Dr. Kimberly Werner Billet, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in skin health. After training at the renowned Walter Reed Military Medical Center and serving in primary care overseas, she’s well-versed in effective winter skin protection. Here are her tips to help your skin stay comfortable and hydrated through winter’s harshest days.
Common Skin Challenges in Cold Weather
If you’ve noticed your skin feeling drier or more sensitive in winter, you’re not alone. Cold weather brings unique challenges, often causing the skin to feel rough, flaky, or even itchy. Some people may experience aggravated issues like eczema or cracked skin due to the dry air. These “dry weather skin problems” are common, but with the right strategies, you can keep your skin looking and feeling great.
Tips to Protect Your Skin During Winter
Here are a few dermatologist-recommended tips to help you maintain healthy skin in the colder months:
1: Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Hydration is essential for keeping your skin soft and smooth. Switch to a thicker moisturizer during winter, ideally one that includes ceramides or hyaluronic acid to lock in hydration. Lock in hydration by applying moisturizer to slightly damp skin, right after washing your face or hands.
2: Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Yes, you still need SPF—even in winter! Sun exposure can still harm your skin on cloudy or snowy days. And on exceptionally cold days, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, exposing you to nearly double the radiation on the slopes. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and hands will protect your skin against damage year-round.
3: Add a Humidifier to Your Space
The dry air from indoor heating can pull moisture from your skin. A humidifier adds moisture back into the air, creating a skin-friendly environment that feels more comfortable.
4: Opt for Lukewarm Showers
Hot showers may feel great in cold weather, but they can strip natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and tight. Instead, choose lukewarm water for both showers and hand-washing and follow up immediately with a moisturizing lotion or cream.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’re still experiencing discomfort or skin issues despite these tips, it may be time to consult a dermatologist. Persistent dryness, redness, or irritation can be signs of underlying skin conditions that benefit from a tailored approach. Dr. Kim Dermatology, right here in Frisco, TX, offers customized winter skin-care solutions to help you tackle any challenges the season brings.
Protect Your Skin This Winter in Frisco, TX
Winter doesn’t have to mean struggling with uncomfortable skin. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim Dermatology to create a personalized skin-care plan and keep your skin glowing all season long. Investing in professional care now means healthier, happier skin all winter.
Take these steps and seek expert advice when needed to keep your skin soft, supple, and protected. Don’t let winter take a toll—call us at 469-922-3376 and enjoy the beauty of healthy skin year-round!
