Dry Skin Be Gone!
By Ms. M. MacMillan, Communications Director
Dr. Shannon Humphrey, dermatologist and WPGA parent, gives advice for relieving dry skin, which afflicts many of us this time of year.
Dr. Shannon Humphrey, dermatologist and WPGA parent, gives advice for relieving dry skin, which afflicts many of us this time of year.
By Ms. M. MacMillan, Communications Director
If the rain, grey skies and cooler temperatures haven’t tipped you off, winter is coming—fast! And with damp and darker days comes dry, itchy, irritated skin, thanks to a drop in outdoor humidity and a spike in indoor heating. I myself suffer from dry skin every winter, and figure many students, staff and families do, too, so I asked Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a dermatologist (and parent to Stella, kindergarten), for advice on alleviating seasonal skin dryness.
Skin has a barrier, says Dr. Humphrey, that loses moisture more readily in colder weather. To replenish and retain lost moisture, she recommends the following skin-saving measures.
If the rain, grey skies and cooler temperatures haven’t tipped you off, winter is coming—fast! And with damp and darker days comes dry, itchy, irritated skin, thanks to a drop in outdoor humidity and a spike in indoor heating. I myself suffer from dry skin every winter, and figure many students, staff and families do, too, so I asked Dr. Shannon Humphrey, a dermatologist (and parent to Stella, kindergarten), for advice on alleviating seasonal skin dryness.
Skin has a barrier, says Dr. Humphrey, that loses moisture more readily in colder weather. To replenish and retain lost moisture, she recommends the following skin-saving measures.
Top Tips to Relieve Dry Skin
1) Use a heavier moisturizer, such as a cream or even an ointment. Whereas a lotion might be fine in warmer weather, a creamier formula (which contains less water and more moisturizing agents) is better during colder months. If you’re prone to acne, use products labelled non-comedogenic, which means they don't contain pore-clogging ingredients.
2) Ensure your moisturizer (and all body care products and laundry soap) is fragrance-free. As Dr. Humphrey explains, fragrance is a huge irritant that can inflame and worsen dry skin. Make sure the label says “fragrance-free”; products labelled “unscented” often contain a scented masking agent. Instead of harsh cleaners, use gentle soap-free hand and body washes.
3) Keep showers to less than 5 minutes in lukewarm water--not hot water, which is incredibly drying. Also key is to apply moisturizer within a minute or two after bathing to lock in skin's moisture, which is depleted as water evaporates on the skin.
If you suffer from really dry skin that's also red and itchy, you may have eczema, which, according to Dr. Humphrey, affects about 20 percent of children. For this, she recommends seeing your family doctor or dermatologist, as more aggressive treatment may be required. Dr. Humphrey also reminds families to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (click here for tips on choosing sunscreen) year-round, as ultraviolet (UV) rays are in full effect every day in Vancouver (yes, even when it's cloudy). In fact, UV rays are especially dangerous when doing activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as snow reflects more than double the amount of UV rays than sand or concrete. (Wear a hat and UV-protective goggles or glasses for snowy activities, too.)
2) Ensure your moisturizer (and all body care products and laundry soap) is fragrance-free. As Dr. Humphrey explains, fragrance is a huge irritant that can inflame and worsen dry skin. Make sure the label says “fragrance-free”; products labelled “unscented” often contain a scented masking agent. Instead of harsh cleaners, use gentle soap-free hand and body washes.
3) Keep showers to less than 5 minutes in lukewarm water--not hot water, which is incredibly drying. Also key is to apply moisturizer within a minute or two after bathing to lock in skin's moisture, which is depleted as water evaporates on the skin.
If you suffer from really dry skin that's also red and itchy, you may have eczema, which, according to Dr. Humphrey, affects about 20 percent of children. For this, she recommends seeing your family doctor or dermatologist, as more aggressive treatment may be required. Dr. Humphrey also reminds families to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (click here for tips on choosing sunscreen) year-round, as ultraviolet (UV) rays are in full effect every day in Vancouver (yes, even when it's cloudy). In fact, UV rays are especially dangerous when doing activities such as skiing and snowboarding, as snow reflects more than double the amount of UV rays than sand or concrete. (Wear a hat and UV-protective goggles or glasses for snowy activities, too.)
Thank you, Dr. Humphrey, for these great tips. Our skin thanks you, too!
Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.
List of 3 items.
-
Resources
-
Education
-
Explore
West Point Grey Academy
4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750
