From the Archives: Fall 2008 issue of Lupus Now
Winter Relief
Whether you spend the winter hibernating inside or braving the chill of the great outdoors, chances are your skin is suffering during the coldest months of the year. For people with lupus who may already be dealing with photosensitivity, skin rashes or lesions, and side effects from medication, winter's freezing temperatures, low humidity, and wind exposure just make things worse. It's no surprise that people find themselves battling dry, cracked skin and "winter itch."
In winter, the atmosphere loses moisture, and the resulting climate can strip skin of the layer of oils, cells, and lipids that normally shield us. Dry indoor heat doesn't help, since it causes humidity to evaporate. If you don’t have a humidifier in your home or office, try leaving a small bowl of water on the radiator to create moisture in the air.
Even the products we use can aggravate existing problems. Antibacterial cleansers, fragrances, and some sunscreens can dry skin, leaving it vulnerable to flaking and even bleeding.
Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your skin in even the harshest conditions. The trick is to preserve and boost your skin's natural moisture without sacrificing sun protection. Although temperatures may have dropped, the sun’s UVA and UVB rays can still cause photosensitivity and burns, especially when they reflect off snow and ice. High altitudes also strengthen the sun's power.
Start with your soap. Even if you have oily skin, liquid and antibacterial soaps can cause serious dryness issues. For winter, switch to a mild soap with skin cream (like Dove), or glycerin soaps like Neutrogena, to help prevent loss on the most basic level. If you use bath oil, don’t use it in the tub. Instead, rub onto damp skin immediately after you bathe (Be extra careful not to get any in the tub where it can make you slip.).
While you’re in the shower, turn the heat down. A lukewarm shower is much easier on your body than a hot one -- though we admit this may be hard to do when it’s 30 below outside. If you must take a hot shower, be sure to replace any lost moisture with a thick body lotion, applied while your skin is still damp. Some dermatologists recommend a “shielding” lotion, like SkinCareMD, which creates a barrier between your skin and the elements. A cream formula with mineral oil, coconut oil, or other emollient also works.
Don’t forget sunscreen. Because most sunscreens are inherently drying, it can be hard to find a winter moisturizer that contains enough SPF. Some of the newest body lotions are made with an SPF of 15, and make a nice base to start. Apply your regular sunscreen generously and often in addition to your regular skin care routine. The extra protection is well worth it -- sunscreen prevents skin damage and the weathering effects of the harsh winter sun.
Finally, don’t forget to drink -- water, that is! It’s easy to ignore hydration in the winter, but that water bottle is just as crucial in January as it is in July. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, to keep your cells hydrated and help your skin regenerate, resulting in happy, healthy winter skin, inside and out.
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