Lansing, Michigan, Doctor's Approach: Seasonal Changes in Your Skin and Skin Care

Oct. 21, 2010 - PRLog -- At Home Tip…

If you are prone to dry skin, especially as the temperatures drop and the dry heat of the furnaces starts to take its toll, consider getting a room humidifier that will help infuse moisture into the air.

Seasonal Change

As the leaves fall and the air gets a little nippy in parts of the country, it becomes time to make some changes. We might pack up our lighter weight clothes, in favor of heavier sweaters, suits and coats. But it is also time to make changes that will protect your skin, no matter what the weather. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth seasonal skin transition:

As the weather cools, cut back on the super hot showers and baths. They, in combination with the harsh effects of indoor heating can make dry flaky skin. If you are going to take a bath, add a few drops of bath oil to the water to help lock in the moisture. And you may want to give up your shower gels in the cooler months, in favor or shower creams that have less drying alcohol, and more oils to help protect the skin.

Most people use lotion up to prevent dry skin year round. If you are already using a body lotion, think about switching to a heavier body cream as the temperature drops. Creams that feel too heavy and sticky in the more humid months, can be just the ticket for dry winter skin. There’s nothing worse than dry, itchy winter time skin. You might want to look for some products that include alpha and beta hydroxyls to help exfoliate the skin. There’s nothing worse than dry, itchy winter time skin.

Think about making subtle makeup changes each season. Lighter weight foundations and moisturizers might give way to cream foundations and blushes. But if you go to a heavier cosmetic product, you need to take the time to remove your makeup every night.

Many women take extra care with their feet in the summer sandal season. But it’s important to keep up the good work even after you put the open toe shoes away for winter. The skin on the feet gets extra try and is prone to cracking and splitting in cold weather. Think about lathering your feet with a cream or even Vaseline at night and putting on a pair of white cotton socks for an overnight foot spa treatment.

And don’t forget to pamper your hands and nails, as the seasons change. Cold weather can cause dry skin on hands and peeling cracking nails. Keep a small tube of lotion in your purse and reapply it several times during the day. Gloves can protect your hands from the elements, too.

Year Round Skin Care

There are some things that should be a part of your skin care routine, no matter what the season. Never ever leave the house without your sunscreen, whether it is the dead of winter or a sweltering summer day. The damaging effects of the sun can wreak havoc on your skin no matter what the time of year.

Eating healthy and staying hydrated are important to your skin and your health all year long. Make seasonal fruits and vegetables, and lean protein an essential part of your diet. Cut back on sugary sodas, and drink lots of water. In winter months, get some of the water in through healthy green teas which have lots of antioxidants that boost your health from the inside out.

Product Tip

As the weather changes, so should the moisturizers you use. The lighter moisturizers that you use in the spring and summer, when weather is warm, may not offer you enough protection on blustery days. Look for the creamier versions of the products you love and then switch back to lighter lotions and moisturizers in spring and summer.

For more information, visit us on the web: www.DAderm.com or purchase products: www.doctorsapproach.com. We are also available by phone (517) 364-8170.

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Doctor’s Approach is a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic with a cosmetic medical spa. Our dermatology practice has been well established and respected for over 15 years, with patients visiting from all over the Midwest region.