Written by Alexis Curreri, MD, FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
With a change in seasons, many of us experience an unwanted change in our skin. This autumn has been a relatively mild, but it’s important to get ahead of seasonal issues like dry skin before they occur.
We spoke with Dr. Alexis Curreri, one of our board certified dermatologists who practices in our Oaks and Whitehall offices, and she shared with us her top tips for combating dry skin.
- Make Sure You are Using a Gentle Soap
Gentle soap doesn’t just have to be for people with sensitive skin. If you notice your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated after bathing, consider switching to a more mild soap. Pay attention to the ingredients found in your soap, too. Some ingredients can be harsh for your skin, disrupting its natural barrier protection properties. Gentle soaps can still get the job done without stripping away your body’s natural oils. Two brands that I love are Dove Sensitive Skin and Cerave Hydrating Cleanser - Take Short Showers
With the change of the seasons, everyone wants to take long, hot showers especially when waking up on a chilly morning. In the case of avoiding dry skin, the shorter the shower, the better. And stick with warm, not hot water, if you want to avoid drying out your skin. - Speaking of Showers, Avoid Using a Wash Cloth or Loofah
When showering, avoid using a wash cloth or loofah to scrub the skin. These can be irritating and damaging, and can remove your skin’s natural moisture. You especially do not want to use a loofah on your face – gently rubbing with your fingers is a better option and avoid vigorous scrubbing. - Use a Moisturizer EVERY Day
It’s important to make moisturizing a part of your daily routine. Do not wait until you are dry or itchy! Choosing a cream rather than a lotion is beneficial for dry skin because creams work to lock in moisture better than lotions during the cold months. The creams I love are Cerave Moisturizing Cream and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ Intense Repair Moisturizing Cream. - Use a Fragrance-free Laundry Detergent and Avoid Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
Detergents and dryer sheets often contain unnecessary chemicals used in the dyes and fragrances that can make you itchy. Fragrance-free alternatives aren’t only great for people with sensitive skin, but can also help those of us who tend to have seasonal irritations that come with the dry air. There are plenty of great brands out there that now offer a “free and clear” option, and finding one at your local grocery store shouldn’t be a problem.
To schedule an appointment to address your skin concerns, contact us at (888) 895-3376.
