Winter time is a beautiful season in Colorado. Snowfall covers our mountains and hills in white powder, and yet we can still trust the sun will come out to melt the winter wonderland and begin the cycle over again. The air is chilly and refreshing, but it can also be extremely drying to our skin.
Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Dr. Kate Messana shares her treasured tips for a good winter skincare routine. She and her husband, Cutaneous Oncologist, Mohs Surgeon and Skin Cancer Surgeon, Dr. Chris Messana, began Elevated Dermatology in 2017. They hold offices in Parker and Littleton and are a premier skin cancer center and dermatology practice specializing in skin, hair, nail and cosmetic services.
Dr. Kate shares, “For winter skin care, obviously we live in Colorado and Colorado gets drier and drier and the humidity gets lower and lower, so it’s really important to give your skin a little TLC.”
Her first tip is not to crank the heat in the shower. She says, “Hot showers, hot baths and long baths will strip something called natural moisturizing factor. We actually make our own lotion. It allows us to stay hydrated, but the hot water will actually strip that away. You don’t have to take a cold shower, but just turn it down a little bit. Don’t let it sting your skin. Keep it short and sweet as best as possible and use a cleansing oil. They’re over the counter, but they’re beautiful because you’re actually washing your body with just a little bit of an oil that doesn't leave a greasy feel and it helps to hydrate even when you’re showering.”
She continues, “Then, when you get out, it’s best to put on a moisturizer if you need it within about two minutes of getting out of the shower. One of the tricks I actually recommend is to put the moisturizer in the shower with you so you can pat dry, and before you get out of that nice warm steamy environment, you’ve already taken care of the areas you need to really keep your skin healthy.”
“Outside of that is being aware of sun exposure,” Dr. Kate adds. “Even though the UV index is really low, it’s important to apply the appropriate amount of sunscreen or sunblock for your hikes, walks and ski trips. We see more potency in the amount of UV radiation based on altitude more than latitude. Sun exposure is stronger in the Mile High City than it is closer to the equator at sea level.”
Dr. Kate also recommends specific medical treatments in the winter months. She mentions, “If we’re trying to treat pre-cancers or clear up a lot of sun damage on the face, we can do what we call field therapy, there are creams, there’s light therapy and those are best done in the winter with less sun exposure.”
Dr. Kate and her team at Elevated Dermatology are very intentional in their care. She explains, “Mental health is so intricately tied to your skin in so many ways. We really make sure each patient is heard and treated completely.”
To schedule an appointment, visit www.elevatedderm.com or call (720) 851-5200. You can also follow their account on Instagram @elevateddermatology.