When old man winter makes his appearance so can certain skin conditions such as dry, itchy, flaky skin. Winter weather removes moisture from your skin. In addition, wind makes this process happen faster. So what are some of the common skin conditions you see in the winter and how can you prevent or treat them?
1) Rosacea - causes small blood vessels to swell and become visible giving the face a red appearance. It can be treated with prescription antibiotic creams but certain foods such as spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages can cause it to occur.
2) Psoriasis - is an inherited autoimmune disease which causes itchy dry painful patches to build up on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Flare-ups occur more in the winter due to a decrease in exposure to the sun.
3) Eczema - encompasses a several skin problems but usually affects people with allergies and asthma. It creates dry, cracked, itchy spots often on the hands.
4) Actinic keratosis - is one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist. They are known as sun pots and can be precursors to skin cancer. They are typically found on areas that get a lot of exposure to the sun such as the face, lips, and ears, back of the hand, forearms, and scalp.
So what can you do to protect your skin from these common skin conditions and old man winter?
1) Layer your clothing and moisturizer. Any bare skin dries out faster so the less exposure to the elements the better. Also apply moisturizing cream before you go outside.
2) Keep your winter showers shorter and not as hot because hot water strips natural oils from your skin.
3) Buy a humidifier and keep it going in the winter especially at night since your skin dries out more during sleep.
4) See a specialist. Go see your dermatologist about any skin conditions you may have and let them advise you on what you should be doing.
5) Don't forget your sunscreen, it isn't just for summer. Winter sun combined with snow glare can damage your skin. Make sure you wear sunscreen on any exposed areas. This will decrease your chances of actinic keratosis.
6) Avoid wet gloves and socks which can irritate your skin and causing drying, itching, and cracking. This can decrease your chances of getting Eczema and Psoriasis.
7) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is good for your skin and overall health. Pay attention to what you eat and drink and you can avoid Rosacea!
1) Rosacea - causes small blood vessels to swell and become visible giving the face a red appearance. It can be treated with prescription antibiotic creams but certain foods such as spicy foods, alcohol, and hot beverages can cause it to occur.
2) Psoriasis - is an inherited autoimmune disease which causes itchy dry painful patches to build up on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. Flare-ups occur more in the winter due to a decrease in exposure to the sun.
3) Eczema - encompasses a several skin problems but usually affects people with allergies and asthma. It creates dry, cracked, itchy spots often on the hands.
4) Actinic keratosis - is one of the most common reasons people see a dermatologist. They are known as sun pots and can be precursors to skin cancer. They are typically found on areas that get a lot of exposure to the sun such as the face, lips, and ears, back of the hand, forearms, and scalp.
So what can you do to protect your skin from these common skin conditions and old man winter?
1) Layer your clothing and moisturizer. Any bare skin dries out faster so the less exposure to the elements the better. Also apply moisturizing cream before you go outside.
2) Keep your winter showers shorter and not as hot because hot water strips natural oils from your skin.
3) Buy a humidifier and keep it going in the winter especially at night since your skin dries out more during sleep.
4) See a specialist. Go see your dermatologist about any skin conditions you may have and let them advise you on what you should be doing.
5) Don't forget your sunscreen, it isn't just for summer. Winter sun combined with snow glare can damage your skin. Make sure you wear sunscreen on any exposed areas. This will decrease your chances of actinic keratosis.
6) Avoid wet gloves and socks which can irritate your skin and causing drying, itching, and cracking. This can decrease your chances of getting Eczema and Psoriasis.
7) Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Water is good for your skin and overall health. Pay attention to what you eat and drink and you can avoid Rosacea!
If you follow these guidelines you can protect yourself from old man winters wrath and have healthy skin when you put on those bathing suits next summer!
http://ezinearticles.com/?Protect-Your-Skin-From-The-Harsh-Winter-Weather&id=8835752
http://ezinearticles.com/?Protect-Your-Skin-From-The-Harsh-Winter-Weather&id=8835752
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