Getting mixed signals…from your skin?

Upon the first “chill” of fall, we line up our arsenal to combat that dreaded dry, flaky skin so often characteristic of cold weather.  It can seem as if our skin is begging to be moisturized; however, did you know that some dry skin issues shouldn’t be treated with moisturizers because they don’t actually help? Moreover, some moisturizers can even contribute to issues if you aren’t treating them correctly. If you are all too familiar with one of the skin conditions described below, perhaps you should discuss alternative options for moisturizers with one of our board certified dermatologists or trusted skin care professionals.

3 Signs you might think require a moisturizer but don’t….

1. If the soles of your feet flake. This could be some type of fungal infection (athlete’s foot), and treating it with a moisturizer will only make things worse.
2. If your scalp or the skin between or above your eyebrows and next to your nose flakes. While this might seem to be common dry skin, there’s a chance it is seborrhea (dandruff) and moisturizers generally won’t help.
3. If your palms or the adjacent skin on your fingers flake, this has potential of being eczema. Instead of slathering on a moisturizing lotion, this condition is often treated with medicine instead.

*For actual dry skin that flakes (and often itches), apply a moisturizer frequently, especially after you take a bath or shower.

Did you know?
….. MOISTURIZERS differ for men and women!

It’s true, not all moisturizers are created equal! Although categorizing moisturizers by gender is often taken as a marketing ploy, there is truth behind some of these products.

Moisturizers do sometimes differ in formulation because men tend to have thicker skin with larger pores than women do.

Additionally, moisturizers can differ in what they’re designed to treat. For example, it’s less likely that a woman would get the same benefit as a man from a facial moisturizer that treats razor burn.

The main thing to remember is each person’s needs are individual, especially when it comes to skin care. At Knoxville Dermatology Group, we understand and celebrate these differences; therefore we are happy to bring such topics to light on our blog. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please make an appointment today with one of our board certified physicians and get your skin on the road to better health!

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at 865.690.9467.