Frigid temperatures, dry indoor air and low humidity during winter can cause your skin to become dry and flaky, says Dr. Sarah Myers, a dermatologist at Duke University Medical Center.

She offers the following winter skin care advice:

• Keep your baths and showers short. Long, hot baths and showers can strip moisturizing fats called lipids from your skin.
• Use moisturizer. When you bathe or shower, use a soap or cleanser that contains oils and emollients. After you step out of the shower or bath, pat yourself dry and then replenish with an overall body moisturizer. You can also use bath oils that penetrate and nourish your skin. Remember that these bath oils can make the tub slippery, so be careful when you get out of the tub.
• Apply toners and astringents sparingly. These products are used after cleaning, before applying a moisturizer. Because they're alcohol-based, toners and astringents can dry your skin. Select ones with low alcohol content.
• Use sunscreen.
• Topical night creams and other cosmetic ingredients that contain retinoids can help reduce facial lines, wrinkles and age spots. Look for products that contain mineral oil or other moisturizing agents.
• Consider placing a humidifier in your bedroom. Reduce your exposure to cigar and cigarette smoke, which can speed aging of the skin.
• Rub your skin daily with a scrub or washcloth to stimulate the skin and remove dead cells, which can clog pores. But if you overdo it, you can strip away some of the lipids that help keep your skin moist.

More information

The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology has more about dry skin.

Reference Source 101
February 28, 2005

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