Taking the sting out of dry-skin lotions

It's one of the most annoying/frustrating skin-care scenarios to find yourself in: dry, cold winter air leaves you with severely chapped skin, and when you apply some moisturizing lotion in an attempt to soothe the irritated skin-- Owwwww!!! The lotion stings your skin more than the dryness did!

(You know the scene in the Home Alone when young Kevin shaves his face, and then innocently applies some after-shave like he always sees his Dad do? Yeah, the dry-skin-lotion-sting can be expressed sorta like that...)

Salvationless salves...

Unfortunately, this is an all too familiar situation during the winter when skin is extra-dry and extra-sensitive. The salve you were hoping would provide some dry skin relief instead becomes the enemy you can't wait to wash off your skin. 

Despite the fact that winters are often brutal in Philadelphia, my patients continuously report of this uncomfortable burning sensation year after year, from all sorts of skin moisturizers.  The very high-end varieties all to the way to the most inexpensive drug store variety can cause the dry skin burn, because the key to a lotion that actually soothes isn't in the price-- but (as you've probably guessed by now) the ingredients. 

When trying to soothe irritated, dry skin, you should first and utmost avoid products that are alcohol based, and secondly, avoid fragranced lotions.

Alcohol free

Alcohol is an ingredient often used for disinfection, and is a chemical that exacerbates skin dryness. (Dry skin also often has tiny, microscopic cuts and tears in it, which alcohol further stings and irritates.) When shopping for a potential skin care lotion, make sure to check the ingredients. Although a popular ingredient, do not buy any product that lists alcohol as a main ingredient. A lotion that is primarily made of a drying agent is both oxy-moronic, and useless in your attempt to give your skin the sensitive kind of moisture it needs. 

Smell free

Another precaution to take is avoiding moisturizers with added fragrances. Sure, they might smell good in their containers, but once applied the chemicals creating those pleasant smells can be the cause of non-pleasant skin-irritations. 

Products like Cetaphil and Lubriderm are fragrance-free and specifically formulated for sensitive skin that is prone to reacting to irritants.

 

 

Recommendations for the sensitive

Even though the stinging and burning is a temporary situation that causes no long-lasting damage, it is in the best interest of your skin to not further aggravate active irritations. 

By seeking out lotions that are specifically made for "sensitive skin", you can heal your upset skin and actually get some relief. (If you can find a lotion that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as chamomile or aloe, it's even better!) 

Lubriderm, Vaseline Intensive Care, Aveeno, and Burt's Beeswax all make nice lotions that hydrate and nurture your skin, and once you find something that works for you, feel free to apply as often as needed.

Lastly-- I have also heard complaints about sunscreens that sting and irritate, too. (Yes, sunscreen is needed even during the winter!) In order to maintain the level of sun protection you need without sacrificing your comfort, look for "physical" sunblocks that contain zinc or titanium dioxide. (SkinCeuticals makes my favorite.) Because these ingredients sit on top of the skin and aren't absorbed, they tend to be much less irritating.

Comfortable despite the cold...
Armed with this winter skin-care knowledge-- NO alcohol, NO fragrances, "physical" sunscreens only-- you are on the way to happy, hydrated, pain-free skin. (Sorry, can't do anything about the freezing-cold aspect!)