Last modified: Sunday, February 4, 2007 12:01 AM EST Tips for winter skin care BY REBECCA KEISTER / SUN CHRONICLE STAFF The first bout of serious winter weather has finally blown its way into the area and by now you might be feeling one of its many unpleasant side effects - the inevitability that is dry, winter-time skin. When it gets cold outside and the heat goes on inside, the result is a sudden lack of moisture that leaves your skin screaming for some replenishment. Moisture that at other times naturally hydrates your skin essentially evaporates off it during winter. Retreating from the cold inside heated buildings and at home only makes matters worse. "The air is dryer, the heat is on and with the cold combined, we get less hydrated," said Suzanne Shroba, a dermatologist who practices in North Attleboro. "Everyone is susceptible." If everyone is at risk for dry skin, and other dermatological problems, during winter, not everyone knows what they should be doing to protect or heal their skin during these cold, moisture-deprived months. For instance, did you know that drinking more water won't actually help you and that your moisturizer could just be making matters worse? "Drinking water is good for everything else," Shroba said. "But not always for the skin." That's because the missing moisture that leaves skin dry is oil, not water. Tips to beat itchy, flaky skin So, what should you be doing to avoid itchy, flaky skin from now until when spring finally rolls around? First, watch your shower or bath time and temperature. While the idea of relaxing in a long, hot bath at the end of a long, cold day is appealing to many, soaking in hot water will dry out your skin even more. "What's nice is to not overheat the shower water," Shroba said. Taking that bath with a floral-scented gel to remind you of warmer days? Be mindful that many bath and shower gels contain alcohol, which also can dry out your skin. Keep mild soaps in mind. Some soaps are too harsh for skin, or contain ingredients, including fragrances and alcohols, that could further dry your skin. Shroba recommends either Dove or Cetaphil cleansing bars. Same goes for facial cleansers. Choose the right moisturizer. Moisturizers help prevent moisture from evaporating off your skin, but not every product is equally effective. Those light moisturizers that prove just right during summer are probably too light for winter use. Instead, choose a cream moisturizer. You actually need a greasier, more oil-heavy moisturizer during winter. Those moisturizers will last longer than oil-free ones. "Creams are more moisturizing than lotion because they have less water," Shroba said. "For exeedingly dry skin, Vaseline is wonderful. Though it can be a little messy, it's an excellent barrier." Shroba also advises you to moisturize while damp, not totally dry, to lock moisture in. Don't forget the sunscreen. Despite debates within the medical community that it can block your natural absorption of Vitamin D, which your skin makes from ultraviolet rays, Shroba encourages year-round sunscreen use. "I'm not going to get into an argument about how much Vitamin D people need, because it's actually shifted and the jury is still out," she said. "It is still sunny (in winter) and sunscreen is important. Moisturizer based sunscreen is wonderful." Many facial moisturizers have sunscreen in them, including Neturogena and Oil of Olay products, which Shroba recommends. She also advises avoiding gel-based or spray-on sunscreens. Choose your product brands carefully. Those with sensitive skin, who are easily irritated by many over-the-counter products, should be extra careful. While many companies label their products as fragrance free, that's not always the case. "That can be a misnomer," she said. "They can put a masking (agent) in there." She also advises not to always believe it when you read "dermatologist recommended." "Sometimes companies will ask doctors, which ones do you primarily use? It doesn't mean we all got together and said, 'This is the best,'" she said. "There are a lot of good things out there, but sometimes what's recommended isn't best for the patient." Rebecca Keister can be reached at 508-236-0434 or rkeister@thesunchronicle.com.