Tips for Healthy Skin in Winter

Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya talked about 7 effective ways to protect herself from skin diseases and have healthy skin in winter, and gave important warnings and suggestions.

“Eat healthy and drink water”

A healthy diet and drinking enough water are extremely important for our skin health. Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya pointed out that the deterioration in the intestinal flora directly affects our skin and said:

“Anti-inflammatory foods (lemon and citrus fruits, red fruits, turmeric, green tea, olive oil, avocado, fish, dark chocolate), probiotic-rich diet, balanced diet and drinking enough water are very important for a healthy skin. If we cannot provide adequate nutrition, using the supplements recommended by our doctor can benefit our skin.”

“Make sure to moisturize your skin”

Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya stated that cracks and deterioration in barrier function can be seen with the increasing dryness of our skin in winter, and said that a moisturizer suitable for the skin type should be used. With a moisturizer that you apply regularly after washing your hands and after showering, you can prevent water loss in your skin and prevent flaking due to dryness.

“Apply sunscreen”

Emphasizing that it is necessary not to think 'there is no sun, what harm can come from the sun in winter' and to apply sunscreen, Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya “Although chemical sunscreens protect us from UVB and UVA rays, they may not be sufficient against visible light. For this reason, sunscreens containing iron oxide should be preferred.

“Get enough and quality sleep”

Stating that regular sleep is extremely important for skin health, Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya “Insomnia or poor quality sleep rapidly increases skin wear and leads to premature aging. For this reason, it is very important to pay attention to adequate time and quality sleep. If necessary, do not hesitate to get expert support,” he said.

“Learn to manage stress”

The factors that increase skin wear in winter are not limited to cold and windy weather, frequent hand washing, bathing with hot water and using disinfectants. Stress is also closely related to skin health. prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya stated that with stress, hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are secreted in our body and said, “As a result, skin diseases such as acne, psoriasis and rose disease flare up, and some types of eczema may develop. Therefore, learning to manage stress plays an important role in preventing skin health and premature aging, as well as in terms of our general health.

“Do not neglect daily skin care”

Stating that many skin diseases from eczema to itching and psoriasis are triggered in winter, Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya emphasized that daily skin care should not be neglected and said:

“Our skin is a protective layer for us against external factors. External factors, including air pollution, damage our skin. Washing our face daily with a suitable washing product, applying moisturizer and sunscreen, and using products suitable for our age and skin type are the best investments we can make for our skin.”

“Quit smoking”

Scientific studies; shows that nicotine causes premature aging in our skin, and also delays the healing of wounds because it impairs skin nutrition. Stating that smoking also creates lines on the upper lip at an early age, Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya said that it would be possible to get a healthier skin by quitting smoking.

If you have a skin problem, do not neglect it!

Pointing out that factors such as wetness, humidity and sweating create a predisposition to fungal infections on our skin, Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Dilek Bıyık Özkaya said:

“Viral diseases such as warts and molluscum can be transmitted in communal areas. Bacterial infections can be seen in cases that disrupt the integrity of the skin (insect bites, cracks, traumas, etc.). In case of such doubt, it is important to consult a dermatologist and get the necessary treatment.”