There’s no doubt that the change in the seasons can wreak havoc on your skin, and since we are hinging on the full transition into fall and then winter, I’ve partnered with Aveeno to bring some important insight and products your way to prevent and treat skin concerns. With October being Eczema Awareness Month, it’s even more appropriate to understand how to care for potentially dry, itchy skin in the coming days.
I spoke with Dr. Jeanine B. Downie, M.D., Director of Image Dermatology in Montclair, NJ, and a Board Certified Dermatologist for the scoop on the most valuable ways you can combat skin issues at the get-go. Why does this happen at the beginning of the new season? For starters, the decrease in humidity leads to skin being drier faster, which can lead to itchiness, as the top layer is effected. I never would have guessed that a bit of humidity could actually be a good thing for skin balance and hydration!
Tip 1)Hand sanitizers are a no-no. Who knew that using them could actually flair hand excema or excema in general? Dr. Downie confirms that the antibacterial ingredients can really dry out your skin and make you definitely need to use itch relief balm. If your skin is already dry and itchy, it becomes even further stripped by the ingredients in these products. Instead, just wash your hands!
Tip 2) Nighttime is the right time! Our skin cells turn over at night, so applying something that will deliver continuous moisturization while you sleep is ideal! Aveeno’s got the whole family covered with its Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm and its brand new Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm, making it easier than ever to develop a ritual of application. These formulas are also have three times the amount of glycerin than other similar products, work for at least six hours, are paraben free, allergy tested, and non-greasy for rapid absorption.
Tip 3) But don’t forget to apply twice per day. The most important thing to do to combat eczema or dry skin in general is to use a good moisturizer to decrease the urge to itch, which means you should apply twice daily. It’s important to fully capitalize upon the benefits of products with intense moisture, like the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm, to secure immediate and long lasting itch relief, which will break the itch=scratch cycle. With flu season right around the corner, you can also see a flair on the base of your nose from blowing. Remember not to pick wherever dry, itchy skin may occur, and if it is indeed your face, as long as you have no issue with acne breakouts, then you can put a little bit of the balm on your face and even layer makeup over top of it.
If you tend to not have severe skin issues at the change of the seasons (lucky you!), you can still use these balms to aid in overall skin hydration in areas that may be rough, like on your elbows, knees, or around the cuticles to help moisturize and repair the nail bed area. Shop the Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy Nighttime Balm and/or the Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch Relief Balm at a suggested retail price of $17.99 at mass food and drug retailers nationwide, such as Target.
