Your skin health is affected by the weather
Cold, windy weather and even the sun can damage your skin and COVID-19 precautions add a whole other dimension.
The winter weather, from which we are just emerging, causes dry, flaky, and irritated skin by reducing the number of cells in the outermost layer of our skin. In addition, the dry winter atmosphere can rob skin of valuable moisture. We also tend to drink less because our thirst sensation is decreased in cold weather.
As a result, many people suffer from dry skin that can crack and bleed. Some may have worsening of existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
What can you do to prevent dry skin? The first thing is to drink enough water. It is recommended that men drink about 16 cups of fluids and women about 12 cups every day. You can also use thicker, heavier moisturizers, especially after showers or baths.
Finally, make sure you are gentle on your skin! That means warm, not hot showers and gentle cleansers followed by gentle drying. If you’re still having dry skin or if you think you might have a skin condition, visit your primary care provider or dermatologist.
We usually associate sun damage and tanning with warm summer months, but the sunlight in winter can play a major role in skin damage. Excessive sunlight and ultraviolet radiation can cause aging of your skin and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
What can you do to protect yourself? Wear sunscreen!
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of at least 30 that is water resistant and broad-spectrum. That means it protects against both Ultraviolet A (UVA), which has a longer wavelength, and is associated with skin aging, and against Ultraviolet B (UVB), which has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning.
Make sure you apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and every two hours thereafter. Sunscreen does reduce your skin’s ability to make vitamin D so, if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels, please talk to your provider about options.
The best way we can avoid spreading flu and COVID-19 is wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands. However, regular washing can disrupt our skin barrier and integrity, which can lead to dryness and skin rashes.
Wash your hands using cool or lukewarm water for at least 20 seconds. Then pat your hands dry without rubbing and apply moisturizer afterwards. (If you are using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, find ones with at least 60-percent alcohol with added moisturizers.)
Look for moisturizers in tubes instead of jars, so you do not double dip and contaminate the product. Try to avoid putting moisturizer on dry hands. Instead, wet your hands in lukewarm water for 20 seconds, then apply the moisturizer.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using ointments or creams instead of lotions, which can be more irritating. Look for products with jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum, or shea butter.
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Community Caregivers Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides non-medical services, including transportation and caregiver support at no charge to residents of Guilderland, Bethlehem, Altamont, New Scotland, Berne, Knox, and the city of Albany through a strong volunteer pool of dedicated individuals with a desire to assist their neighbors.
Its funding is derived in part from the Albany County Department for Aging, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the United States Administration on Aging. Community Caregivers also provides services by phone in Rensselaer County to reduce isolation and make referrals for other needed services.
Editor’s note: Kanthi Bommareddy is a candidate for a medical degree in 2021 at Albany Medical College.