GREENSBORO, N.C. — Dry skin and chapped lips are something a lot of us are dealing with right now with the roller coaster up and down temperatures recently, so 2 Wants To Know reached out to Novant Health dermatologist Deborah Dorrell for advice.
Let's start with dry skin. She says the key to solving the problem is knowing when to apply moisturizer.
“After showering pat dry. Not too much rubbing of the towel to avoid irritation. And then just slather yourself in your favorite moisturizer from your neck down to your feet. And then something facial as well,” said Dorrell.
When it comes to those chapped lips, she says to make sure you're drinking enough water. Also, use a greasy lip product versus a creamy one. And avoid licking your lips.
“Why that causes irritation is it is not only a repetitive motion that's stressing out the skin, but it is also taking away some of our natural moisturizing factor that lives on the skin. You're licking away that protection,” she said.
If you have a runny nose this time of year, here's a bonus trick to keep it from getting bloody and cracked:
“Put Aquaphor of a Q-Tip and put a little bit in both nostrils and massage the outside. That prevents too much dryness. and it can help avoid any bloody noses or just a dry irritated nose throughout the season,” Dorrell said.
If you follow all of this advice, the American Academy of Dermatology says your skin and lip issues should clear up on their own in about 3 weeks. If they don't, you might need to see a doctor for a stronger prescription treatment.