When the Thermometer Dips, Protecting Your Skin is Crucial
Winter has hit the D.C. area with a vengeance and as hard as you might try to stay indoors when the thermometer hits zero, at some point you’ll need milk or bread or fresh air. When you come back inside, taking short, lukewarm showers and using a mild soap like Dove can help keep your skin soft, says DC Derm Docs‘ Dr. Dale Isaacson. Moisturize daily with products like Cetaphil Restoraderm or CeraVe that restore the water barrier to your skin, he suggests. Don’t forget your lips…applying lip balm can help keep them moist. If your skin does end up dry or cracked, Dr. Isaacson says that Aquaphor Ointment can help tremendously.
Dr. Marilyn Berzin adds that when you go outside, gloves and even a facemask are a must when the temp dips into the teens or below zero. And believe it or not, she says, you can still burn on a wintery day, so if you’re out for very long, remember to apply sunscreen.
Think warm thoughts, bundle up and be careful – your skin will thank you.
