How can we protect skin from aging in winter?

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at Üsküdar University School of Medicine provided important recommendations for protecting skin health during winter months.

Dermatologist Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that protecting our skin from environmental factors becomes important as seasonal conditions change, saying "While winter brings cold and dryness, summer increases the effects of sun rays. Sun rays, skin dryness, flaking and cold air not only accelerate skin ageing but also lead to an increase in some skin diseases." Özgen noted that the most common problems encountered in winter months are dryness and cold weather, adding "During winter months, the skin needs to be well moisturised. Just as in summer months, sunscreen should continue to be used in winter."

What is skin health?

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that skin health means healthy-looking skin free of flaking, dryness, discolouration or disease, saying "These diseases can include acne, seborrheic dermatitis (oily eczema) or other skin conditions. As seasonal conditions change, it becomes important to protect our skin from environmental factors; because while winter brings cold and dryness, summer increases the effects of sun rays. Sun rays, skin dryness, flaking and cold air not only accelerate skin ageing but also lead to an increase in some skin diseases."

Skin needs to be well moisturised during winter months

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen noted that the most common problems encountered in winter months are dryness and cold weather, saying "These conditions can manifest particularly on the face, around the lips and around the eyes as increased fine wrinkles, flaking, peeling and redness. In such cases, we particularly stress that the skin needs to be well moisturised during winter months."

Sunscreen should be used in winter months as in summer months

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that each skin type is different, saying "You may have oily, dry, sensitive or normal skin type. For this reason, it is important to use a moisturiser suitable for your skin type. Sunscreen should continue to be used in winter months as in summer months. However, a protection factor as high as in summer months is not necessary. A sunscreen with at least SPF 25 protection value will be sufficient. For moisturising the skin during this period, products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or shea butter are recommended. These ingredients protect the skin by providing moisturisation in a way suitable to the skin type."

Choice of cleansing product is also important for combination skin

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen pointed out that combination skin is typically characterised by intense oiliness in the T-zone, acne visible on the cheeks, and at the same time dryness around the lips and eyes, and continued as follows:

"For this skin type, products should be preferred that will both control oiliness and prevent dryness. Combination skin, which is neither completely dry nor oily, can exhibit problems associated with both skin types. In particular, intense oiliness in the T-zone and characteristics such as dryness in sensitive areas like the eye area and lip area can be observed. For this reason, we recommend applying pore-minimising treatments in the T-zone for combination skin.

For sensitive areas, moisturisers should be used. The choice of cleansing product is also important for combination skin. Instead of tonics suitable for oily skin or harsh cleansing gels, the use of milder formulated foam cleansers is recommended. As a moisturiser, water-based products that do not over-oily the skin should be preferred. These types of products are ideal for controlling oiliness in the T-zone while maintaining the skin's overall moisture balance."

Some applications done at home can be harmful

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen noted that some applications done at home can be harmful to the skin, saying "Some things must be done in a clinical setting. Commonly used substances such as lemon and vinegar can cause burns and damage to the skin, so their use is not recommended. Peeling procedures should also be performed according to skin type. After consulting a dermatologist, products sold in pharmacies that are dermocosmetology-based, suitable for home use, and not excessively strong peeling products can be used.

These products, which can be applied once a week, are suitable for oily or normal skin. However, peeling is not recommended for sensitive skin or in special cases such as rosacea acne. Deep peeling procedures should certainly not be done at home; such applications must be performed by specialists in a clinical setting."

Laser hair removal should not be done at home

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen also stated that she does not recommend laser hair removal done at home and the use of home-type laser devices, saying "Such procedures must definitely be performed by specialists in a clinical setting. As for applications that can be done at home; light masks, peelings and skin care can be performed. In addition, creams and serums suitable for the skin can be used. However, procedures beyond these simple applications should be performed in a professional setting."

Atopic dermatitis flares up in children during winter months

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen noted that atopic dermatitis is a very common skin disease in children and tends to flare up particularly during winter months, saying "Atopic dermatitis generally appears as red rashes on the cheeks in babies. In older, crawling babies, these rashes are usually seen on the outside of the elbows and knees, that is, in the crawling areas. In older ages and in adults, symptoms appear as rashes, itching on the inner surface of the elbows and inner surface of the knees, and sometimes darkening and thickening of skin colour in these areas."

Those with atopic dermatitis should avoid harsh cleansers like soap

Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that one of the most important causes of atopic dermatitis is skin dryness, saying "For this reason, the disease often flares up during winter months. It is extremely important for individuals with atopic dermatitis to regularly moisturise their skin, especially during winter months. They should avoid harsh cleansers like soap and use gentle cleansers suitable for atopic dermatitis on their skin. The better they moisturise their skin, the more they will observe a reduction in rashes and itching. Care must be taken in this regard."