Your golden summer tan has faded away…
The weather is chilly, even cold….
The moisture in the air is decreasing…
So, how do you care for your skin during the fall-to-winter transition?
As you make your way through Thanksgiving and set your sights on December to-dos, don’t forget to add seasonal tweaking of your skin care regimen to the list. Here are four common problems that can become more problematic when the weather gets cooler and drier, along with skin care tips to fix them.
Problem #1 – Freckles (fancy medical terms = Solar Lentigines, Melasma) become more noticeable once that gorgeous summer glow wears off
Solutions: Winter is the perfect time start thinking about treating brown spots with a prescription creams and/or laser treatments. But remember: if you don’t protect your skin from the sun daily (SPF 30+, floppy hats, etc.), this can be a difficult battle to fight.
While skincare science and technology exists to eliminate sun spots, you have to do your part to keep them gone. IPL-photofacials are a popular, successful laser treatment for tan/brown spots on the face. And Triluma is an effective, safe, topical cream with a good track record.
Talk to your dermatologist or aesthetician to come up with the best brightening treatment options for the specific type of skin you’re in!
Problem #2 – Dry, itchy skin (fancy medical term = Xerosis) is a common problem once the air becomes cooler and drier.
Solutions: Eating a healthy diet as well as drinking plenty of fluids helps. So does turning down the water temperature in the shower (hot water is meant for stripping grease from pots and pans, not your skin!). Be sure to apply a moisturizer daily. Skip the highly fragranced, watery lotions and oils and choose a nice, thick cream. CeraVe, Cetaphil and Vanicream are commonly recommended over-the-counter moisturizing creams.
Get into the routine of applying moisturizing cream twice daily before your skin starts to get dry and itchy. If itchiness persists even with consistent use of a good moisturizer, consult your skincare provider for further treatment options.
Problem #3 – Dandruff, flaking in eyebrows and ears (fancy medical term = Seborrheic Dermatitis) can occur anytime but typically flares and/or becomes more itchy during the winter.
Solutions: The same heavy moisturizer you use on your face also can help your brows and ears. For the scalp, it’s beneficial to rotate shampoos, one of them being an over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo, with the other two being your preference. Rotate daily. If your condition worsens, consult your dermatology provider to discuss prescription shampoo and topical treatment options.
Problem #4 – Tiny red bumps on the upper arms, thighs and elsewhere (fancy medical term = Keratosis Pilaris) tend to worsen during winter months.
Solutions: Often a topical steroid cream can be added to your regimen to help calm down winter-worsened inflammation and itching from this condition. Find out from your skin doctor which one is right for you. And resisting the often-maddening impulse to scratch the itch (we know, much easier said than done) is critically important, because secondary infections can occur if scratched skin cracks and lets in bacteria.
Article courtesy of Water’s Edge Dermatology. Our dermatologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of any and all skin conditions, disorders and diseases, while also providing the latest, safest, most effective cosmetic skin procedures and aesthetic treatments, at warmly welcoming office locations across South and Central Florida.
