Dermatologist Dr. Eric Bernstein said he often sees patients with cracked, painful skin on the knuckles and itchy backs this time of year.
“Cold air can not hold moisture, so the moisture leaves our bodies into the air and goes bye bye,” said Bernstein.
It’s not just the arctic blast that’s to blame. Bernstein said many people make a big mistake when the temperatures drop.
“We stand under the hot shower trying to warm up in the morning, and it leaches the oil out of our skin,” said Bernstein.
Bernstein said the first skin fix is learning to love a warm shower.
“The second thing is you moisturize while you’re wet,” said Bernstein.
Bernstein also recommended applying a product called AmLactin.
“It’s great for that crocodile skin in the winter. It’s an alpha hydroxide. It’s a cousin of glycolic acid. AmLactin is over the counter in almost every drugstore. It’s awesome,” said Bernstein.
But Bernstein said don’t use it right out of the shower, or it may sting.
AmLactin is also effective against other skin problems.
“If you have bumps on the back of your arms, it will take those away,” said Bernstein.
For cracked skin, Bernstein recommended Aquaphor. He said it works to seal up cracked skin and also heals chapped lips.
Bernstein said prescription face creams such as Retin A can be extra drying in the winter. He recommended cutting back to every other day for patients who use them.
Finally, if itching seems unusual or doesn’t go away, Bernstein said something more serious than dry skin could be to blame, so talk to your doctor.
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