Skin Care for Every Season…

Now that colder weather is here and everyone is bundled into layers of clothes, many people will skip the moisturizer and toss out that sunscreen. But, according to Drs. Richard Eisen, and Ramzi Saad of South Shore Skin Center in Cohasset and Plymouth, caring for your skin is a year-round must.

"Ultimately, the skin protects the entire body and it is very important to take good care of it. When people neglect their skin, conditions such as eczema may become aggravated. Failing to protect the skin from extensive sun exposure can increase risk of skin cancer," explained Dr. Saad.

Even though summer is over and most of your skin is covered up, your face, neck and hands are still exposed to the sun’s Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. These rays, which may cause wrinkles as well as skin cancer with repeated and prolonged exposure, don’t disappear as the temperature drops. They are present even on cloudy days and exposed skin is left vulnerable without sunscreen.

"Since the sun aids in the body’s production of vitamin D, many people (falsely) believe that spending extended time in the sun, during the summer or winter, without sunscreen is good. In fact, Vitamin D can be produced in the body from minimal sun exposure. Over-exposure to UVA and UVB rays is simply not good for you," explained Dr. Eisen.

The doctors at South Shore Skin Care offer general skin care tips for all seasons:

Use sunscreen. Whether you are at the beach, skiing the slopes or seated by the window in your office all day long, be sure to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or above that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays. By using a moisturizer containing sunscreen, you ensure protection from UVA/UVB rays during the day without having to think twice about it.

Exfoliate. To "refresh" your skin, remove dead and dry skin cells by occasionally exfoliating your skin. Exfoliation is somewhat similar to Microdermabrasion. Use a washcloth or loofah with cleanser on it to gently remove old cells and leave skin radiant.

Hydrate. Hydrate inside and out by drinking plenty of water each day and using moisturizer on your face and body every day. Just because you are no longer wearing a bathing suit, doesn’t mean you should let your skin become dry and flaky. The drier your skin, the more likely your skin will crack open in cold weather. Skin conditions such as eczema can be controlled with regular skin care before the condition becomes serious and requires steroid creams to heal it.

Gently cleanse. Wash with a gentle cleanser or mild soap. Scrubbing is not good for your skin and using strong cleansers or toners is not necessary. After cleansing, apply moisturizer.

South Shore Skin Center offers the highest quality dermatologist tested and approved skin care products available. Product lines include: MD Forte and SkinCeutical cleansers, moisturizers, anti-aging treatments, and suncreens; Affirm and Avage skin tone and texture correcting creams; Prevage anti-aging cream; and Blue Lizard, Solbar and Fallene sunscreens. Cosmetic anti-aging procedures are also offered.

For more information about skin care or South Shore Skin Center’s products or cosmetic and surgical procedures, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most innovative dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Caring for patients with skin cancer and other skin conditions such as eczema, acne and hair loss in addition to providing cosmetic anti-aging treatments; spider vein removal; tattoo removal and other services, South Shore Skin Center physicians are committed to providing the highest level of service to children and adults throughout the greater Boston area.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.