Winter Dry Skin

Ah, December. The weather is cold, the heat is on in your office, and we are building nice warm fires in our fireplaces. Sounds cozy, right? Well, not if you have terribly dry skin! These conditions are just perfect for dry, itchy skin to rear it's uncomfortable head. But how do you know if your dry skin isn't something more serious, like eczema?

Eczema is a non-contagious condition that causes itchy, scaly, red patches of dry skin. Normally the patches are small-medium sized and the condition is most common in infants and children. However, it can present itself in adults. If you have patches that look and feel like this, consult a dermatologist! More often than not, eczema is only successfully treated (sadly, it's not a curable condition) when you use a prescription like Elidel.

If your skin feels tight, ashy, or slightly itchy, you may only have dry skin and this can be treated quite easily with this 3-step system:

1. Lotion, lotion, lotion. Pick a good moisturizer for your face, and also one for your body. Apply liberally after you have toweled dry from your shower, and always at night before bed. (You may also try turning down the temps in your shower, as scalding hot water will dry out your skin!) For dry, irritated skin, I like Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion.

2. Drink more water. It may seem obvious, but drinking water helps your skin rebuild itself an stay hydrated. Make sure that you are drinking at least 8 glasses a day. This is a free tip that everyone should try! It helps you look younger!

3. Start taking a fish oil or a Vitamin E supplement. I have noticed that taking Fish Oil (the coated kind, so as to prevent fishy breath!) or a Vitamin E supplement also helps my hair, skin, and nails. Of course, if you are pregnant or nursing, you must consult a physician before starting any kind of supplement. However, the good news is that a prenatal vitamin may also help your hair and nails as well!