Winter skin solutions

Take action against winter skin woes
by Dr. Doris Day

As a dermatologist, I understand how the winter season can negatively impact overall skin health. While many people experience dry skin and chapped lips, the up to 7.5 million Americans living with psoriasis may find that their symptoms worsen during the colder months.

The dry air, reduced sunlight exposure, and chilling temperatures can sometimes aggravate the painful, itchy, red, scaly patches associated with this chronic disease.

While I remind my patients that it's important to take good care of themselves year-round by maintaining a proper diet, exercising, and managing stress levels, there are simple tips they can follow that may help them better manage their winter skin woes.

Soothing showers

Water can strip the moisture away from your skin, therefore, limit showers or baths to 10 to 15 minutes and use lukewarm water as opposed to hot. Also, the use of washcloths or Loofahs can cause skin irritation. Instead, simply use a gentle puff to apply gentle unscented cleanser while bathing.

Maximum moisture

While most people understand the importance of moisturizing the skin, it's just as important to use the right moisturizer. In the winter, choose a cream rather than a lotion, and look for ones that are fragrance free. Also, be sure to apply moisturizers immediately after the shower, while the skin is still damp, as well as before and after you spend time in the cold air.

Sun safety

Many people don't realize they still need protection from the sun during the winter, but whipping winds and the reflection of the sun off of snow can actually intensify the power and damage of UV rays. No matter what the temperature is, avoid harmful UV rays by applying SPF 15+ sunscreen to all exposed areas of the skin, especially the face, neck and hands. If you are a skier, the UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes, so be extra sure to use your sunscreen if you are planning on hitting the slopes.

Hydrate inside & out

In addition to keeping the exterior of the skin moisturized during the winter, it's just as important to keep the interior properly hydrated. Drinking water is essential to keeping the body's organs functioning optimally. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended. You may need more depending on your activity level.

Talk to a dermatologist

A dermatologist is a medical doctor specially qualified to treat a variety of skin conditions, including those aggravated by the chilling winter season. Many people note a worsening of psoriasis in the winter months. For patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, newer medicines called biologics can dramatically improve their physical symptoms. With their symptoms under control, patients may feel more comfortable reengaging in winter activities.

However, what works for one person may not work for another, so it's important to work with a dermatologist to find the treatment that's right for you.

Doris J. Day, MD is a board certified Dermatologist who specializes in laser, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology on the Upper East Side in New York City. Her practice includes national and international celebrities.

Dr. Day is a highly-respected and sought-after media personality in the area of cosmetic dermatology. She has written and spoken extensively in this area including hour-long documentaries on cosmetic procedures for the Discovery Channel. She has also had several appearances on Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN with Paula Zahn, and other television programs, as well as features in major women's magazines including In Style, Vogue, Glamour, Oprah Magazine, and Redbook. Dr. Day lectures regularly both to her peers and to the public on cosmetic techniques. Past seminars include "The Art of Skin Rejuvenation" given at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Treatment of Acne Scarring" for Fox Television network, and presentations at major corporations including Revlon, Pfizer, and Citi Group. She has also recently completed a book titled "Forget the Facelift" (Avery/Penguin) in which she shares her expert advice on beautiful skin. She has also completed a book called "100 Questions and Answers" about acne and another book for physicians on hyperpigmentation.

Dr. Day is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and she is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the New York University Medical Center where she was presented with the award for Dedication and Excellence in the Teaching of Dermatology. She is also listed in the Doctor's Who's Who, and has won awards for her work in laser research.