There is nothing worse than the winter weather causing your eczema and psoriasis to flare up. Of course, weather isn’t the only element working against you in creating these large, itchy, irritated patches of dry skin. Factors including: stress, poor diet and extreme hot and cold temperatures changes, can all add to the equation. Here are four tips for good skin care in winter.
Skincare Tip 1:
Moisturize that skin! Moisturizing is essential in combatting any dry skin ailments or outbreaks. With so many different types of lotions and creams on the market today, it can prove difficult finding one that works well with your skin.
A study showed, that patients treated with creams and ointments that had added ceramides, cleared the disease and symptoms up much quicker than the subjects who utilized the cream without.
The conclusion being that ceramides are potent in not only clearing eczema but keeping it at bay. In addition, when you are suffering from a dry skin ailment, there is no doubt that you are more prone to sensitive skin. Be sure to read labels and search for moisturizers that are hypoallergenic and free of perfumes or fragrances.
Skincare Tip 2:
Avoid hot showers. I realize the idea of a cold or lukewarm shower, especially during these winter months is less appealing; however, the hot water agitates and dries out your skin. In fact, it can cause your skin to become more itchy. When weighing what is more important for you in dealing with your condition, hot shower or psoriasis/eczema flares, do you even have to question it?
Going back to skincare tip one, make sure to apply your moisturizing product no more than 3-5 minutes after you have showered. This is the most ample time for your skin to fully absorb and receive it’s moisturizing benefits. In addition, especially when you are dealing with the onset or active outbreak of your condition, you will want to avoid taking baths altogether.
Skincare Tip 3:
Some people might argue with me about my findings with regards to certain oils for topical treatments; however I stand by my conviction. Avoid using olive and sunflower oils topically. You may seem what appears to be progress in clearing up that dry skin; however, these oils hinder your skins lipids ability from their essential replacement, restoration and repair.
Skin barrier optimization (SBO), is an imperative part of ensuring that your eczema, psoriasis or other dry, skin conditions subside with fewer future outbreaks. These oils are heavy and prohibit your skin’s ability to breathe, creating a lock for bacteria to grow. You may stop dealing with the extreme dryness, temporarily, only to find yourself now dealing with Staphylococcal, otherwise known as a staph infection.
Skincare Tip 4:
Monitor your moods! Stress has been linked to all kinds of health problems including: heart disease, high blood pressure and as you may have guessed it, skin conditions. Make time to relax. Do you enjoy reading? Read a book. Do you have a carefree hobby or passion? Engage in it. Your worst enemy is stress. Take a chill pill, relax and go to it.
Dr. Cheryl Lee Eberting is a board certified dermatologist who has dedicated her career to research and treatment of skin ailments. She writes regularly at cherylleemd.com