Fortunately the Spanish each year capture more the message that dermatologists have endeavored to convey: that unprotected sun exposure is dangerous and significantly increases the risk of melanoma, one of the most aggressive tumors if not caught early. However, although most people do not go to the beach without sunscreen, this habit is not followed in the winter, a season in which the sun can cause melanoma.

The Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV) warns that it is very convenient to use in winter a moisturizer with sunscreen SPF 15 or higher. Thus, moisturize skin and prevent photoaging.

Certain environmental conditions are accentuated in winter, as cold air, moisture and dryness of the environment caused by heating, among others, contribute to dehydrate and damage the skin so the skin moisture in winter paramount.

In addition, there are certain sports that are practiced especially in winter, which increases the risk of sunburn with a consequent increased risk of developing melanoma. These are called air sports, among which are the skiing and mountaineering. Solar ultraviolet radiation, more height, more damage our skin, by reducing the thickness of the filter that represents the atmosphere, hence the need to exercise caution in this regard. The contrasts of temperature and humidity are higher at this time of year.

In this situation, the Academy has developed a series of recommendations to raise public awareness of the importance of protecting the skin in winter.

Dermatology recommends:

Ø Although it is recommended to protect the entire skin should be protected over the face, neck and décolleté. The sun protection factor indicated for the winter is 15 or higher.

Ø Always protect your lips but, if it is sunny, it is important to do it with a lip moisturizer with sunscreen, not a simple cocoa.

Ø The dry air produced by heating can cause us to moisten the lips frequently. Do it with saliva can cause additional skin irritation.

Ø The skin of the elderly and children is particularly sensitive to changes and harsh winter.

Plates or the appearance of dry, cracking and flaking is particularly prevalent in these populations.

Ø The sun on high is more harmful. The high sports requires the application of sunscreen to be applied frequently because the sweat from the exercise made it less effective.

Ø particular regard to skiing, it is remarkable that the sun can be more harmful to the skin than in summer because the sun’s rays are reflected in the snow and enhances the skin damage.

Ø Beware of temperature changes to leave or enter premises. That step from cold to hot to cold or heat will be bad for our skin, especially sensitive skin.

Ø protection against the cold, avoid irritating clothes or shoes or non-breathable.

Ø People with common diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are often worse in winter season when the buds are acute and occur more frequently. For those affected by this illness is very important to see a dermatologist in winter, which will control the disease especially at this time.

Ø If your home environment there are patients with dry, sensitive skin or skin conditions get worse in winter, try to increase humidity with a humidifier or environmental humidification system or placing wet towels or similar system radiators, heat sources, etc. . . .

The skin reacts to the state showing no color, with signs of fatigue and premature aging. Our skin is experiencing stress in two ways: from within the body due to disease, poor nutrition, stress caused by work or family, and outside, due to environmental pollution, noise or working long periods near closed.

We can suffer stress without realizing it, as it is manifested in many ways, such as lack of appetite, difficulty sleeping, muscle stiffness, loss of sexual appetite or mood swings. But symptoms vary according to skin type. Stress manifests itself mainly in the peeling, stinging and itching of the skin, for this type of problem is advisable to apply soothing cream for sensitive skin. When the skin is “off” and with a tone that gives a sickly appearance, may be due to contamination or lack of hydration. We must implement restorative creams day and night.

How does it affect your skin?

According to the journal of aesthetics,  the 10 largest effects of stress on your skin are: acne, eczema, psoriasis, itching, hair loss, excessive sweating, rosacea, dandruff, herpes and oral urticaria. Besides stress contributes to the skin to lose its brightness and look lifeless. Stress also causes other skin conditions affecting the lack of sleep, over-eating, smoking, drinking, and others. Stress causes hormonal imbalances.

Most conflicts and life changes, such as suffering from a skin condition, mean stress and the chance of getting at psyche (mind) and body (soma), which today are accepted as interconnected.

Skin and nervous system have a common origin in the embryo that is the ectoderm and that “leave together” is forever imprinted on biological memory. The skin, the true means of expression, is both the largest of our organs, with its own unique structure and functions, with a rich vascularization and innervation, staying in it the sense of touch. The epidermal barrier homeostasis allows the internal milieu contacted directly with the outside world and its name “relational package” of man, damming as a constituent part of the self. Leriche defined health as “the silence of the organs, skin clarifying concept, where the visibility of the disease show the denial of that silence. Daily events and psychological reactions, triggers could be considered only processes for which there are a certain bias.

What to do?

Initially you have to control the rash with topical medications or creams. But we must eliminate the cause or causes of the problem: stress. Stress can not be eliminated but can be controlled. Some stress is normal and positive, how damaging is to go through life stressed.

There are many studies showing that exercise helps manage stress. Especially recommended are stress management exercises such as yoga and martial arts.

Massage, aromatherapy baths, acupuncture, herbal tea, meditation and the like help reduce stress.