With cold and dry weather settling over the state of Texas, it is important to take the proper steps to keep your skin from suffering. North Texas dermatologist Dr. Ramya Kollipara recently shared her advice about the proper skincare routine to adopt for colder temperatures.
Texas weather specifically can be damaging to skin because of how frequently it fluctuates, according to Kollipara. She said that our skin needs consistency.
“When the weather goes back and forth, our skin also struggles,” Kollipara told D Magazine.
Cold weather can cause a breakdown of the protective epidermis top layer.
“That triggers a lot of skin diseases, especially in wintertime with psoriasis and eczema,” Kollipara said.
She added that one of the main things that can dry out skin is using hot water and recommended the use of lukewarm water instead. Humidifiers at night can also prove useful.
When skin becomes drier in winter, different products such as a thicker moisturizer may need to be used. Late October is the recommended time to make this switch for North Texans. Around late March is a good time to change back.
Kollipara, who works at Westlake Dermatology, said that she recommends a year-round retinoid or retinol for patients who are 15 and older. This is a Vitamin A cream that can reduce wrinkles and acne while improving skin texture.
Kollipara added that sometimes a different cream will need to be used in cold months.
“When it gets really dry, most people either have to back off, take breaks here and there, or have to alternate them,” she said. “Or maybe just switch to a gentler retinol or maybe take a break for a month or two until it’s spring again.”
Kollipara also recommended a few products that North Texans can try out in their skincare routine.
Some of the best face moisturizers to use come from CeraVe and Cetaphil, according to Kollipara. For total body moisture, she recommended Vaseline or La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm AP+ body cream.
Vaseline and Aquaphor are especially good for the area around the eyelids, according to Kollipara. Using these products at night can lock in moisture during winter months.
Every North Texan’s skincare routine will be different, but according to Kollipara, simple routines with a few products are the best. She added that too many products can be counterproductive.
“The more products you add on, the more likely you are to get allergic reactions or acne where it causes more problems than it helps,” said Kollipara.
One product she recommended above all others is sunscreen.
“A good sunscreen,” said Kollipara, “is kind of the cornerstone of all good skincare.”