What Your Dermatologist Wants You to Know about Winter and Your Skin
- Posted on: Dec 15 2021
The days just got a lot shorter, which may have thrown off your body’s internal clock. Chances are, your body is facing more than that, though. As the winter weather come around, we’re much more likely to struggle with problems like chapped lips, rough knees and knuckles, and uncomfortably dry, tight skin. Winter weather can wreak head-to-toe havoc. It doesn’t have to. Here, we discuss a few things we want our patients to know.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Change Every Little Thing
If you look online for winter skincare tips, one of the most common suggestions you may find is that it’s necessary to change up your skincare routine. Use new products because your skin is more prone to dryness. This is true. However, if you change every little thing about your skincare routine, including your products, at one time, your skin may not be happy. Most dermatologists agree that a complete overhaul is unnecessary, anyway. What is more advantageous is to get familiar with your unique needs as the environment changes, and meet them one at a time. For example, if you notice that your skin feels dry or rough a few hours after applying your current lotion or moisturizer, switch to a creamier, thicker emollient formula.
See Your Dermatologist for Professional Treatments
At the times of the year when the weather is changing, it’s a great time to check in with a board-certified dermatologist. In the wintertime, especially, there is a great opportunity to schedule treatments that may not be ideal during the summer. For example, this is an ideal time to begin laser hair removal treatment. The process takes several months due to the time in between sessions. Photorejuvenation and laser resurfacing treatments are ideal wintertime services because there is less UV exposure to cause irritation. We encourage our patients to schedule skin cancer screenings this time of year, as well, so they can better understand the effect that their daily summertime habits may have on their skin.
There are many ways in which you can take better care of your skin in the winter months to avoid unnecessary problems. For help getting to know your skin’s needs and how to address them, schedule a consultation in our Manhattan dermatology office. We love helping our patients look and feel their best! Contact us at 212.391.8600 to arrange your visit.
Posted in: General Dermatology
