How to look after your skin this winter, according to top Harley Street dermatologist Dr Adam Friedmann

From londondaily.news

As the cold weather sets in, many of us notice our skin becoming dry, red, or irritated. For those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis, winter can be particularly challenging.

Dr Adam Friedmann, Consultant Dermatologist and founder of ProDérma UK, shares five essential tips to keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and protected throughout the colder months.

1. Moisturise Intensively

Cold air and harsh winds strip moisture from your skin. “If your lips crack, you apply plenty of balm—your skin deserves the same care,” says Dr Friedmann. Use rich, nourishing moisturisers regularly, and don’t wait until dryness sets in.

2. Optimise Treatment for Skin Conditions

Eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions can flare in winter. Anti-inflammatory creams—steroid or non-steroid—paired with moisturiser help control redness, scaling, and discomfort. “Staying on top of your treatment prevents winter flare-ups,” Dr Friedmann advises.

3. Protect Against the Cold

Layer up to shield your skin from biting winds and freezing temperatures. Cold can trigger chilblains, causing painful red welts, and Raynaud’s phenomenon, which leads to whitening and blueness in fingers. Warm clothing, gloves, and scarves are key.

4. Don’t Forget SPF

Winter sun can still damage skin—especially in snowy environments where sunlight reflects and intensifies. Use moisturisers with high-factor SPF daily, and apply dedicated sunscreen if you’re outdoors for extended periods.

5. Stay Hydrated and Humidify Indoors

Central heating can dry the air, exacerbating skin irritation. Drinking enough water and using a humidifier can help maintain skin hydration and prevent flaking or itchiness.

“Moisture isn’t just about creams; the environment matters too,” Dr Friedmann notes.

Healthy winter skin is achievable with a simple, consistent routine: moisturise, protect, manage existing conditions, wear SPF, and maintain indoor humidity. Follow these five tips from Dr Friedmann, and your skin will stay comfortable and radiant all season long.

https://www.londondaily.news/how-to-look-after-your-skin-this-winter-according-to-top-harley-street-dermatologist-dr-adam-friedmann/ 

How Do You Manage Holiday Stress With Psoriatic Arthritis?

From healthcentral.com

By Meaghan Quirin

It starts with setting realistic expectations for the season 

For me, managing holiday stress with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) really comes down to protecting my energy: physically, emotionally, and socially. The holidays can be so joyous, but they can also be exhausting. Between navigating endless to-do lists, family dynamics, colder weather, travel, and packed calendars, it’s a time of year that can push my body and nervous system past their limits pretty quickly if I’m not intentional about how I move through it.

I’ve learned to start by setting realistic expectations. I used to say yes to everything, every invitation, every tradition, every last-minute errand because I didn’t want to let people down or miss out. But now I’m much more honest with myself about what I actually have the capacity for. I ask: What matters most to me this season? What can I let go of? That alone takes so much pressure off.

I also try my best to plan ahead in ways that reduce the chaos. I spread things out over a few weeks instead of cramming errands and prep into one weekend. I look at what else is on my calendar before committing to anything new, and I make sure to block off time for rest, especially if I know something will require more energy or recovery, like travel or a family gathering.

Comfort is another big part of how I get through the season. I’ve let go of trying to look perfectly put together in ways that don’t actually feel good. These days, I’m prioritizing warm layers, soft clothes, supportive shoes and whatever else helps me stay grounded and comfortable in my body. If that means showing up to the holiday party in sneakers and carrying heat packs in my bag, so be it.

Emotionally, I try to give myself space to feel whatever’s coming up. The holidays can stir up grief and frustration of not being able to participate the way I want to. I don’t force myself to be cheerful if I’m not feeling it. But I also try to stay open to small moments of joy and connection, even if they don’t look like I envisioned. Some years, that means new traditions, or quieter ones; it’s saying no to protect my peace and not feeling bad about it.

More than anything, I remind myself that I don’t need to earn rest or prove anything to anyone. Living with PsA means I already have to be mindful of how I use my energy all year long, but during the holidays, I double down on that to avoid stress and burnout. It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters, in a way that is mindful of how I feel!

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/how-do-you-manage-holiday-stress-with-psa?ap=nl2060&rhid=67ec2b8321f52bf01b0cca01&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGefpBusLjyFe7YrljxI-BfpeWftzUtbI_jKvnM0nxzjSfnV3VgdM7Tkf7nAbudJms7BQwBBuxBEDGU80WbLuOnSkx_d4YCS9xdvxfenoZG2k-xeW4