Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2017

Skin care Winter Skin Solutions Meet the Expert Alicia Ogram, M.D., and her husband, Matthew Bean, M.D., a family medicine physician at Kootenai Clinic Family Medicine Residency, recently moved from Arizona to Coeur d’Alene with their 4-year-old twin sons and 2-year-old daughter. Dr. Ogram has practiced dermatology since 2009 and treats patients of all ages for a variety of medical dermatology issues. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ogram, call (208) 625-4260 . By Stacie Jones Northern Idaho winters bring outdoor fun, snow-covered landscapes and festive traditions. But for many people, the colder weather also brings uncomfortable skin problems. Alicia Ogram, M.D., a dermatologist who joined Kootenai Clinic this fall, offers these tips to help keep your skin healthy during the upcoming winter months. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize “Winter brings its own set of skin issues, primarily dry skin,” Dr. Ogram said. “Extra hydration is very important.” Healthy skin cells contain natural lipids (fats) that seal in moisture. Exposure to harsh winter weather causes damage to these lipids, leading to dry, itch- ing, cracking skin. To help prevent excessive drying, Dr. Ogram said to apply a thick moisturizer immedi- ately after showering (within three minutes) to lock in that extra hydration. For the body, she recom- mends a cream or ointment that contains ceramides— lipids that help the skin seal in moisture. And for the face, a product with hyaluronic acid, which has a “tremendous” ability to hold water. People with dryness and itching can treat both problems with a moisturizer that contains pramoxine or camphor. Establishagood routine A good skin-care routine is key to healthy skin all year round. Dr. Ogram said to start the morning with a gen- tle facial cleanser, followed by an antioxidant serum (with at least 10 percent vitamin C) and moisturizer. “In the winter, it’s really important to use a cleanser that’s more hydrating,” Dr. Ogram said. “Stay away from harsh scrubs with mi- crobeads and drying soaps, such as those with antibacte- rial properties.” In the evening, use a gen- tle cleanser and a retinoid cream—such as prescription tretinoin or over-the-counter retinol—and a moisturizer. Retinoids are vitamin A- derived creams that unclog pores, speed healthy skin cell turnover and stimulate new collagen production, Dr. Ogram explained. Anddon’t forget the sunscreen “Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can skimp on sunscreen,” Dr. Ogram said. She recommends using a daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapplying every two hours if you’re outside. Snow reflects the sun, so be especially diligent when skiing and enjoying other winter sports. 8