Dr. Chesahana Kindred-Weaver is a board certified dermatologist who owns a leading hair and skin dermatology practice based in Columbia MD. Her practice is devoted to expert level hair and skin care for people of all ages, ethnicities, and skin types.
Here are her tips to get you through, what can be, harsh conditions of winter.
The temperature of your shower water should be warm, not hot. Limit shower time to 5 to 10 minutes. Long hot showers may feel wonderful in the winter mornings, but as the day goes on, this causes your skin to itch for the remainder of the day. Also, use gentle cleansers not laden with perfumes and detergents.
While hot water dries out the skin, so does completely drying your skin with a towel. It’s best to keep your skin wet after showering; with the exception of skin folds such as your underarms, under the breasts, and private areas—always dry these areas completely. Allow the rest of your body to air dry.
When shopping for the proper moisturizer, don't fall prey to colors and phrases that a clever marketing team put on the bottle. Instead, look for these key ingredients: ceramide and/or hyaluronic acid. Ceramide is the protein your body naturally makes to prevent water loss. It’s your skin’s water sealant. Hyaluronic acid helps to draw water into the skin.
When winter is especially harsh and dry, consider adding an ointment, such as petroleum jelly or oil such as jojoba oil or shea butter to lock in everything. Of course, avoid jojoba or shea butter if you are allergic to them. Natural doesn’t automatically mean safe. For those living with eczema or hot spots, apply ointment or oil to those areas.
Protection is year round, so remember to wear your daily sunscreen-containing facial moisturizer.
