{"id":3194,"date":"2012-01-28T10:28:42","date_gmt":"2012-01-28T15:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/?p=3194"},"modified":"2014-10-29T10:08:59","modified_gmt":"2014-10-29T15:08:59","slug":"7-solutions-for-winter-skin-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitzness.com\/blog\/7-solutions-for-winter-skin-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Solutions for Winter Skin Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Photo credit: Squacco on Flickr.com<\/p><\/div>\n

The harsh winter elements can take a\u00a0toll on sensitive skin. Dr. Mitchell Chasin, Medical Director at Reflections, Center for Skin<\/a> has answered some of the most popular questions asked about skin during the coldest months of the year.<\/p>\n

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  1. My skin gets red every time I step outside, how can I help reduce that and what causes it? <\/strong>Cover up.\u00a0 The cold constricts the blood vessels while outside and there\u2019s a rebound effect when the skin warms back up and the vessels dilate, creating excessive redness.<\/li>\n
  2. My skin gets very blotchy in the winter, how can I help reduce that and what causes it? <\/strong>Very often dry skin is the cause of blotchiness.\u00a0 Avoiding hot showers can help, as can frequent use of moisturizer and using non-soak cleansers. Running a humidifier in the bedroom while sleeping is also a great way to replenish the moisture in your skin. Another cause of wintertime redness can be Rosacea.\u00a0 If you have broken blood vessels, bumps, and recurring flare-ups in the same area, you should consult your doctor, as you may be suffering from Rosacea.<\/li>\n
  3. What ingredients should I look out for\/avoid when buying skincare products in the winter?<\/strong>Avoid anything containing agents that strip the skin of its natural moisture.\u00a0 In the winter we typically decrease the strength of the retinoids we give to patients. <\/li>\n
  4. My skin gets very dry and itchy in the winter, why and what can I do to treat and prevent that?<\/strong> See blotchy above\u2026<\/li>\n
  5. My acne get worse in winter\/why and what can I do?\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>It\u2019s not that acne is worse in the winter, it\u2019s that it improves in the summer due to sunlight on the skin. The bacteria that cause acne flourish in the winter in the absence of UV light.\u00a0 UV and other light-based therapies can help keep acne-causing bacteria in check. Also, many people go off their acne medication in the summer. It\u2019s important to get back on it in the fall before the winter hits and acne regains the upper hand.<\/li>\n
  6. Are there certain foods I should be eating in the winter to help reduce dull skin and minimize acne\/foods to avoid? <\/strong>Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, nuts and seeds will help combat acne and make your skin look terrific.\u00a0 Of course drinking plenty of water is also critical for healthy skin.\u00a0 When acne is bad, avoid simple sugars and excessive dairy intake.\u00a0 So ice cream = bad, especially for adolescents.<\/li>\n
  7. My feet, hands and cuticles are very dry, what do you recommend I use? <\/strong>Frequent hand washing, especially in winter, can lead to excessive dryness.\u00a0 Avoid hot water and stringent soap, and try to moisturize hands right after washing, before they are fully dried.\u00a0 For the feet, applying moisturizer right after getting out of the shower should help lock the moisture in.\u00a0 Also, rubberized shoes that don\u2019t breathe well can make feet sweat, which leads to skin irritation, which leads to dryness. Avoid shoes that are sealed and make your feet sweat and wear thicker, absorbent socks that wick moisture away from your feet.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n