Winter Skincare Tips From Dr. Readinger

If you have eczema, you may notice that cooler weather brings a flare of your skin condition. Other people who have never had eczema notice some dryness and itchiness, otherwise known as “winter itch.” We tend to crank up the heat inside which causes the air to have less humidity in it. Some of us take hotter showers to warm up which also causes drying of our skin. Top that off with a wool sweater and it’s a recipe for itchy skin.

To try to fend off the winter itch, try taking warm but not hot showers. Immediately after your shower, apply a good layer of thicker cream without any added fragrance. Some of the my favorites are Cerave, Cetaphil Restoraderm, and Eucerin Calming Crème. Keep in mind that a lotion may go on easier, but you want something a little thicker to last you longer in the winter months. For your face, it’s good to apply a good night cream such as SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream. During the day, be sure to use a moisturizer then a sunscreen or a combination sunscreen and moisturizer.

On the topic of sunscreens, don’t forget to make a habit of using a daily sunscreen, even during the winter months. All too often, there is a cool but clear day with a little bit of sun, and we all head outside to enjoy it. It’s very easy to burn on those days when you weren’t expecting to get any sun at all. My favorite sunscreens are UV Physical and UV Daily by Elta MD, although the type that best suites you will depend on your skin type.