HealthScout @ SafetyAlerts.htm Dry Skin

January 1, 2001

Hope some of this might help. Love Anne

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MONDAY, Dec. 25 (HealthScout) -- Forget the weather report. For many, the one sure sign that winter has arrived is that perennial transformation of soft, moist skin to a dry, outer shell. But while we often hear that cosmetic counter concoctions offer little more than empty promises, health experts say that, in fact, even the least expensive moisturizers can make a big difference in preventing dry skin. The key, they say, is knowing when to use them. "The most important thing people need to understand is the only thing that makes skin dry is the lack of water -- not the amount of oil in the skin," explains Dr. Webster, a dermatologist at Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse, Wisc., and a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota.

"If you have dry skin and you put Vaseline on it, all you have is greasy dry skin," Webster says. "So the key is to try to use moisturizers to hold moisture in the skin." And just how do you accomplish that? "When a person gets out of the shower or bath, they should, within three minutes, apply a moisturizing lotion to the skin while it's still wet," Webster says. "That holds the moisture in the skin." And Dr. Roy S. III, a dermatology professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, adds that wet skin means just that: wet skin. "I even tell my patients, 'No towel!' " says. "Take your hand and brush the excess water from the skin and apply the moisturizer to seal the water next to the skin." Without natural humidity to keep skin moist, water escapes from the body, he says. "Your body wants the humidity to be 70 percent, when the skin gets supple and smooth and pliable," explains. "When the humidity goes down to 10 percent, however, you become a hot water radiator. You're losing water through your skin and into the air, so you need to replenish it through bathing or showering, then brushing away excess water and then sealing the water next to the skin with a moisturizer." People also need to apply a good moisturizing lotion two or three times a day, both doctors say. In addition, to avoid dry skin, experts at the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center suggest you:

Cleanse your skin, but don't overdo it. It's enough to wash your face, hands and feet and between the folds of your skin once a day. Your trunk, arms and legs can be rinsed daily, but don't use soap or cleanser on these areas every day. Too much cleansing removes the skin's natural moisturizers.

Limit the use of hot water and soap. If you have "winter itch," take short lukewarm showers or baths with a non-irritating, nondetergent-based cleanser. Then immediately apply a water-in-oil type moisturizer, and gently pat your skin dry.

Humidify. Humidifiers can be beneficial. However, be sure to clean the units according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce molds and fungi.

Protect yourself from the wind. Cover your face and use a petroleum-based balm for your lips.

Avoid extreme cold. Cold temperatures can cause skin disorders or frostbite in some people. See a doctor immediately if you develop color changes in your hands or feet in association with pain or ulceration. If you develop extreme pain followed by loss of sensation in a finger or toe, you could have frostbite.

Avoid excessive heat. Do not keep the heat in your home above 78 degrees. Besides adding to your heating bill, high temperatures deplete moisture from the air and contribute to winter itch. Also, avoid using heating pads or placing your legs in front of the fireplace for long periods of time.

Protect your skin from the sun. Winter sun can be as dangerous for the skin as summer sun. It can lead to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. When outdoors for prolonged periods, use a sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of 15 or greater.

Exercise. For skin with a healthy glow, 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week is recommended.

If problems persist, see a doctor. If you have persistent dry skin, scaling, itching or other rashes, or skin growths that concern you, a dermatologist should be able to help.

What To Do For more information on keeping your skin healthy, check out information provided online by the Mayo Clinic or the American Academy of Dermatology. Or, you might want to read previous HealthScout articles on skin care.

SOURCES: Interviews with Webster, M.D., dermatologist, Gundersen-Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse, Wisc., and clinical professor of dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis; and Roy S. III, M.D., professor of dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

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Last updated 12/25/00

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