As the cooler, dryer weather descends upon us during the winter months, one of the most common complaints I get is dry, crêpe, itchy skin, especially on the face, hands and feet. There are several treatments to either prevent or restore irritating, dry skin conditions.

Our need for water increases as there is less humidity in the air. The increased water loss through breathing and moisture evaporation from the skin is accelerated during dry weather. Increasing water consumption prevents this moisture loss and helps to keep our bodies functioning properly. Keep in mind that soda and caffeinated drinks will add to your dehydration. Water is really the key.

Good skin care and weekly/bi-weekly facial treatments can help to keep your face from feeling tight and dry. Makeup can emphasize dry skin making fine lines more apparent. A hydrating mist is the perfect treatment that can be used any time of the day, even over makeup to replace what is lost to evaporation. An instant relief to that dry feeling is felt immediately. Longer term moisture control can be achieved through MesoGlow in which hyaluronic acid is infused into the skin through a series of tiny microinjections.  The hyaluronic acid instantly binds moisture to the cells for long lasting control that can last for days to weeks.

When your body is dry, flaky and itchy, exfoliating with a sugar or salt scrub infused with lipid barrier emollients removes itchy dead skin cells and seals in moisture to alleviate itching. Repeated applications during dry weather will help remove dry, dead skin to return your skin to its normal condition.

Most bar soaps are alkaline based and dry the skin. The use of an olive oil based soap, such as LaRagazza with vitamin E, in the shower helps to nourish the skin and prevent moisture loss on a daily basis. Your skin will thank you for it.

Really dry skin may require some additional therapy such as Ceratopic Replenishing Treatment. This intensive lotion replenishes and helps speed the recovery of extremely dry, cracked skin. Developed for tough treatment areas, this formula rebuilds skin's natural barrier and restores the balance of ceramide and other lipids found in healthy skin. Relieves dryness, itching, and irritation for a noticeably smoother, silkier feel. 

Internal treatments of primrose oil or fish oil can also help relieve severely dry skin. They are fatty acids that nourish and stimulate certain prostaglandin hormones responsible for soft supple skin.

If you continuously suffer from dry, thickened skin either around the fingernails or on the heels of your feet, bioidentical hormonal therapy can provide true relief. While thickening of the skin can be reduced with chemicals, pedicures or hand and foot creams, treating the underlying issues of hormonal disbalance provide a solution to the problem.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, or purchase a product to treat your condition, please contact the office.