Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that it is important to protect our skin from environmental factors as seasonal conditions change, saying, “While cold and dryness increase in winter, the effect of sun rays is greater in summer. Factors such as sun rays, skin dryness, flaking, and cold weather not only accelerate skin aging but also lead to an increase in some skin diseases.” Özgen, stating that dryness and cold weather are the most common problems encountered in winter, added, “The skin needs to be well moisturized in winter. Sunscreen should continue to be used in winter months, just as in summer months.”
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen from Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology and Venereal Diseases, offered important advice for protecting skin health in winter.
What is skin health?
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that skin health refers to a healthy skin appearance free of flaking, dryness, spots, or diseases, saying, “These diseases can be acne, seborrheic dermatitis (oily eczema), or other skin conditions. As seasonal conditions change, it is important to protect our skin from environmental factors; because while cold and dryness increase in winter, the effect of sun rays is greater in summer. Factors such as sun rays, skin dryness, flaking, and cold weather not only accelerate skin aging but also lead to an increase in some skin diseases.”
The skin needs to be well moisturized in winter months
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen, stating that dryness and cold weather are the most common problems encountered in winter, said, “These conditions can manifest as an increase in fine wrinkles, flaking, scaling, and redness, especially on the face, around the lips, and around the eyes. In such cases, we specifically emphasize that the skin needs to be well moisturized in winter.”
Sunscreen should be used in winter months just as in summer months
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen stated that every skin type is different, saying, “You may have oily, dry, sensitive, or normal skin. Therefore, it is important to use a moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Sunscreen should continue to be used in winter months, just as in summer months. However, a high protection factor as in summer is not necessary. A sunscreen with at least SPF 25 protection will be sufficient. Products containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or Shea butter are recommended for moisturizing the skin during this period. These ingredients protect the skin by providing appropriate moisturization for the skin type.”
Cleansing product selection is also important for combination skin
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen pointed out that combination skin is a skin type that usually experiences intense oiliness in the T-zone, acne on the cheeks, and dryness around the lips and eyes, and continued:
“For this skin type, products that both control oiliness and prevent dryness should be preferred. Combination skin, which is neither entirely dry nor oily, can exhibit problems belonging to both skin types. Especially in the T-zone, intense oiliness can be observed, while sensitive areas like around the eyes and lips may experience dryness. Therefore, for combination skin, we recommend pore-minimizing treatments in the T-zone. For sensitive areas, moisturizers should be used. The selection of cleansing products is also important for combination skin. Instead of toners suitable for oily skin or strong cleansing gels, the use of lighter-formula foam cleansers is recommended. As for moisturizers, water-based products that do not excessively oil 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 at-home applications can be harmful
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen noted that some at-home applications can be harmful to the skin, stating, “Some procedures need to be done in a clinical setting. Commonly used substances like lemon and vinegar can cause burns and damage to the skin, so their use is not recommended. Peeling procedures should also be done according to skin type. With consultation from a dermatologist, dermocosmetic-based peeling products suitable for home use and not excessively strong, sold in pharmacies, 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 conditions like acne rosacea. Deep peeling procedures should absolutely not be performed at home; such applications must be carried out by experts in a clinical setting.”
Laser hair removal should also not be done at home
Prof. Dr. Fatma Pelin Özgen also stated that she does not recommend laser hair removal at home or the use of home-type laser devices, saying, “Such procedures must be carried out by experts in a clinical setting. As for applications that can be done at home; light masks, exfoliants, and skin care routines can be done. Additionally, creams and serums suitable for the skin can be used. However, procedures beyond these simple applications should be done in a professional environment.”
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 especially during winter months, saying, “In infants, atopic dermatitis usually appears as red rashes on the cheeks. In older, crawling babies, these rashes are typically seen on the outer parts of the elbows and knees, i.e., the crawling areas. In older children and adults, symptoms appear as rashes, itching, and sometimes darkening and thickening of the skin color in the inner surfaces of the elbows and knees.”
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 in winter months. It is extremely important for individuals with atopic dermatitis to regularly moisturize their skin, especially during winter. They should avoid harsh cleansers like soap and use gentle cleansers suitable for atopic dermatitis on their skin. The better they moisturize their skin, the more they will observe a reduction in rashes and itching. Sensitivity is required in this regard.”