Wintertime skin care tips

Winter time woes extend beyond cold temperatures and sometimes gloomy weather. Your skin can react to the constant temperature changes as you move indoor to outdoor for daily living activities.

Rita Pichardo-Geisinger, M.D., of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center dermatology department, is part of an internationally renowned team of clinicians who provide clinical care for patients. Pichardo-Geisinger provides these tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine to help keep your skin and hair in prime condition.

-Use a fragrance-free soap - "Perfumes and additives can dry the skin which can lead to flaking and itching or exacerbate conditions like eczema."

-Use a moisturizer lotion after the shower - "When you apply a moisturizer to damp skin right after showering, this helps seal in water to prevent skin from drying out. A moisturizer helps to act as a barrier of protection for your skin. Look for one with ceramides, a new technology that helps restore and protect the skin barrier."

-Keep the temperature at home on the cool side, not too warm, to avoid skin dehydration. "If your home or workplace temperature is warm enough to make it feel like a sauna, you might be drying out your skin.

-Use a fragrance-free detergent and liquid fragrance free conditioner for the clothes. "Some people with skin sensitivities can experience skin irritation or rash after wearing clothes washed in a detergent with fragrance additives."

-Don't forget your moisturizing lotion with sunscreen for your face, even if it is wintertime. "Sunscreen should be a part of everyone's daily routine, all year long."

-Remember your lips. "If they get chapped, avoid cracking by using chap sticks with sunscreen to get the double benefit of smooth and protected lips."

-Don't forget your locks. "Your hair can get dry in the wintertime, too. You might need to use a hydrating shampoo or an anti-frizz leave-in conditioner."

-Tend to your toes and feet. "There is no need to suffer from cracked heels. There are many good lactic acid creams that can help keep feet soft and supple."