Three Ways We Damage Our Skin in Winter

The winter months often bring a welcome relief from the heat of the summer. However, many of us make the mistake of thinking that we can relax our skincare routine or use the same products that we use for the rest of the year. At Sadick Dermatology we want to make sure that you enjoy the season without suffering the negative effects of incorrect skincare, so we’re here to offer some insight on common winter skin mistakes. Here are three ways we damage our skin in winter:

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Lack of Sun Protection

Sunscreen is a must in the summer, but it’s equally important to use throughout winter. Winter days are usually gray and cloudy, but the sun is still shining its damaging rays through the clouds. Also, when it snows, the blindingly white snow reflects the sun right back to your face. These factors can cause just as many wrinkles and other sun damage to the delicate skin of your face during the winter as if you were to leave it unprotected throughout the summer. So, make sure that you have sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 applied at least 15-20 minutes before going outside (don’t forget to reapply every two hours), and apply it to all exposed skin including your ears, and neck. Also, a lip balm with SPF will keep them healthy while protecting them from sun damage.

Too Much Heat and Hot Showers

We love to turn up the heat in winter, but it can do damage to our skin. Excess heat and hot water can negatively affect your skin in the winter and dry it out. A constant barrage of hot air can cause your skin to dry out more quickly than in the summer months. If you live in a drier climate, you may feel the heat even more so. To keep skin from drying out, a humidifier may be helpful. Extra humidity can not only help skin retain moisture, but also keep your house feeling warmer. Cold outdoor activities and falling temperatures may also drive you to take long, hot showers to chase away the chill. It may feel good and open up your pores, but excessive hot water use can strip your skin of its natural oils, drying it out and causing flaking, itching, and even acne. Your best bet is to take cooler showers, or if you must go for a hot shower, try to limit your time.

Using Summer Products in the Winter

It’s important to change your skincare routine seasonally. In summer, the humid air makes our skin more oily than usual. It does this on purpose to enhance our natural sun protection. So, a lighter, oil-free formula may be perfect for the more humid summer months. But, when the weather turns cold, our skin needs more hydration. We can combat the dryness by using a thicker moisturizer. A richer formula can help replenish the skin’s moisture quickly.

But there are ways to soothe your skin and keep it healthy—you just have to know what ingredients will help!

We've rounded up five of the best skincare ingredients that will keep your skin feeling smooth and soothed all winter long:

Hyaluronic Acid

Creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which not only draws moisture into the skin but helps it retain it, can be very beneficial during the winter months.

Shea Butter

Shea butter contains vitamins A, E, and F, which are all excellent for repairing damaged skin cells and softening rough patches. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with redness or irritation caused by cold weather conditions like windburns or dry air. It also contains essential fatty acids that nourish the skin so it stays hydrated longer than usual.

Honey

Honey is a natural humectant—it helps draw moisture into the skin instead of letting it evaporate away. Plus it’s got some added benefits as an antioxidant and antibacterial agent as well!

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help keep your skin hydrated and protected (especially from environmental damage). At the same time, it encourages collagen production, which helps your skin retain moisture and elasticity. Vitamin C is also essential for repairing sun damage to the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Aloe Vera

This ingredient has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for dry skin and sunburns. It works by moisturizing dry layers of your skin while also providing nutrients that help repair damaged cells and heal cracks in the epidermis.

Conclusion

At Sadick Dermatology Sadick Dermatology, we offer a range of quality treatments to help keep your skin looking amazing all winter long. Our goal is to deliver high-quality results that are safe and effective so that you don’t have to worry about anything but looking fabulous! Call our office today and let us help you find the right winter skincare routine.

Pregnancy Acne: Managing Changes to Your Skin While Nursing or Pregnant

Whether you’re a regular at the dermatologist’s office or seeking a first treatment, if you’re pregnant or nursing, you might want to hold off.

Many women experience changes to their skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These changes can include hyperpigmentation, acne, growths, and varicose veins. Frequently, these changes will send women to seek treatments from a skincare specialist.

We dermatologists take special precautions to consider the welfare of both the patient and the baby during pregnancy. While some procedures are perfectly safe, others should be put off until after delivery.

So what’s safe for expectant mothers and what should be avoided? Keep reading to learn more about some of the frequently asked skincare questions we receive from pregnant and nursing women.  

How Should I Treat Pregnancy Acne?  

As a result of the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, up to 45% of pregnant women experience increased levels of acne. Occasionally, it may be the first time you experience acne to such a degree. But if a breakout has you headed towards the pharmacy in search of an over-the-counter acne treatment, you might want to visit your dermatologist first.

Surprisingly, many over-the-counter acne products contain ingredients which are considered “Category C” in pregnancy, which means that research has not yet determined whether they are safe for pregnant women to use. These ingredients include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, both of which are incredibly common in everyday acne treatments.

Thus, if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne, it’s best to see a dermatologist for recommendations on which acne products are safe for you to use. Your dermatologist may suggest one of the following treatments for pregnancy acne:

Topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythomycin:

• Topical chemical exfoliants like glycolic or azelaic acids
• Regular facials and extractions performed by a dermatologist

As your hormones change throughout your pregnancy and after giving birth, your skin will continue to change. Your doctor can help you to design a skincare routine that’s effective yet safe.

What Skincare Ingredients Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?  

There are several other product ingredients that should be completely avoided during pregnancy and nursing, and even while trying to conceive. Many people don’t realize this, but any ingredients you apply to your skin can seep into your bloodstream and interact with your baby’s development.

Vitamin A derivatives are a common cautioned-against ingredient, since they have been associated with defects. Propoular skin products formulated with vitamin A derivatives include Retin-A, Tazorac, Renova, and Accutane. We also recommend avoiding tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline, as these may cause permanent skin and teeth discoloration.

Can I Get Botox and Fillers While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

One question that frequently comes up is whether fillers and Botox-like products such as Dysport and Xeomin are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. The safety of fillers and other injectables on pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established. Thus, they are generally not recommended.

That said, hyaluronic filler products like Restylane, Juvederm, or Belotero are technically safe as they are simply sugar-based compounds. However, in general, we recommend that new and expectant mothers hold off on all cosmetic procedures until after delivery or breastfeeding has ceased. If you have your heart set on these procedures, we recommend that you consult with your obstetrician first. In our opinion, since we don’t know whether they are 100% safe, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Can You Have Other Dermatology Treatments While Pregnant or Breastfeeding? 

Similarly, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency type facial procedures should also be avoided while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

While there’s no strong evidence to suggest that these procedures are harmful to either mother or baby, these procedures can have adverse effects to the skin. During pregnancy, women are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring. Thus, dermatologists cannot promise that these treatments will have the same positive results for pregnant women as they might before or after pregnancy.

Due to the lack of studies, we recommend scheduling any elective dermatological treatments until post-pregnancy. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry and you and the baby are more important than any cosmetic treatment. We also recommend consulting with your dermatologist to develop a safe skincare routine, especially if you’re experiencing pregnancy acne. When in doubt, ask your obstetrician for their advice.

At Sadick Dermatology, we know that many women want to look and feel their best, no matter what stage of life or experience. Since pregnancy can provide new challenges to skincare, it’s best not to guess or go it alone. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists to develop a plan specific to your needs. We’re here to help. Sadick Dermatology has some of the best dermatologists in NYC. Call us at 212-772-7242 and one of our highly-experienced staff will be pleased to assist you.