6 Ways to Winterproof Common Skin Conditions
Photo: Instagram/5dukes
Dry, itchy, cracked skin: Sound familiar? You’re not the only one. Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and associate at Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery, says she’s seeing a surge of patients who complain of these issues.
Related: Survive a polar vortex with these products
“This is the bad season for those types of skin conditions,” she says. “The lack of humidity and dry heat and cold air make it worse. Drier air and colder temperatures affect areas of the body prone to dryness, like knees and elbows.” (Even eyelids can feel dry this time of year.) Here, six ways to help your skin condition from getting worse in the winter:
Lock in hydration: “The key is to retain your moisture barrier,” explains Engelman. “If you’re prone to any of these skin conditions, apply moisturize the minute you step out of the bath or shower, even if you’re still damp.” She recommends gentle, non-scented moisturizers, such as Cetaphil Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Cream ($10.79).
Explore natural oils: “I also really like oils; they absorb quickly without feeling greasy,” Engelman suggests, adding that rosehip seed and argan oils work for the body as well as the face. “Even if you’re acne-prone, they can be hydrating without becoming comedogenic,” she says.
Related: The most important time to wash your face
Take it easy with exfoliation: Another condition that seems to worsen in winter is keratosis pilaris, a.k.a. chicken skin. “Lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy and/or lactic acids, ammonium lactate (found in AmLactin ($16.99)) or urea will help dissolve the plug that’s formed over the hair follicle.” Tempted to scrub it away? Don’t—it’ll just make things worse.
Attack rough patches with a gentle solution: “Environ DermaLac Lotion ($64) smoothes rough, dry areas beautifully and lessens thick, scaly psoriasis plaques on elbows and knees,” Engelman says.
Related: Internet DIYs that can ruin your skin
Wipe down after you sweat: ”If you bundle up in sweaty clothes after working out, it can make body acne much worse.” Engelman recommends wiping down with Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Pads ($8.99) before you leave the gym. “They’re medicated, portable and cost-effective.”
Clean hands deserve hand cream: “Excessive hand washing leeches moisture from your hands, which can create fissures in dry, cracked skin that are painful and hard to heal. Use a good hand cream every time you wash your hands to prevent moisture loss.” Dr. Engelman is a fan of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream ($3.59,) CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream ($8.79,) and small tubes of Aquaphor ($4.79) in a pinch. “Applying Aquaphor and sleeping in cotton gloves (which admittedly is a commitment) can reverse the condition.”
