Winters are typically pretty mind here in Port Charlotte, but that doesn’t mean that seasonal changes don’t affect your skin’s health. Dryer air and cooler temperatures can cause dryness, which could cause Eczema or other skin conditions to worsen. Our year-round sunny weather also means you still have to be proactive in preventing sun damage during the Florida winter.
Your skin health experts at ADF Dermatology are here to help you navigate protecting your skin year-round. With over 30 years of comprehensive knowledge and experience, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Alfredo Fernandez knows just what it takes to keep your skin healthy in every season.
Winter Skin Challenges in Florida
Florida is a popular Winter destination because of our mild weather, beaches, and sunny days. But what attracts so many visitors each year can also be harmful to your skin. Though we may not get snow days or freezing temperatures, Winters in Florida tend to bring dryer air, which can wreak havoc on your skin.Â
Dry air sucks the moisture out of your skin, leaving it vulnerable to injury or premature wrinkles and other signs of aging. For people with chronic skin conditions like Eczema, dry winter air can lead to an increase in flare-ups that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Likewise, though dense, warm fabrics like wool can help keep out the cold on cooler nights, they can also exacerbate skin dryness and irritation.Â
To keep your skin healthy and happy this Winter, be sure to follow these dermatologist-approved tips!
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Help your skin retain its natural hydration by drinking plenty of water and using moisturizing skin products, especially on chilly days.
- Skip the Bonfire: The smoke and heat generated by a bonfire can leave you feeling toasty, but the pollutants can clog pores and accelerate skin aging.
- Resist Hot Showers: A nice, hot shower or bath may help you warm up on a cold day, but that same heat will leave your skin dry and irritated.
- Don’t Forget the Sunscreen: Sun protection is a must all year long in Florida. Be sure to apply and reapply your sunscreen as directed every day, even when it’s cool out.
Schedule a Skin Exam Today!
Sometimes it can be easy to miss winter weather skin damage, especially in states with milder Winters, like Florida. That’s why it’s so important to stay informed with regular skin checks and a yearly skin cancer exam. Florida has the third highest rate of skin cancer in the United States, and as we age our risks of developing skin cancer increase. Other factors that can increase your risks are:
- Having fair skin that burns easily
- Experiencing more than 5 sunburns in your lifetime
- Having a personal or family history of skin cancer
- Work or recreational activities that occur primarily outdoors
- A history of smoking or alcohol misuse
Thankfully, skin cancer has one of the highest rates of successful treatment, especially when detected early. Make getting your skin checked a part of our regular health routine and schedule your appointment at ADF Dermatology today!
