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Skin Care tips from

Resident Expert Dr. Skotnicki

Do you have specific skin concerns? Our resident expert, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki provides answers to your questions.

Dr. Skotnicki joined the Curel® team in December 2006 as the Canadian dermatologist for the skin care division of Kao Brands Canada Inc. Dr. Skotnicki received her undergraduate degree in microbiology and immunology from the University of Toronto. She completed medical school at the same institution, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha. She went on to complete her dermatology training at the University of Ottawa, and was awarded her fellowship in Dermatology by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in June 1997.

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Q: Summer Skincare Concerns

A: Air conditioning, as well as heat, can cause dryness of the skin. They both cause the air to be less humid and more dry, so moisture evaporates from the surface of the skin, making it feel more dry, tight, and more likely to itch. It is therefore important to use emollient moisturizers, especially after bathing, year round to help keep the skin lubricated. Moisturizers will help restore the epidermal lipid barrier, therefore sealing in moisture and making the skin less likely to become dehydrated and peel and crack.

Q: Winter Skincare Concerns

A: When it is cold and dry outside (and accompanied by heat inside), the skin loses some of its natural moisture, which is basically evaporating into the dry air. The lipids, or fats, make up the so-called "barrier" of the epidermis, or outer skin layer; they are also decreased, which allows even more water to escape from the skin, followed by more cracking. This leads to more inflammation, as potential irritants are more likely to penetrate the skin. The function of moisturizers is to restore that barrier and seal in moisture, and to prevent further water loss. This also protects against irritation and infection. Before you go outside in the cold, dry air, I recommend applying moisturizer and after it sinks in, put on gloves to further protect the hands.

  
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