Baby it’s cold outside! This time of year can wreak havoc on our skin. The dry, cold air, along with our indoor heating systems, weakens our skin barrier and makes us more likely to have skin irritation. We see a lot of patients in the winter with dry and itchy skin (eczema) and sometimes skin infections from cracks in the skin. The good news is that good daily skin care can help strengthen your skin and protect it from the cold. Dr. Nicole Vélez recommends some of her favorite over-the-counter treatments for dry skin below.

 

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

The product at left is the cream and has a higher oil content than a lotion, which means it will be more moisturizing. CeraVe contains “ceramides” which are an important component of our natural skin barrier. By restoring ceramides, you can prevent cracks or openings in the skin that may be painful. The best time to apply a moisturizing cream is right after a shower or bath when your skin is moist and most likely to absorb the moisture.

 

 

Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

I love this product for patients with sensitive skin or those who have any allergies to fragrance.

 

 

 

Aquaphor Healing Ointment 

My all time favorite! Aquaphor ointment is greasy and helps trap moisture and heal dry skin. It is a hydrated form of petrolatum meaning it is like Vaseline but with some other moisturizing products. I love this for lips, cracked fingertips, baby skin and pretty much anything.

 

 

 

Vaseline

Yes, plain old Vaseline is pretty awesome too!! Sometimes the term “petroleum jelly” can scare people but it is really just refined mineral oil. There are no carcinogenic ingredients. Like Aquaphor, it helps trap moisture and can be used anywhere.