Dermatologist in Washington, DC offers winter skin care tips

The dry, crisp air of the winter months may be a welcome change from hot and humid summer weather, but your skin takes the brunt of the change! Patients in the Washington, DC area who are struggling with dry and chapped skin during the colder months are encouraged to visit with Dr. Cheryl Burgess, a board-certified dermatologist, to discuss winter skin care tips to keep their skin moisturized, hydrated and beautiful during the colder weather.

Winter skin care tips

Different types of weather present unique skin challenges, so dermatologists encourage patients to have a different skin care routine for each season to ensure their skin stays healthy. The weather can negatively impact the skin and regimens should be adjusted to compensate for the change in humidity, wind and temperature changes.

Below are a few common winter skin care tips and recommendations made by Dr. Cheryl Burgess and her staff for patients to consider:

• Change cleansers. The winter months are not the best for antibacterial soaps, which can be extremely drying for skin that may already be parched from the cooler weather. Instead, cleansers should include hydrating elements that can moisturize the skin and reduce dryness.
• Reduce shower time. While it may sound like a great idea to take a long, hot shower when it’s cold outside, this can do more damage to your skin than you realize. Instead, keep showers and baths short and only use lukewarm water and not hot water, as this can strip the natural oils from your skin and leave it dry. Keep showers and baths to 10 minutes or less.
• Use hydrating creams. Instead of using lotions, the winter months call for something thicker and more moisturizing to battle dry skin. Consider creams and moisturizers that include ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which attract water and keep skin looking great.
• Moisturize your skin more often. Moisturize your skin twice a day, both in the morning and at night to battle dry skin. Consider using creams immediately after a shower or bath to lock in all the moisture. Keeping a bottle of moisturizer in the shower makes it easy to apply after cleansing and before stepping out to get dressed.

• Minimize exfoliating scrubs. While exfoliation can help the skin, it can also strip the skin of oil and cause unnecessary dryness. Exfoliating scrubs can still be used about once a week, but should be avoided as a daily treatment.
• Maintain sunscreen use. Most patients don’t think about sunscreen past the sunny summer months, but sunscreen use in the winter is just as important. This is because the sun’s UV rays are reflected off of the snowand penetrate through clouds, which can still result in sunburn.
• Don’t forget your lips! The lips have sensitive, thin skin and they are often the first part of the body to become zapped of moisture. By using petroleum jelly on the lips to prevent and treat chapped skin, patients are able to avoid cracking and swelling that can occur during the winter months.
• Consider an overnight mask. One way to add moisture to the skin is to use a nighttime, overnight mask that can allow hydration to penetrate into the skin. By morning, the skin will be soft and supple!
• Consider softer clothing. While wool sweaters are a great way to stay warm, they can often be roughand irritating against the skin. Wear a soft cotton long-sleeved shirt underneath to act as a protective barrier against wool and other itchier fabrics in winter clothing.
• Use a humidifier. Dry air in the house can also cause cracked, dry skin. By using a humidifier, patients can infuse the air with moisture in the rooms they spend the most time in.
• Eat a nutritional diet. Eating right helps everything healthy in the body, including your skin. Maintaining a proper diet during the winter months will keep your skin looking great, while helping you maintain the appropriate weight and feeling your best!

Discuss your winter skin care needs with a dermatologist today

Dr. Cheryl Burgess is a dedicated professional located who is here to assist patients with developing a skin care routine that works best for them all year round. Contact the Washington, DC area office by calling  (410) 224 1195 or visiting the practice at 2311 M Street, NW, in Suite 504. The Center for Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery is always accepting new patients interested in quality skin care solutions.