The skin is the largest organ in the body and, therefore, the most exposed to multiple factors that influence its deterioration, including cold. For this reason, Dr. Mª Dolores Íñiguez, CreuBlanca dermatologist, recommends that you follow these tips to protect your skin in winter, especially those areas most sensitive to low temperatures such as the lips, cheeks, hands, neck and the neckline.

Follow these simple tips to take care of your skin in winter:

• Shower with lukewarm water, never very hot water. Generally, in winter you want to spend more time under hot water, but dermatologists recommend precisely reducing the shower time and doing it with warm water. In this way, you will protect your skin from dryness and dehydration problems.
• Moisturize your foot daily, especially hands and lips. Especially if you suffer from some type of dermatosis (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis…) or some alteration of the base of the lips (atopic or actinic cheilitis). Check with your dermatologist which cream is best suited for your skin type. The same happens with other areas of the body, such as the face and body, where the ideal is to choose soft and dermatologically tested products.
• Avoid washing your hands excessively. Wear dermatitis is a skin condition that frequently affects the back of the hands and, to a greater extent, people who wash their hands repeatedly for professional reasons. If this is your case, the dermatologist can recommend a cream with a suitable barrier effect for your skin, as well as the use of gloves.
• Moisturize your skin from the inside, drink water. In winter, you may need extra water. Try to drink between 1.5 and 2 liters of water daily. Keep in mind that low temperatures deteriorate the balance of the hydrolipidic layer and favor dryness. So staying hydrated will allow you to restore elasticity to the skin and preserve its moisture.
• Avoid direct skin contact with heat sources. Staying next to the radiator, stove or fireplace is one of the best feelings when it’s cold, but this habit can trigger the appearance of veins or spider veins on the legs, produced by the vasodilator effect of heat.
• Maintain your body temperature with thermal clothing or natural fibers. The use of appropriate clothing can prevent the appearance of skin lesions, such as chilblains, which cause inflammation, itching and red spots. This occurs especially in the fingers of the hands, since it is an area that is especially sensitive to the loss of body heat. In addition, it is preferable to use thermal clothing, made of cotton or natural fiber fabrics, instead of wool clothing if you have sensitive skin to avoid itching and skin discomfort.
• Use sunscreen when doing outdoor activities. Especially if you carry out activities in places where there is snow, since it reflects 80% of solar radiation, which can cause burns.

Having healthy skin is vital. Taking care of it daily and creating a constant routine is essential to keep it in good condition. And, in winter, even more! At the CreuBlanca Dermatology Unit, we address all types of skin conditions from a comprehensive point of view, in order to offer you an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment, focused on relieving your symptoms and maintaining healthy skin.