Visage Dermatology and Aesthetic Center
1400 Mercantile Lane
110
Largo, MD 20774
Healthy Skin Even In The Winter
Winter is harsh on your skin, but you can still have glowing skin this season. Most importantly, it is now that you should prepare your skin for Spring.
Tips To Hatch You Into a Spring Chicken
1. Use moisturizing soaps. Soaps are made to get oil off of your skin. However, your natural skin oils are also nourishing and protective to your skin. If you are going to use a cleanser, use one that adds moisture back into your skin. This will help prevent dry skin, winter’s itch, and help keep eczema away longer. Stay away from antibacterial soaps as they are drying to the skin, unless you were advised to use them for a specific condition.
2. Emollients. Vaseline or white petrolatum is the best moisturizer. Aquaphor, a thicker white petrolatum is an alternative. Vaniply – an ointment without lanolin or mineral oils that may irritate some skin, is good for those with sensitive skin. Light lotions may suffice during the summer, but the dry winter requires heavier creams or ointments. There are even exfoliating prescription lotions and creams and exfoliating body washes prescribed by dermatologists.
3. Humidifiers. Many newer homes are heated with forced air, which can dry your skin. If your home does not have a built-in humidifier, using a safe, cool mist, or warm mist humidifier at night will humidify the air and keep skin moist. This can be helpful for those with eczema.
4. Nonsteroidal Moisturizers. These products were formulated for individuals with eczema or severely dry skin to restore the skin’s barrier function. A prescription is required to obtain these products, so schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to get your today.
5. Schedule your dermatology appointment now to treat your acne in time for graduations, wedding, and social gatherings in the Spring. Now is the time to begin your chemical peels to treat your acne, get rid of dry, dead skin and dark spots.
In this time of flu and viruses, we are all washing our hands frequently (I hope) or using antibacterial gels and liquids. Many of these are alcohol-based, and can be drying, as is hand washing. So when you reach for your Purell, be sure to reach for your moisturizer.
Now for that beautiful face of yours (Visage means “Face” in French):
1. A non-comedogenic moisturizer with sunscreen – SPF 30 is recommended. UV rays may cause hyperpigmentation and wrinkling, even in winter. Wearing sunscreen on snowy days is advised as the sun reflects off of the snow and onto you. There are many physician strength, and even anti-acne sunscreens available, so you will want to consult with a dermatologist.
2. Hyaluronic acid moisturizers are humectants and draw moisture into your skin. They are a good alternative to face lotions. This is how Restylane fillers work. They are injected into the laugh lines and under eye grooves to plump those areas up to look naturally full.
3. For dry lips. Aquaphor works well. Lip gloss wearers should be careful not to apply it past the vermillion (line) border of the lips as this may cause black heads and acne around the lips.
4. For dry hands. Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Formula is a good option. There are many moisturizers reqiring a prescription that not only moisturize and soothe the skin, but also heal your skin. Make your hands look younger by getting a filler such as Radiesse®. This gets rid of all the unsightly veins and the “skeleton hands” look. So what are you waiting for, schedule an appointment today.
Look Good, Feel Great, Ascend!®
