Doctor offers skin care
tips for use in cold,
dry weather
By Stephanie Furlan
Staff
Writer
Whether it is persistent dry skin or annoying chapped
lips, winter weather can irritate skin as soon as the temperature drops.
Dr. Edward Hoskins of Purdue University Student
Health Center says that the cold weather dries out people's skin largely
due to the drop in humidity.
He said heaters can make the air even drier by
removing potentially beneficial moisture from the air.
Hoskins suggests that people should apply moisturizer
after bathing.
"Especially if you know you have sensitive skin,
and try to avoid soaps with harsher chemicals," he said.
People can avoid skin irritation by using more
gentle soaps because there are fewer chemicals contained in them.
Andrea Skertich, a sophomore in the School of Education,
said, "When it's cold, my hands get really dry and they crack."
She recommends using Respite, which is an over-the-counter
medicated lotion available at most drug stores.
Hoskins also said when people tend to wash their
hands often, it can leave their skin more irritated because of the soap
used, along with hot water.
By using cooler water, especially when washing
their face and hands, a person's skin is less likely to dry out.
Andy Nickles, a senior in aviation technology,
said, "My face and elbows get dry during the winter. Lubriderm is the
best lotion; it works the best."
Something to keep in mind when shopping for moisturizers
is that just because a product may cost more doesn't necessarily mean
the quality is higher, said Hoskins.
"A big help is keeping cheap moisturizer by the
sink — it doesn't need to be anything expensive," Hoskins said.
Products to try are Creamy Vaseline, Aquaphor,
Cetaphil Cream, Eucerin Cream, or the Oil of Olay Daily Care Series.
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