WASHINGTON – The temperatures are dropping and the number of us with dry skin is rising.
Dr. Howard Brooks, a dermatologist and director of Georgetown Skin, says the cold air outside and the dry air inside is a double whammy for our skin.
Brooks says the key to keep your skin from drying out is to wear a moisturizer everyday with sun protection.
“We all know to wear sunscreen when we’re at the beach, or when we’re at the pool, but we tend to forget if we’re playing out in the snow or walking around when it’s winter,” says Brooks. “We can still get sunburned during the winter months.”
He adds that you should drink extra water, and wear gloves and scarves to cover exposed skin when outside.
Brooks says to avoid moisturizers or soaps with fragrances, and too avoid taking showers that are too hot, which can pull moisture from the skin.
If your scalp is dry, he says that over-the-counter dandruff shampoos can help. Give them four to six weeks before seeing a dermatologist for prescription strength shampoo.
WTOP’s Debra Feinstein contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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