Dry Skin, Winter 2014 Newsletter
As winter approaches, our skin will need to adapt to decreases in both temperature and humidity. Our skin has natural defense mechanisms against cold and dryness, but our skin often requires some help in coping with periodic changes in environmental conditions. In some cases, excessive dryness may be caused or worsened by outside factors such as skin cleansers, sanitizers, or therapeutic skincare products or medications. In other cases, there may be genetic conditions such as eczema or psoriasis that predispose a person to overly dry skin. In such cases, individuals may find that their overly dry skin can easily degenerate into skin that is red, itchy, inflamed, burning, flaking or scaling. Such skin findings may indicate eczema or psoriasis, which, if left untreated, may potentially last all winter.
Regardless of cause, when it comes to treating dry skin and the worsening of symptoms associated with dry skin, our providers at Advanced Dermatology are experts at providing relief. In order to best relieve dryness, different types of skincare products may be recommended depending upon body area.
For the face, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel ($78) enriched with vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid, which will nourish and hydrate damaged skin cells. It is safe and effective for all skin types. It will enhance the benefits of your daily moisturizer, and may also be complimented by antioxidants such as SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic ($153) in order to reduce the damaging effects of the sun year round. Conveniently, SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel may also be used on the lips.
For the body, those with dry bumpy skin will love the smoothing effects of CeraVe Renewing Lotion ($19.50) with 3% salicylic acid in a moisturizing lotion base. CeraVe Renewing Lotion also contains natural skin nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin D and ceramides which help to repair and maintain the skin’s barrier. Improving the barrier function of the skin will protect the skin from negative outside influences, and dramatically improve the softness and smoothness of the skin.
In the winter months, our hands undergo tremendous stress resulting from our daily activities. Even simple handwashing can easily cause excessive hand dryness. Proper hand moisturization can help in the battle against dry chapped hands. skinfo® Intensive Hand Cream ($15) is an excellent choice to assist in the prevention of overly dry or rashy hands. It contains vitamin E and glycerin, and provides an excellent resource for proper hand care during the winter months.
Last but not least, our feet also tend to suffer from the effects of cold, dry weather. Many of us are plagued by dry, calloused, or cracked heels during the winter months. In some cases, severe rashing of the feet may indicate an underlying medical condition such as eczema or psoriasis. However, even simple accumulation of dead skin on the feet can present a problem in the winter months. BeautifootTM Exfoliating Foot Treatment ($35.75) an at-home foot peel containing both salicylic and lactic acids which act to quickly exfoliate and smooth dead, dry skin that has accumulated over the months on the soles of the feet. The result is dramatically softer and smoother feet.