WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |Winterizing your skin
Harsh winds and frigid temperatures, along with dry indoor heating, can transform your skin from soft and supple to itchy and flaky. Find out how to winter-proof your skin.
Cold weather does a number on Latanya Workman's skin.
Latanya says, "I notice that my skin is extremely dry. It's just normally my face and my legs."
And she's not alone. Almost everyone suffers from irritated skin in the winter.
Dr. Susan Taylor says, "the skin changes as the seasons change, and particularly in the winter, we notice that the skin becomes very dry, it becomes flaky and ashy, and it can become very itchy."
Dr. Taylor says preventing this winter misery starts in the shower.
Dr. Taylor says, "limit your baths or showers to about five minutes. We want you in and out; you have to be efficient."
Other important tips: Use lukewarm water, not hot. Once you're done, lightly pat dry, and then seal in the moisture with a lotion or cream.
Dr. Taylor says, "putting that moisturizer on is going to help repair the barrier."
Look for moisturizers with humectants that draw moisture to the skin, or thicker ones, called occlusives, which create a protective barrier.
Dr. Taylor says, "you can use something as simple as white petrolatum, also known as Vaseline, we also have Eucerin and Aquaphor. They're all inexpensive. They can be purchased at any store, grocery store or pharmacy."
Latanya's found relief using a body butter that contains soothing emollients and moisturizing humectants.
Latanya says, "because if I don't, my skin is just, it's itchy all day, and I can't handle it at work, you know, being itchy, so I, I've been religious about it."
A smooth way to help her skin weather the winter.
Your skin will also benefit if you add humidity to your home with a humidifier or by placing pots of water or even houseplants in your rooms. And when you're heading outside, remember to wear a hat and scarf because the wind is an abrasive that can damage your skin.
