizers, try using an ointment-type moisturizer instead. These thicker products provide more intense hydration and help to lock in moisture, preventing dryness.
Even during winter, it’s important to remember to apply sunscreen, especially if you engage in outdoor activities or winter sports. The sun’s rays can still be damaging to your skin even when it’s cold outside. Incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Dr. Oyerinde emphasizes the importance of a good skincare regimen in preventing winter rashes. Pay special attention to the sensitive areas around your eyes and lips, as they are more vulnerable to dryness and irritation caused by cold weather, allergies, or respiratory infections. If you experience irritation, soothe your skin by applying petroleum jelly to the affected areas. The thick moisture barrier created by petroleum jelly acts as a shield against wind and cold.
Dry, cracked lips are a common issue during winter. Applying petroleum jelly or lip balms containing hydrocortisone can help alleviate dryness and provide relief.
Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may experience worsened symptoms during winter. The dry weather can exacerbate these conditions, leading to more severe flare-ups. Similarly, allergy flare-ups can result in hives or other skin rashes. Children are particularly susceptible to eczema flare-ups during winter, while older adults may experience increased skin irritation due to naturally drier skin.
Dr. Oyerinde, who directs Baylor’s Skin of Color Clinic, advises people with darker skin tones to consistently wear sunscreen to help prevent the development of dark spots after experiencing rashes.
On a positive note, the winter season can be an opportune time to schedule skin procedures. Laser procedures, such as laser hair removal, are often best performed during winter when the skin is free of tan. Additionally, the colder weather often means less time spent outdoors, making it an ideal period for recovery. Other procedures such as Botox or fillers are also frequently performed in winter, allowing for visible results by summertime when patients desire to showcase their cosmetic treatments.
By following these expert skincare tips from Dr. Oyerinde, you can ensure that your skin remains healthy, radiant, and protected during the winter season.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
