Blog

Good skincare can be challenging during the winter months, especially for those with conditions that leave their skin dry like psoriasis and eczema.

The primary reason for this? The big drop in humidity which robs your skin of moisture.

Here are a few winter skincare tips endorsed by us, Dermatology Consultants of Frisco. Coupled with a dermatologist's advice, working a couple of these tips into your winter skincare routine could do wonders for you.

Invest in a Humidifier

If the lack of humidity really dries your skin out, then putting some humidity back into the air is a no-brainer. That's where humidifiers come in: they keep the air most -- hence the name.

When shopping for one, be aware that you have two options: warm mist or cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers have better moisture saturation, while cool mist humidifiers are quieter and better able to filter out impurities. The choice really depends on your needs, but go with warm mist for better overall moisture if you're not sure.

Moisturize Often

Of course, another way to combat the effects of low moisture is to apply moisture directly to your skin. Get yourself a high-grade moisturizer, and use it often. A little bottle or tube that can go with you everywhere is perfect -- especially on days where you have to spend a fair amount of time outside.

Look for a moisturizer that isn't greasy and spreads easily. Keep an eye out for brands that advertise themselves as specifically designed for sensitive or irritable skin.

Stay Hydrated

Don't just spend all your time focusing on keeping your skin itself moist; internal hydration is also very important.

Dry skin affects your body's ability to retain moisture, so you're going to feel dehydrated faster and more often than you would during warmer weather. Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day. On workdays, keep a water bottle handy if possible, and refill it during your breaks.

Be Careful With Showers

It may not seem like literally soaking your body in a bunch of water could exacerbate dry skin, but if you're not careful about how long your showers and baths are, they could indeed do just that.

Hot water strips oils off of the skin, and in low humidity our skin needs to hold onto the little oils it still has. Avoid hot showers and baths; opt for milder temperatures.

You should also avoid stepping outside shortly after you've showered or bathed. If your skin is still damp when you get a full dose of frigid winter air, you'll find that it chaps much more easily.

Stay on Top of the Thermostat

It's basic science: the higher the temperature in your house, the more moisture is going to be removed from the air.

For that reason, you should keep the thermostat at the lowest setting that you can tolerate, and just throw on a few more layers to keep warm instead. Obviously, you want to exercise some moderation; giving yourself frostbite won't be good for your skin either. Experiment with different settings until you find the sweet spot.