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Need another reason to look forward to spring? How does less itchy, rough skin sound?
In general, skin is driest in the winter when temperatures dip and humidity is low.
Central heating and air conditioning, along with wood-burning stoves, space heaters and fireplaces all reduce humidity and dry skin, according to MayoClinic.com.
Those hot baths and showers many people take to warm up also break down the lipid barriers in the skin, especially if they are frequent or long, and that can contribute to dry skin. But it's not just the water harsh soaps and detergents strip lipids and water from the skin as well. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging, as are many shampoos, according to MayoClinic.com.
Mild soap, such as Dove or Aveeno, and mild laundry detergents, such as CheerFree, TideFree and Dreft, are recommended, and fabric softeners and bleach should be avoided as they can also irritate the skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Alberts of Grand Island.
Most dry skin conditions are easily treated. The ideal lubricant should make skin feel soft and pliable, should not cause itching or burning and should last for a few hours. Unscented lubricants, such as Cetapihil, Vaseline, Aquaphor and Curel, are usually better than those with a fragrance. All fragrances, including perfumes, scented candles, potpourri, scented outlet plugs and smoke, should be avoided as they may irritate the skin, according to Alberts' office.
Kathy Steffes, an instructor at Xenon International School of Hair Design, said people should look for lotions without wax or too much water as ingredients. Water dilutes the product and wax, which is found in cheaper lotions, contributes to dryness.
Regular manicures, pedicures and facials help exfoliate dry skin so moisturizers can reach the new skin below, she said. People tend to forget about pedicures in the winter because their feet are hidden in shoes, she said.
It's also important to remember that the elements can dry facial skin and that sunblock is necessary year round, not just in the summer.
"The sun is the same strength in the winter as it is in the summer," she said.
Like cold air, furnaces contribute to dry skin, nails and hair. To combat the problem, Steffes suggests using a humidifier and reminds people to scrub their scalps when washing their hair to help remove dry skin.
In addition, to help keep the skin on the face and legs moist, creams should be used when shaving and moisturizer should be used immediately after bathing to help trap water in the skin, according to Alberts' office.
If the skin worsens despite using self-care measures, a dermatologist should be contacted.
One of the more serious dry skin conditions is dermatitis, which causes red, itchy skin. Treatment for this condition includes using lotions that contain hydrocortisone. If the skin cracks open, a doctor might prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties to contract the skin and help prevent infection, according to MayoClinic.com and Alberts' office.
Other factors beyond winter's temperatures and lack of humidity include psoriasis, a skin condition marked by a rapid buildup of rough, dead skin cell that form thick scales; thyroid disorders, which can reduce the activity of sweat and oil glands; alcohol and drugs; and dehydration. Very dry, scaly skin may require nonprescription cream that contains lactic acid or urea. For serious skin problems, a doctor may prescribe creams or ointments, according to MayoClinic.com.
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