Getting rid of winter skin

There’s so much to love about the winter! Cold weather, sipping hot tea and lattes, letting the fireplace warm your toes, and who doesn’t love s’mores? However, one other thing we can agree on is that the dry cold weather is harsh on the skin. If you have ever dealt with uncomfortable, itchy skin conditions, this may even be your least favorite time of year. At Dermatology & Aesthetics Center of El Paso, we can help you manage your skin during the winter. We even have a few tips you can use to get your summer glow back. Whether it’s specific skin products or body contouring, we have a few ideas to get you ready for the next season.

DEALING WITH SKIN CONDITIONS
Psoriasis is an immune system dysfunction that causes overproduction of skin cells. It looks like red irritated patches covered with white or silver scales. The dry winter weather may irritate your skin if you have psoriasis. The cold weather and dry air could trigger an outbreak. If you have psoriasis, petrolatum or oil-based moisturizers will likely help. You should keep a tube with you to keep outbreaks at bay and keep your skin hydrated. You can also remove scaling during a warm bath by using tar solutions or salicylic acid products to effectively diminish the plaques.

Eczema is another rash that acts up during the winter. It is characterized by red or brown patches, bumps, or blisters. It is a very itchy skin condition. During the winter, wearing layers of clothes, taking hot showers, and using too many blankets at night can all cause flare-ups of eczema. Avoiding hot showers and soaps with fragrance and dye is a good idea. Ointments and moisturizers will help with eczema as well. We suggest that while your skin is still damp after a shower or bath, apply oil to your skin, followed by emollient creams.

DEALING WITH DRY ITCHY SKIN
Even if you don’t have an adverse skin condition, you may still be plagued with itchy, dry winter skin. The most effective way to treat skin is to moisturize and avoid hot showers. It is tempting to turn the dial to hot and soak in the warmth. However, this hot water dehydrates the skin and the problem worsens. It is unnecessary to use loofahs, hand towels, or other scrubs with your daily hygiene. Our fingertips can do the trick. Using thick lotions or petroleum oils will aid irritated skin before bed. When you go out into the cold weather, be sure to apply lotion and then put on your gloves to avoid cracked, dry hands.

GETTING READY FOR SUMMER
You don’t want to enter the spring and summer seasons looking ashy and pale. Late winter is a good time to start preparing for the warm weather. First and foremost, beware of tanning beds. UV rays are extremely damaging to the skin. Overexposure can lead to aging skin, wrinkles, pigment spots and skin cancer. If you want to start the spring and summer right, opt for sunless tanning lotion or professional spray.

GET READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER
If you’re worried about dawning your swimsuit because of the appearance of cellulite or loose skin, non-surgical cosmetic procedures could make a big difference. VelaShape III is FDA-approved for body contouring, cellulite reduction, and circumferential reduction. This non-invasive treatment uses radiofrequency, infrared energy, vacuum, and massage to smooth the skin. It reduces the size of fat cells, causes tightening of the tissue and treats the stubborn fat pockets that exercise and a good diet don’t reduce. Laser hair removal can permanently reduce hair, and because you need at least 5-6 treatments, getting started during the winter will give you ample time to have smooth skin for summertime and liberalize you from shaving. Also, winter is an ideal time to do chemical peels to get rid of the dead skin layer, reduce coarse and pigmented skin.

CONTACT DERMATOLOGY & AESTHETIC CENTER OF EL PASO TODAY
If you are trying to avoid dry winter skin while getting ready for the next season, our physicians at Dermatology and Aesthetic Center of El Paso can help. Whether you need relief from itchy, dry skin this season, or desire to prepare your body for spring and summer, with body contouring, laser hair removal or chemical peels we can help. Give us a call today.