"Skin Tags"
Dry Winter Skin? Mon, Oct 17 2011
Protecting Your Skin This Winter Dr. Kimberly Cayce
Just last week as I was removing a skin cancer from a patient, she mentioned that she had heard the skin is the largest organ of our body, so we should really do a better job of protecting it. How true this is! Not only is it our largest organ, but the one exposed to the harsh outside world. It is constantly subjected to environmental irritants, pollutants, carcinogens, and bacteria and other microbes. The skin, as our barrier, has a very important job in keeping us healthy.
We focus a lot these days on protecting our skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays, which I agree is essential (protecting exposed skin, such as the face, is important during winter months too as the sun still shines year round!). But, what about protecting our skin barrier function? Dry or irritated skin creates a dysfunctional barrier. Not only can this skin become itchy and uncomfortable (and flaky and less aesthetically pleasing), but this broken down barrier then risks allowing the harmful environmental agents inside, putting us at greater risk of skin infections and such. It also creates a cycle permitting more moisture and essential skin nutrients to escape from the inside, only exacerbating the problem.
While dry skin can be a problem for some year round, it can be a particular challenge during the winter months here in Missouri. We need to be proactive in keeping our skin healthy and well hydrated to keep the barrier function intact. Gentle cleansers and the liberal use of moisturizers are key. Below, are our tips to keep your skin in its best condition:
• Do not use hot water! Hot water removes your natural skin oils more quickly. Warm water is best for bathing.
• Limit time in the bathtub or shower A 5- to 10-minute bath or shower adds moisture to the skin. Spending more time in the water often leaves your skin less hydrated than before you started. Do not bathe more often than once a day.
• Use a gentle cleanser True soaps can strip oils from the skin. Look for either a mild, fragrance-free soap or a soap substitute that moisturizes.
• Moisturize right after baths and showers To lock in moisture from a bath or shower, apply a moisturizer while the skin is still damp.
Applying a moisturizer frequently throughout the day can also help. The thicker, heavier creams and ointments work best for really dry skin and during the winter months. Petrolatum or lanolin based products help seal moisture into your skin. For super dry skin, a moisturizer that contains urea or lactic acid may be helpful. These ingredients help the skin hold water while they gently exfoliate. You can find these ingredients in both prescription moisturizers and those that you can buy without a prescription. A drawback is that these ingredients can sting if you have eczema or cracked skin.
• Use a humidifier Keep the air in your home moist with a humidifier. However, you must make sure to keep the humidifier clean to avoid harmful bacteria overgrowth in the water.
• Soothe chapped lips Petrolatum or mineral oil based products are best, and bedtime is a good time to apply and let it soak in all night long.
• Cover up outdoors in winter In the cold, wear a scarf and gloves to help prevent chapped lips and hands.
I hope these tips keep your skin soft and protected this winter!
