Saving your skin
It itches, it flakes and it looks awful – sometimes, it even bleeds. It’s dry skin and in the cold winter weather, it happens to almost everyone.
Cold weather, especially the cold, dry weather of Logan, causes a lot of dry skin because the air contains very little humidity, said dermatology medical assistant Amy Carlsen.
Humidity in the atmosphere is important in keeping skin moist, she said.
So what can residents of cold, dry Utah do to save their skins?
A number of precautions can be taken to prevent dry skin, she said.
For example, long, hot showers can strip skin of its natural moisture. Instead, the skin-savvy should take lukewarm baths or showers, Carlsen said.
Also, using a mild soap, such as Oil of Olay or Dove will help skin to retain moisture, Carlsen said.
After bathing, rubbing skin with a towel can cause skin to become dry, according to a Web page by Dr. Jule Koo of the Health Alliance at www.health-alliance.com/contentarchive/december00/apc.html. Water should be brushed off skin or pat-dried.
Another thing to remember after washing skin is to apply lotion, especially to areas prone to dryness, such as the lower legs, knees and elbows, Carlsen said.
As wool clothing can irritate and scratch skin, wearing another garment between skin and wool is also a good idea, according to the Web page.
“The skin around your joints is a rougher type of skin, and harder to keep from getting dry,” Carlsen said.
Special prescription lotions are available through a dermatologist for those with severely dry skin, Carlsen said.
“Mostly, dry skin is just uncomfortable and looks bad, but it can crack and bleed and get infected. It’s important to take care of it,” Carlsen said.
Those who work or play long hours outside in the winter should make sure to bring and wear lotion and sunscreen, as sunburn is another skin danger in winter weather, Carlsen said.
The reflection of sunlight off the snow can burn skin quickly, she said.
“It’s worse than being in a swimming pool in the summer time,” Carlsen said.
So slather on the lotion and sunscreen, shorten the showers and be careful when wearing wool to keep skin soft and smooth this winter.