Although the crisp, cold air of winter may feel good on the skin, it is not at all beneficial. Cold air is dry air, and it quickly robs the skin of moisture. Combined with the dry air inside of the home - a result of indoor heating - your skin can quickly lose its moisture and become rough and itchy.
Here are some tips that will help you keep your skin supple and young- looking, no matter how dry the air is:
- Wash your face and body in lukewarm water, never hot or cold as extreme temperatures dry the skin.
- Have as quick a shower or bath as possible. Even lukewarm water can quickly wash away protective skin oils.
- Don’t use a rough washcloth or other abrasive cleansing aid, which can cause irritation.
- Pat your skin dry gently using a soft towel. Never rub your skin.
- Use a household humidifier.
- Try to avoid extreme cold, which can cause frostbite.
- Protect your skin from the winter sun. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or greater.
- Invest in a superior skin lotion that is formulated for your specific need such as the Lubriderm* family of skincare products. Using a skincare product targeted to your skin type and condition can prevent winter dryness and help keep your skin supple and young-looking.
- Remember that the best skin care is preventive. It is much easier to prevent moisture loss than to replace moisture.
Treating Cold Sores
Although they are not caused by cold weather, many people break out in cold sores during the winter months. This is particularly true for winter sports enthusiasts, whose exposure to ultraviolet light may trigger a breakout.
Cold sores are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex type 1. People who regularly break out in cold sores carry the virus, which becomes reactivated by certain triggers. These include immune suppression caused by stress, illness and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Menstruation, fatigue, and trauma or injuries to the mouth may also trigger the reappearance of a cold sore.
Cold sores are extremely contagious. The herpes virus is commonly spread through direct contact when kissing someone or by brushing against a lesion. The virus can also be spread through an intermediary object, as when sharing drinking vessels such as cups and glasses, or using another person’s lipstick, toothbrush or face towel.
Lipactin® gel for cold sores, available from your London Drugs pharmacy, is a clinically proven treatment for cold sores that shortens duration of the breakout and speeds healing. The product is most effective when applied at the first sign of a cold sore - usually a tingling sensation on or near the lip. You should wash your hands well after using the gel, to minimize risk of transferring the herpes virus.