Wintertime can be very harsh on your skin and it’s usually the time of year you’re looking to make a great impression on close family and friends.
So that means being aware of what can harm your skin in the winter.
For that, we have our very own Dr. Aziza Wahby to answer some common questions and give tips for winter skin care.
Get to Know Dr. Aziza Wahby
There’s really nobody else you’d want preparing you for the harsh battle that is winter against your own skin.
Dr. Wahby is board certified dermatologist. She enjoys providing the full range of general medical, pediatric, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic services to the Northeast Ohio community in private practice.
Her passion lies in utilizing the most current dermatologic advances to create individualized therapies for common skin conditions.
“At Apex, our patients are first and foremost,” says Dr. Wahby. “I can take care of any skin concerns for both children and adults. My approach to patient care is to take care of the whole person.”
Winter Skin Care Questions
Dryness, cracking, acne, and more is what can happen if you let winter get the better of your skin. Here are some common winter skin care questions you’ll want answers to.
1. How does the winter affect your skin?
During winter, the air is drier and colder. This combination is known to have harsh effects on the outer layer of your skin.
Since there’s less humidity, more moisture is sucked from your skin, which is what makes it feel dry. And dry skin can lead to flakiness, fine lines, fissuring of the skin and even acne.
Ultimately, your skin will be drier and therefore, isn’t able to function at its best.
2. What are some common winter skin problems?
The biggest problem with winter skin care is dry skin.
Other common winter skin care concerns include chapped skin, cracking, dandruff, dry cuticles, and more.
3. What is the best face cream/moisturizer for dry skin in the winter?
The best moisturizer for you will depend on your skin type and current condition.
Ultimately, we recommend patients check with their dermatologist for a regimen that works best for them.
However, it’s usually a safe bet to increase the moisturizer you’re already using or to step up your moisturizing game altogether.
If you’re someone who uses a normal face lotion, opt for a face cream instead for extra moisture. And on the other side, if you typically don’t use moisturizer, try a lighter lotion.
Dr. Wahby suggests, “If you use retinoid or retinol products, consider decreasing frequency of application to a just a few times a week in the winter, mix your retinoid with a moisturizer and consider decreasing the volume of product used per application.”
4. What are some winter skin tips for people with oily skin?
Oily skin can be a blessing and a curse. In the winter, it can be a blessing to an extent.
We recommend hydrating cleansers that are gentle and fragrance-free for the winter months.
5. What are the best winter skin care products?
Everyone’s skin is unique and that means different products will be the best for different people.
“Here at Apex we use SkinMedica and ZO medical-grade products and recommend you check with your specific dermatologist to determine which products are right for you during winter,” says Dr. Wahby.
Showering in the Winter
Although showers feel like heaven during these cold winter months, they could be the cause of your winter skin care issues.
Dr. Wahby explains:
“Hot showers can cause drying of the skin. Tepid water is a better choice, especially during the harsh winter months. I always tell patients that if the shower is hot enough to fog up your mirrors then it’s too hot.”
In order to combat some of these shower problems, limit time in the shower to less than 10 min and avoid fragranced personal care products.
Handwashing in the Winter
We all have to wash our hands and during the winter, we typically do so more in order to avoid succumbing to colds and the flu.
“Handwashing is very important this time of year. It is one of the most important things we can do to prevent the spread of colds and flu. However, frequent hand washing can cause excessive dryness of the skin.”
To avoid the dryness, use gentle soaps (again, fragrance-free) and be sure to moisturize after handwashing.
“I frequently use petrolatum on my hands at night, which is occlusive and helps prevent moisture loss. “
Winter Lip Care
Another major winter skin care problem is dry, cracked, and chapped lips. If you want to keep your lips plump and happy, make sure you’re moisturizing regularly and avoid licking your lips – it makes them worse.
“Chapped lips can be painful and unsightly. Be sure to coat your lips nightly with petrolatum.”
Sunscreen and skin checks are important all year!
Summer isn’t the only time of year to make it in to see your dermatologist.
“Many people come to the dermatologist for skin checks in the fall, after spending time outdoors all summer. It is important to check your skin every month throughout the year, no matter how many layers you are wearing daily.
Also, remember that while the sun’s intensity is diminished from around October until April, it is still important to wear sunblock when participating in outdoor winter activities such as skiing.”
Learning what’s important for winter skin care is much easier by reading what Dr. Aziza Wahby has to say. Make sure to book an appointment with us to ensure your skin stays healthy this winter!
About Dr. Aziza Wahby, DO
Dr. Wahby was born in Brooklyn, NY but spent her formative years in Fort Dodge, IA. Throughout high school, she attended both St. Edmonds and The Preucil School of Music, where she studied the violin, music theory and piano. She has performed widely within the United States and abroad, including appearances at Carnegie Hall. Her love of classical music brought her to the Cleveland Institute of Music, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance.
Dr. Wahby furthered her education at Columbia University in New York City, completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and pre-medical sciences. She studied medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, where she received the Dean’s Award for maintaining the highest academic standing in her class throughout four years of medical education.
