Winter skin tips

As the weather cools down and we move indoors and turn up the heat, the dry air can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Here are a few tips to get you through the winter more comfortably.

1. Moisturize! Applying a moisturizer helps to restore the barrier function of skin. Stick to an unscented product, and apply right after bath or shower time.
2. Avoid long, hot baths and showers. Keep these comfortably warm, and under 10 minutes. Use a gentle unscented wash for sensitive skin, such as Dove bar for sensitive skin; bars generally have fewer preservatives than liquid washes. Only use soap on areas that need it- arms, legs and backs don’t need to be lathered up every day.
3. Dress in soft, cotton clothing. Wool contains lanolin, a wool alcohol that can irritate sensitive skin, so is best avoided for sensitive skin.
4. Diet is probably not the cause of dry skin. The best scientific evidence to date suggests that diet rarely, if ever, plays a role in eczema or sensitive skin. So don’t worry about avoiding certain food groups. However, if there are foods that on repeated instances cause your skin to flare, it is only reasonable to avoid these.
5. Keep fingernails short! Scratching can damage skin and worsen itching. Short fingernails do the least damage so check these every few days.

For some eczema-prone individuals, these preventive measures are not enough. If this is the case, some prescription medications may be necessary. Speak to your doctor if this is the case for you.

This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended as a substitute for assessment and care from your doctor.