San Antonio – The winter can bring out the worst in our skin. However, looking for skin creams with two key ingredients may help ease that problem: petrolatum and ceramides.
Dermatologist Anabelle Garcia with Sonterra Dermatology said eczema and psoriasis are generally okay if they are under control, but if they are not, they can cause problems for patients.
However, the general population can also have problems if they’re not adequately moisturizing their skin.
“Sometimes they can be quite obvious. Patients can complain of dry, itchy patches. Sometimes it can be mild, and sometimes it can be severe where it affects almost a patient’s entire body,” Garcia said.
She said avoiding taking long showers can help protect the skin; applying a thick moisturizer twice a day, is one more thing she adds is to avoid lotions with fragrances.
Sunscreen should also be a part of everyone’s daily routine in the winter.
Here are some of the American Academy of Dermatologists’s suggestions for winter skin protection.
- Apply moisturizer immediately after washing, which traps existing moisture in your skin.
- Use an ointment or cream because they are more effective and less irritating than lotions.
- Use warm water instead of hot water during baths and showers to prevent dry skin from worsening.
- Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as antibacterial, deodorant, or scented soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin.