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Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group

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The experts at Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group are dedicated to providing you with the latest evidence-based information and treatment for your for all your skin health concerns. We hope that our blog posts help you learn something new that you can put to use in your day-to-day life in between visits with your trusted provider here at Cornerstone! Any specific care-related questions can be fully addressed by making an appointment.

 

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Dry Winter Skin Tips

A patient scratches at dry skin on his hands.

With below-freezing temperatures and heaters running full-blast in our homes and cars, many of us are experiencing dry winter skin. On the surface, a change in the humidity can cosmetically make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. But dry skin is also a serious medical problem for many. In the winter, our skin can itch, flake, crack and even bleed, causing pain and discomfort as we go about the day.

Dr. David Fieleke, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Cornerstone Dermatology & Surgery Group in Lee’s Summit, offers tips for preventing dry winter skin and recommends some of his favorite products for providing increased hydration.

Prevention

  •  Protect your skin from the elements. Our hands are the first place we notice dry skin. Always wear gloves when going outdoors or performing tasks where your hands get wet, such as washing dishes.

  • Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air in your home.

  • Stay warm without cozying up to a fireplace or sticking your hands directly in front of the heater in your car. Sitting in front of an open flame or other heat source can dry your skin.

  • Choose gentle, unscented skincare products. Avoid deodorant soaps, and steer clear of skincare products that contain alcohol or fragrance.

  • Modify your bathing routine to prevent dry skin. Close the bathroom door, and limit your time in the shower or bath to five to 10 minutes. Use warm, rather than hot water. While bathing, wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Apply enough to cleanse your body, but avoid using so much that you create a thick lather. After you bathe, gently pat skin dry and generously apply moisturizer. 

What moisturizer do you recommend? 

That’s a frequently-asked question at Cornerstone Dermatology during the winter months! For the most added hydration, Dr. Fieleke recommends choosing a product labeled ‘cream’ or ‘ointment’ versus ‘lotion.’ Ointments and creams are more effective and less irritating than lotions. Look for one that contains oil, such as olive oil or jojoba oil. Shea butter also works well. Other skin-soothing ingredients to look for are: lactic acid, urea, hyaluronic acid, dimethicone, glycerin, lanolin, mineral oil and petrolatum. 

 There are many great products available at a variety of price points. Dr. Fieleke’s goal in providing product-specific recommendations is for you to find a product that works well at a price that’s within your budget. 

Moisturizers

If you’re already following these tips and consistently applying and re-applying a moisturizing product to affected skin and still not experiencing relief, it’s time to consult your dermatologist. Very dry skin can require a prescription ointment or cream or could even be related to an underlying medical condition. To make an appointment at Cornerstone Dermatology, call (816) 287-1528.