Winter weather changes can negatively affect the skin — the body’s largest organ.
Colder temperatures and a lack of moisture in the air can damage unprotected skin, especially on the face and hands.
“When the temperature drops, the humidity tends to drop with it,” says Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist. “And, so, naturally your skin dehydrates.”
Davis says hands are especially vulnerable to cracks and cuts that can put you at risk for infection.
She suggests one of three categories of moisturizers: ointments, which contain oil; creams, which have oil and water; and lotions, which are generally water-based.
“If your skin is extremely raw, you may want to start with ointments,” says Davis.
Once skin improves, rubbing in a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free cream or lotion, may provide enough moisture to prevent further problems.
“And, remember, these products only last for a few hours at maximum,” says Davis. “So you really need to hydrate and moisturize at minimum two to three times daily.”
