Dry Skin

The winter weather is cold and dry: it’s making me really itchy. What can I do?

Itchy skin in the cold and dry weather can be an annoying problem. The good news is there are several things you can do to help nourish and protect your skin from the cold weather and low humidity. Low humidity means more water evaporates from your skin leaving behind dehydrated, flaky and sometimes cracked skin. The main defense against this problem is doing everything you can to “lock in” moisture and re-establish the natural oils on your skin that go away with showering and bathing. What I recommend is to avoid very hot showers. My general rule is that if your shower leaves a fog on the mirror, then it is too hot. Keep it short and as mild as you can stand it. In the shower use a mild moisturizing soap such as Cerave, Dove or Cetaphil. Avoid fragrant soaps and only wash the “dirty” spots. Unless you have been exercising or working and getting very sweaty, generally the underarms, genital area, feet and face will do. After the shower, pat dry. Leave a little bit of moisture on your skin and then apply a good moisturizing cream (non-fragranced)  on all of your dry areas. Oils are also good, and a popular choice is coconut oil in place of a moisturizer.

- Dr. Carmen A. Traywick is Board Certified Dermatologist at May River Dermatology with two locations to serve patients, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.  Dr. Traywick is also a proud co-owner of LUX~A Medical Spa.

How do I know if my dry skin has a more serious underlying cause and needs medical attention?  

If you are having redness or bleeding along with the flaky skin, extreme itching affecting your daily activity or areas not improving with the above recommendations, you may need a prescription medication to help your condition. Some people have eczema that only flares up in the winter months and requires topical steroids or similar medications to clear.  

- Dr. Carmen A. Traywick is Board Certified Dermatologist at May River Dermatology and co-owner of LUX~A Medical Spa.

TimeWise®Moisture Renewing Gel Mask

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> Skin appears less stressed, feels nourished, purified and calm.

> Instantly hydrates while also locking in moisture.

> Helps reduce the appearance of pores as well
as fine lines and wrinkles.

Available by calling Mary Kay Representative, Donna Abrams
at 843-415-5314.

In regard to dry skin, what should I look for in both a body and facial moisturizer?

When classifying your skin we ask, “Does your skin feel dry and tight? Can you sometimes see flakes on your cheeks, chin and forehead?  Do you have fine lines around your eye and lip contour areas?”
If so, it is important to use moisture-rich products such as a daytime moisturizer, and a moisturizing treatment at night to repair your skin while you sleep. Weekly moisturizing masques will keep your skin soft and supple and will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Look for ingredients such as Shea butter and coconut oil, milk or water. These ingredients are extremely moisturizing, nourishing and replenishing for both the face and body.  Also, it is important to find an Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), which helps to slough off dead, dry and flaky skin cells to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.   

- Terra Orndorff, Heavenly Spa Director, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Eminence®Age Corrective Starter Kit

For Dry Skin, during this time of year, we recommend our Age Corrective Starter kit. It includes the Monoi Age Corrective Exfoliating Cleanser and Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer. Our clients report these moisture-rich
products create a difference in their skin they can feel and see immediately.

- Terra Orndorff, Heavenly Spa Director, The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa