Winter’s coming and that means soon it will be the season of dry, itchy skin. The winter elements can be harsh on your skin, but there is hope to having a comfortable holiday season!
The first step in healing or preventing dry, itchy skin is understanding how your skin is effected by the seasons. During the winter months, outside humidity levels drop drastically. The cold, dry air causes the water in your skin to evaporate more quickly and results in the tight feeling that makes you want to reach for the nearest bottle of lotion.
Dry skin is vulnerable skin and the right lotion can create a barrier that will protect it from winter irritants. But how do you even begin to choose the best lotion in a sea of options? Don’t waste your money on lotions that oversell and under deliver. The best moisturizing ingredients to combat dry skin are:
Ceramides
These are lipid molecules located in the membrane of your skin that help prevent moisture loss.
Recommend lotion: CeraVe
Essential fatty acids
These healthy fats fuel your cells and keep your skin glowing, but your body doesn’t produce them on its own. The best way to absorb these nutrients is through diet or skin creams.
Recommend lotion: Lancôme Hydra Fraichelle Invigorating Body Moisturizer
Glycerin, glycols, and polyols
These three ingredients draw in extra moisture and keep it there.
Recommend lotion: St. Ive’s Collagen Elastin Hand and Body Lotion
Hyaluronic acid
By being able to absorb almost 1,000 times its own weight in water, hyaluronic acid keeps collagen and elastin moist. And when your skin is well moisturized, that means it looks healthy and youthful!
Recommended lotion: Neutrogena Hydro Boost
Sodium PCA
This humectant is made naturally by the body and helps bind water to cells, making it excellent at absorbing water.
Recommended lotion: Kiehl’s Sodium PCA Oil-Free Moisturizer
Other simple tips to help alleviate a case of the Winter Skin Blues include limiting your time in the bath or shower to 5 or 10 minutes, avoiding extremely hot water temperatures, and investing in a good humidifier to put some much-needed moisture back in the air.
We also recommend avoiding ditching that ugly wool Christmas sweater!
The Dermatology Center of Indiana services Frankfort, Kokomo, Lafayette, West Lafayette and Lebanon along with many other cities throughout Indiana. Join us today in one of our locations where you are always welcome!
Disclaim: This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.