WASHINGTON — Going with a greasy goo is your best bet to help fight dry winter skin, according to a local dermatologist.
“There are lots of different moisturizers you can use and some are better than others,” dermatologist Dr. Helena Pasieka of MedStar Washington Hospital Center said. “There’s greasy things and then there’s creamy things and then there’s lotions.”
Lotions typically are diluted with something such as alcohol so they can be used with pump bottles. Creams in tubs are better. Best yet are moisturizers that are greasy and ointment-like such as petroleum jelly.
Tips and tricks to help skin survive winter:
- Take cooler, shorter showers and baths
- Immediately after bathing apply moisturizer to damp skin
- Avoid products with perfumes and dyes
- Use lip balm
- Use humidifiers if needed
- Carry moisturizer with you for use after frequent hand washing
For chapped or wind burned skin, Pasieka recommends applying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone product to skin before applying moisturizer.
One sign your skin is over-dry — it’ll be more sensitive. There may not be a rash initially, but Pasieka said you’ll start feeling more itchy.
