Healthy Skin Expert Dermatology Advice

Ask A Dermatologist - Cold Winter Skincare

January is traditionally the coldest month in Canada with temperatures hovering around -30 degrees in many parts of the country. This month, we ask out resident dermatologist, Dr. Lisa Kellett for practical advice on soothing winter-ravaged skin.

Cosmetics Magazine: How does cold weather affect skin?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: In northern climates such as Canada, a drop in the temperature results in a drop in humidity levels. This means your homes and offices are much drier than in Spring or Summer. Because of the lower humidity levels, I see more patients complaining of “dry skin.”

Cosmetics Magazine: Do most people need to change their skincare regime in the winter?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Many patients want to switch to a thicker moisturizer in winder and avoid products which might be drying.

Cosmetics Magazine: What is windburn?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Windburn occurs with environmental exposure and subsequent transepidermal water loss resulting in flaky, irritated skin.

Cosmetics Magazine: Should we switch to a lower SPF product in winter since the sun is less strong?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Patients should always use an SPF of 30 or higher daily year round as it can still be quite sunny in winter. Don’t judge the strength of the sun by the temperature outside. Always wear broad spectrum block.

Cosmetics Magazine: What causes those little red dry patches on skin in winter?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: There are a number of different skin eruptions that can occur during the winter. The most common is called asteatotic dermatitis which is scaly, red, irritated patches. Once again the best treatment is prevention using baths with bath oil instead of showers and soap. Prescription medication can be prescribed to quickly treat the dermatitis.

Cosmetics Magazine: What advice do you give patients regarding caring for their skin in winter?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Avoid drying deodorant soaps, apply a protective barrier cream after bathing, take warm baths, and use an SPF of 30 or higher daily. These simple steps can make a big difference in how the skin feels and looks.

Cosmetics Magazine: Does the scalp need to be protected in winter as well?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Yes, I recommend wearing a hat and using a gentler shampoo.

Cosmetics Magazine: What advice do you have for protecting young children’s skin?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: Remember to use sun protection on children in winter. Keep young children covered at all times and don’t forget that little finger, toes, ears and noses are more susceptible than ours to frostbite. So don’t over expose.

Cosmetics Magazine: Is there anything else our readers should know about how skin reacts to winter weather?
Dr. Lisa Kellett: No matter how cold it is, skin can still burn from sun exposure in winter.

From Cosmetics Magazine, January-February 2009

Cold Comfort-Dry Winter Skin

So, what’s the key to warding off winter’s cruel assault? Make a pre-emptive strike in the form of a serious skin-care strategy.

The most important step is to moisturize - but it’s not as easy as grabbing the lotion that got you through the summer months. Winter weather demands that you trade up for a moisturizer that contains a mix of both humectants (such as glycerine, sorbital, urea and hyaluronic acid) work by attracting water molecules to the outer layer of the skin. Emollients (such as petrolatum, mineral oil, shea butter and lanolin) form a protective layer over the top of the epidermis.

Your skin type should dictate the ratio you choose: lotions with more humectants are lightweight and good for oily complexions, while emollient-based formulas are usually heavier. If your skin is ultra-dry, it’s the thickness of the cream that matters, says Dr. Lisa Kellett, a Toronto-based dermatologist. “These emollients form a physical barrier to prevent water from evaporating from the skin.” Always apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp. “Because the top layer of the skin changes its properties to hold water, it’s more permeable to the product when wet explains Kellett.

From Elle Magazine, November 2007.  To read the entire article please click here

Winter Defence

Glare from ice and snow paired with icy winds can seriously damage hair and skin.

Toronto-based dermatologist Dr. Lisa Kellett advises her male clientele to use sunblock every day, 365 days a year. This is because 85% of the conditions we consider aging (liver spots, broken blood vessels, lines) are caused by sun damage.

From Cosmetics Magazine, January/February 2006, text by David Lackie. 

Winter Skin Care

 Winter Sun Block
Why you need to slather on sun block in -30 degree temperatures

Sometime after Thanksgiving, when the Weather Network replaces humidex ratings with wind chill warnings, most Canadians pack up the outdoor patio furniture, the Mr. Turtle Splash Pool and the sun block for another season. Big mistake. Leading dermatologists are now advising Canadians to wear sun block year-round, especially during winter months when the sun’s rays can be deceivingly strong.

In fact, Cosmetics columnist Dr. Lisa Kellett goes as far to say that if you use only one skin care product each day, make it sun block. Forget the eye cream and apricot scrub. Stock up on a good quality, broad-spectrum sun block. And use it.

From Cosmetics Magazine, January/Febraury 2006, text by David Lackie.  To read the entire article please click here