Tag Archive for: Dry Skin

Seasonal Affective Disorder and Your Skin: Understanding the Connection

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By Elena Hardy Allbritton, MD

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, some people experience a dip in their mood, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While SAD is primarily associated with mood changes, it can also have surprising effects on your skin. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between Seasonal Affective Disorder and your skin, and offer some healthy ways to combat its effect including some strategies to help you maintain healthy skin during the winter months.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression sometimes referred to as “winter depression” because it typically occurs during the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Women are more commonly affected than men and it typically manifests in younger adults age 18-35. It impacts about 5% of adults or roughly 10 million people in the USA annually.

The decrease in daylight hours is believed to cause a disturbance in the circadian rhythms of the body, which regulates sleep, mood, and other physiological processes. Researchers believe that people with SAD have reduced activity of a brain neurotransmitter called serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Other findings suggest that the overproduction of melatonin, a hormone that is crucial for maintaining normal sleep-wake cycles contributes to the increased sleepiness in patients with SAD. A third factor is lower levels of vitamin D in patients with SAD. Vitamin D and vitamin D responsive elements are found in higher concentrations in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that contains the circadian rhythm circuitry.

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The most common symptoms of SAD include fatigue, changes in appetite, craving carbohydrate-rich food, weight gain or loss, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and lack of interest in usual activities. However, SAD can also impact your skin in various ways.

Effects of SAD on the Skin:
  1. Dry Skin: During the winter months, low humidity levels and indoor heating systems can lead to dry, flaky, itchy skin. Individuals with SAD may be more prone to dry skin due to hereditary factors and their ability to retain moisture.
  2. Eczema and Psoriasis Flares: SAD can trigger or exacerbate some skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Stress, which is often linked to SAD, can weaken the immune system and lead to flare-ups of these conditions which can further worsen the psychosocial impact of SAD. Patients with psoriasis sometimes experience seasonal depression similar to patients with SAD.
  3. Reduced Collagen Production/Premature Aging: Some Vitamin D is derived from our diets however most vitamin D is produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is important for the immune system, helps boost serotonin activity, and plays an important role in collagen production. Vitamin D levels in the central nervous system affect the production of serotonin and dopamine, an important neurotransmitter for memory, sense of pleasure/reward, and motivation. Collagen along with Elastin is a key factor responsible for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and preventing premature aging. Individuals with SAD may have lower vitamin D levels which in turn impacts their skin’s overall health and appearance.
  4. Acne: SAD-induced stress can lead to hormonal imbalances and increased sebum production, which may increase the likelihood of acne breakouts.

Coping Strategies for Healthy Skin for People with SAD:

  • Get Adequate Sunlight: Yes, your Dermatologist approves some healthy exposure to natural sunlight, especially for those affected by SAD. While it may be more challenging when the temperatures plummet, try to spend some time outdoors during the daylight hours. Early morning activities in the natural sunlight are preferable to exposure between 10am and 2pm. Even brief exposure such as 20 minutes daily can boost your mood and help your skin get the essential vitamin D that it needs.
  • Use Artificial Light Therapy: Using a lightbox to emulate exposure to natural sunlight can alleviate SAD symptoms in just a few days. The gold standard for light therapy is bright white light (color temperature of 5,000 – 10,000 lux). This type of light helps regulate the body’s internal clock. Red LED light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy, has shown promise in the treatment of various conditions, but its role in addressing SAD is still being debated. Red LED light might positively impact people with SAD by having a positive impact on mood and reducing stress. Red light exposure in the evening may help regulate circadian rhythms by influencing melatonin production.
  • Moisturize: Combat dry skin with a good-quality moisturizer containing ceramides to repair the lipid barrier of the skin and hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture in the skin. Hyaluronic acid also helps promote collagen production.
  • Manage Stress: Stress causes elevated cortisol (“fight-or-flight hormone”) and can weaken the immune system. Finding effective stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, hiking outdoors, socializing with others, and talking with a therapist or friend can help reduce the negative impact of stress on your skin.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking adequate water is crucial for maintaining overall skin health. Hydration from the inside out can help fight dryness and keep the skin more supple.
  • Eat a Balanced Nutrient-Rich Diet: Vitamins A, C, and D are important for collagen production. Foods rich in antioxidants (berries, citrus fruits, and broccoli) and tryptophan (turkey, bananas) can help alleviate some symptoms.
  • Use Sunscreen: Even on cloudy winter days, UV rays can still harm your skin. Protect yourself when spending time outdoors by applying sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc or titanium oxide offer more broad spectrum protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays.
  • Seek Professional Help: If your skin conditions worsen during the winter months and it is affecting your quality of life, consult your dermatologist. We can provide targeted advice, customized skin regimens, and treatments for your skin issues.

Grassroots Health Nutrient Research Institute

Conclusion

Seasonal Affective Disorder can have a surprising impact on your skin, from dryness and eczema flare-ups to reduced collagen production and premature aging. To combat these effects, it is important to take steps to care for your skin and your overall wellness during the winter months.

By managing stress, maintaining good skincare habits, and seeking professional help when necessary, you can keep your skin healthy and radiant even in the darkest of seasons. Some people may find that changing geographical locations to be closer to the equator is necessary, however, most people can find relief by adopting certain changes. Remember that your skin is not just an external reflection of your health; it can also be an indicator of your emotional well-being.

 

Resources for Further Reading

American Academy of Dermatology: https://www.aad.org/

National Institute of Mental Health – Seasonal Affective Disorder: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/seasonal-affective-disorder/index.shtml

 

 

Sources

12 notable seasonal Affective disorder statistics. HRF. September 4, 2014. Accessed October 30, 2023. https://healthresearchfunding.org/seasonal-affective-disorder-statistics/.

Seasonal affective disorder: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments. Msn.com. Accessed October 29, 2023. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/condition/Seasonal-affective-disorder/hp-Seasonal-affective-disorder?source=conditioncdx.

Seasonal Affective Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. NIH Publication No. 20-MH-8138. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder.

Stewart, Alan E et al. “Possible contributions of skin pigmentation and vitamin D in a polyfactorial model of seasonal affective disorder.” Medical hypotheses vol. 83,5 (2014): 517-25. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2014.09.010

Seasonal affective disorder. Mayo Clinic. December 14 2021. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

How is vitamin D made by the sun different from vitamin D in supplements? Grassroots Health Nutrient Research Institute. May 8 2023. https://www.grassrootshealth.net/blog/vitamin-d-made-sun-different-vitamin-d-supplements/

face mask skin care tips

Wearing a Mask and Caring for Your Face

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While taking walks in Chevy Chase and Georgetown these days, I see most people wearing a face covering.  It is reassuring, as wearing a mask is critical to keeping your family, friends, co-workers and yourself safe from coronavirus. With long-term wear, however, masks can sometimes cause or exacerbate painful and troubling skin conditions. In the past few months, we have seen a significant increase in:

  1. “Mask-ne,” or an acne breakout in the area under and around the mask,
  2. Dry, itchy skin in the same areas on the face,
  3. Redness and pain behind the ears, from the mask straps.

Since there is no question wearing a mask is the right thing to do, here are some tips on how you can manage these conditions while continuing to keep yourself covered.

START CLEAN – washing your face

Masks retain dirt and oil on the skin, so cleaning your face (and your mask) properly before you put one on is even more important.

  • If you suffer from acne, use a non-comedogenic cleanser (one formulated so as not to cause blocked pores) twice a day. Also, use a gel moisturizer and oil-free make-up.
  • Stop using make-up entirely until your skin heals, if you can.
  • For irritated or dry skin use a gentle cleanser.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKIN PRODUCTS – moisturize and mitigate irritation
  • Choose products that are fragrance-free.
  • Look for moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid or dimethicone.
  • For acne, use a gel, non-comedogenic moisturizer.
  • If you must wear make-up and you have acne, use oil-free, mineral-based products.
  • If your skin is dry or irritated, stop using retinoids, glycolic acids, salicylic masks, peels and scrubs.
  • If your ears are telling you they need a break, try moisturizing behind them to ease redness and discomfort from the mask straps.
MASK TYPES AND ROUTINE – Not all masks are alike

What a mask is made of and how you wear it has an impact on your skin.

  • Wear a mask made of natural breathable cotton fabric. Avoid synthetic nylon, polyester or rayon that can irritate and cause breakouts.
  • Make sure your mask is snug at the edges, but not too tight on your face. A mask that moves around a lot can abrade your skin surface and exacerbate inflammation. Plus, it is more likely you’ll touch your face to adjust it.
  • Rotate wearing different strap types and ear loops in order to cause less irritation behind the ears.
  • Purchase masks with long straps, or strap extenders, that wrap about the back of your head so that the strap does not rest on sensitive skin behind the ears.
  • Take a mask break for 15 minutes every 4 hours when you are in a safe environment such as alone in your car or outdoors six feet away from people.
CARE FOR YOUR MASK, TOO

It is important to regularly clean your mask, so that it is as inoffensive to your skin as it can be.

  • Wash a cloth mask daily in hot, soapy water, and rinse well, unless otherwise specified.
  • When washing cloth masks, use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic soap or mild laundry detergent and skip the fabric softener.
  • If you do not hang your mask to dry, avoid scented dryer sheets as these frequently cause itchy, inflamed skin.
  • If you are using a disposable surgical-type mask, how often you should start a new one depends on how much you use it, if you wear makeup and your specific skin condition. If it is visibly dirty, it is time for a new one.

For DIY help, our online store contains products that will allow you to care for your face during this unique time (mohs-md.square.site).  If your mask-related skin problem does not resolve after a few weeks, prescription medication may help. Call our office to make an appointment.

Skincare Tips for Diabetes Patients

5 Skin Tips for People with Diabetes

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According to the 2017 National Diabetes Statistics Report there are 30.3 million people with diabetes (9.4% of the US population) including 23.1 million people who are diagnosed and 7.2 million people (23.8%) undiagnosed.

Patients with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections, especially on the feet and on the skin of the ear. More than 75% of patients with diabetes will have skin lesions. The most common is xerosis or dryness. Dry skin affects 50% of those with type 1 diabetes. Keratosis pilaris, or rough spots on the sides of arms affect about 10% of patients. Itching of the skin, especially on the torso, is very common.

Also occurring are smooth yellow plaques on the front of the shins called Necrobiosis lipoidica. These lesions are usually painless and are 3 times as likely to occur in women than in men. They can be treated with topical creams as well as oral medications that improve circulation, such as low-dose aspirin, pentoxifylline, dipyridamole and nicotimamide.

70% of diabetic men over 60 will develop diabetic dermopathy or shin spots. Over time these become dark depressions in the skin.

Skincare Tips for Diabetes Patients

So how does one prevent or treat these irritations caused by diabetes? Besides keeping your diabetes under control, here are some tips you can follow for skin care.

  1. Moisturize daily with an unscented emollient such as Cerave, Cetaphil or Uradin 10 lotion. Apply when skin is still damp- within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower.
  2. Use a moisturizing, fragrance-free cleanser such as Dove soap. Oatmeal baths can also help reduce itching.
  3. Thoroughly dry skin folds such as underneath the breasts or between toes. Trapped moisture is a breeding ground for yeast and fungal infections.
  4. Check your feet daily for sores or cuts and treat with a topical antibiotic and bandage. Seek medical attention for any sores that have not healed or are red, swollen, hot or draining pus.
  5. Don’t cut cuticles around your nails as this can lead to infection.

Note that not all-natural health and beauty products are 100% natural. Many include fragrance and other ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin. Be sure to read the labels.

If you are concerned about your skin or whether you have diabetes, consult a physician.

Contact us with questions and to book your appointment.