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Prepare Your Skin for the Upcoming Winter

Fall is in full swing and the temperature is quickly dropping. With the air getting cooler and dryer, we’re here to make sure your skin doesn’t. These are some helpful hints to keep your skin healthy and moisturized this season.

Wearing sunscreen is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. UVA and UVB rays stay strong throughout the year, and without proper skin protection, can contribute to rapid skin aging. Add extra protection on snow days – UV radiation reflects 55 percent stronger off of snow than off sand.

The heat indoors can be more drying than the cold outdoors. Space heaters, open fireplaces, and wood-burning ovens dry the air’s humidity. Invest in a humidifier to help protect your skin indoors, too.

Everyone loves a hot shower on a cold, winter morning. However, scalding water can do more harm than good by removing natural oils from the skin. Best practices are to use warm water, limit showers to five to ten minutes and pat dry your face when drying off.

Using moisturizer and lip balm consistently, especially overnight, is another essential winter practice. Buyer beware: thick lotions are not necessarily more moisturizing. Get in the habit of checking the ingredients on the lotion’s labels. Hyaluronic and lactic acid are especially effective.

Contact Knoxville Dermatology Group at (865)690-9467 to book an appointment.

National Handwashing Awareness Week

washing hands

Next week is National Handwashing Awareness Week. With flu season in full swing, we don’t have to tell you that washing your hands isn’t just important after using the bathroom and before eating. Sanitize your hands after touching things like handrails and doorknobs. Here are some tips to keep your hands soft and smooth, despite all the washing.

Use a gentle, pH-balanced hand soap. Make sure you’re not sensitive to any of the ingredients – they can vary according to the smell and scent. Additionally, set the water temperature to lukewarm. Hot water can strip natural oils out of the skin.

While washing dishes, avoid contact with dish soap by wearing gloves or using a long-handled scrubber. Dish soap is hard on the skin and can cause cracking. One final tip is to remove rings and jewelry before washing. Irritants can get trapped under the jewelry and disturb your skin.

To schedule an appointment with Knoxville Dermatology Group, call (865)690-9467.

Dry Skin Fixes

water

A winter wonderland may come to mind when you realize that we’re only a month and a half away from Christmas. Or you may think about the temperature dropping and the lack of moisture in the air killing your skin. The upcoming weather shift makes your skin thirsty for moisture, so what can you do?

One of the first things you can do that may seem counterintuitive is to turn down the heat in your shower. Sure, it feels like a heavenly spa experience. But the hot water sucks out all the moisture from your skin, leaving it even thirstier than before. Warm showers are fine, but just be sure to apply a thick layer of creamy moisturizer afterwards.

Nourish your body from the inside out. Start by drinking the daily recommended amount of water. If you can sneak in a few more cups, that’s even better! Not only will your skin thank you, but your organs will love the water intake too.

It’s important to update your skincare and makeup products with each new season. For winter, start incorporating creamier washes, foundations, blushes, etc. You can even mix some of your favorite moisturizer with your foundation or concealer for a nice, smooth, even coverage.

Before you overhaul your skincare products, it’s important to talk to a certified dermatologist about what products work best for your skin type. Call your Knoxville Dermatology team and schedule an appointment to get the best skin of your life.

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.

Bear Bold Lips

red lips
Fall’s impending cool weather means breaking out the camel, maroon and neutral colors. It  can also be a great time to experiment with lip color. But before you pucker up, make sure your lips are the perfect canvas to display your undying love for the fall palate.

Anatomy and genetics play a big part into your lips’ sensitivity. With only a thin layer of skin as protection and no oil and sweat glands, your lips experience the full brunt of the elements. Things like salty foods, drinks, licking your lips and various environmental elements can cause your lips to crack or become chapped.

Diet plays another factor in the appearance of your lips. Acidic foods that throw off your pH balance can affect lips’ moisture. An easy remedy is to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Maintaining a diet rich in vitamins A, B and C with high water content helps with your body’s acidic levels long-term.

Your lips need the love and attention you give the rest of your skin, too. Before bed, gently exfoliate your lips and apply a rich balm. You’ll wake each morning with soft, kissable lips – the perfect canvas for those bold autumn hues.

If you have any questions about changes in your skin, please call us today at 865-690-9467. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.