Tube of Dermaka Cream and box

Dermaka Cream: More Powerful than Arnica for Skin Healing

Medical Review By: Dr. Ronald Bush  and Peggy Bush, APRN

Planning to undergo an aesthetic or surgical procedure? Whether it’s a chemical peel, a facelift, liposuction or a vein treatment, these procedures and others can lead to swelling and bruising, and waiting for the side effects to disappear can be frustrating.

In the past, doctors recommended applying over-the-counter arnica cream, an herbal treatment, to minimize these problems and speed healing. But one team of healthcare providers thought arnica cream could be made better.

Ronald Bush, MD, and Peggy Bush, APRN, both at Water’s Edge Dermatology, set out to develop a more effective but equally natural alternative. The result was Dermaka cream, now used in medical clinics worldwide and also sold over-the-counter. It contains a more concentrated and purified form of arnica, plus other natural ingredients that boost arnica’s effectiveness and extend the benefits beyond minimizing bruising and swelling.

“Many patients who have used Dermaka cream following a procedure have been really impressed with the results,” said Dr. Bush, a board-certified vascular surgeon. “I hear comments such as ‘Wow, this really works!’ on a regular basis.”

Benefits of Dermaka

Whether you use it before and after a procedure or in everyday life, Dermaka helps address a variety of skin concerns.

Reducing inflammation and swelling. Dermaka contains bromelain, an enzyme found in the stem and juice of pineapples. “Bromelain works synergistically with arnica to provide a greater reduction of swelling and inflammatory processes that occur when you undergo vein treatments and cosmetic resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels,” said Dr. Bush. Chamomile and green tea extracts in Dermaka also fight inflammation.

Dark spot treatment and prevention. Post-procedure inflammation can cause pigment-producing skin cells to make too much melanin, leading to dark spots. The licorice extract in Dermaka can reduce this risk. Licorice extract contains flavonoids that block the effects of tyrosine, an amino acid needed to produce melanin. “Licorice extract is also a popular skin lightener, so you can use Dermaka cream to fade dark spots you already have,” added Dr. Bush.

Decreasing bruising. The combination of bromelain and arnica is more effective than arnica alone for decreasing bruising that may develop following vein treatments and cosmetic procedures such as liposuction. Dermaka cream is also a helpful for people prone to significant bruising from minor bumps.

Pain and itch relief. Like arnica, bromelain has pain-relieving properties that can help reduce any discomfort after a procedure. Chamomile extract helps control itching that may occur after procedures such as chemical peels.

Dermaka cream for rashes and other conditions

Dermaka cream was created to improve healing after vein treatments and cosmetic procedures, but it can also help treat certain skin conditions.

“Many people say they’ve had success using Dermaka cream to treat eczema, poison ivy, arthritis, and diaper rash,” said Dr. Bush.

It can also be used daily to help keep your skin healthier, more even-toned, and more youthful thanks to vitamin A (retinol), which promotes healthy collagen, and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

“Dermaka is also a great everyday moisturizer for people with dry skin because it has an olive oil base,” said Dr. Bush.

How to use it

If you have a skin procedure scheduled, apply Dermaka cream to the treatment area every evening starting five days prior to your appointment. After your procedure, use it two to three times a day or as instructed by your doctor. You may be advised to massage it into the area for 15 seconds.

Almost everyone can safely use Dermaka cream, Dr. Bush said. An allergic reaction to one of the ingredients is possible but unlikely. Stop using it if skin irritation develops or worsens. Don’t apply it to open sores.

“Dermaka really is a miracle cream,” said Dr. Bush. “It is very well tolerated and doesn’t contain any chemicals, which patients love.”

 

Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets


Woman with half her face submerged in pool

8 Summer Skin Care Tips for Clear and Protected Skin

Medical Review By: Heather Freeman, PA-C

 

You may love the relaxing vibes of summer, but it can be a stressful time of year for your skin. Sunburn and sun damage are threats, of course. Hotter temperatures and high humidity are also hard on the skin, making it more prone to acne, dryness, and certain types of rashes. Swimming pools also rob skin of moisture.

To keep your skin healthy, clear, and well protected, follow these tips from Heather Freeman, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Water’s Edge Dermatology.

1. Apply sunscreen thoroughly

Even if you use sunscreen religiously, it’s easy to overlook certain areas when you apply it, such as the part in your hair and the tops of your ears. According to Freeman, many people also neglect their hands, particularly people who bike or play sports like golf or tennis.

“Many skin cancers develop on the backs of the hands,” said Freeman. Failure to use sunscreen there can also make your hands look older than other parts of your body: “The skin on the back of your hands is thin, to begin with, and it gets even thinner after years of sun exposure,” she added.

Favor lotion sunscreens over sprays. “Sprays make it very hard to measure how much product you’re using,” said Freeman. That’s a concern since most people don’t use enough sunscreen in the first place.

2. Use a lip balm with SPF

Your lips are delicate and vulnerable to sunburn and lip cancer, particularly your bottom lip. Freeman recommends carrying lip balm with SPF and re-applying it frequently whenever you’re outdoors.

“It’s easier to find lip balm with SPF 15, but it’s better to buy one with SPF 30 or higher if it’s available,” she noted. If your drugstore doesn’t carry one, look for one online. Plenty of brands make them.

3. Use a vitamin C serum

If vitamin C serum is not part of your skincare routine already, summer is a great time to add it, said Freeman. “It provides an extra barrier for your skin because its antioxidant power neutralizes free radicals, which are molecules that cause sun damage,” she explained.

Vitamin C serum also helps fade hyperpigmentation caused by the sun, including sunspots (aka age spots) and melasma. And it boosts collagen production.

Be sure to apply it before you put on sunscreen. Since sunscreen is much thicker, it can prevent the serum from penetrating your skin if you apply it first.

4. Switch to lighter skincare products

Even people who don’t typically get acne may develop blemishes during the summer due to increased sweating and oil production, so adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

“If you usually use a creamy cleanser, for example, switch to a gel or foaming cleanser during the summer to avoid clogging your pores,” said Freeman.

To limit oiliness, consider adding a toner to your regimen. “Toner is great for removing any remaining oils from your skin after you cleanse, and it temporarily shrinks your pores, which helps prevent debris from entering them.”

To avoid over-drying your skin, choose a toner that contains salicylic acid, and steer clear of alcohol-based toners.

5. Don’t skip moisturizer

Moisturizer might seem unnecessary in hot, sticky weather, but your skin still needs moisture now.

“Sun exposure dries out your skin, so if you’re spending more time outdoors, dryness can become an issue,” Freeman explained. “And if you’re swimming in pools more frequently, your skin can also become parched from the chlorine.”

That said, you may want to use a lighter moisturizer, such as a water-based lotion or a hyaluronic acid serum. Use a moisturizer even if you have oily skin. Sebum, the oil in oily skin, doesn’t hydrate skin, it just makes it greasy.

If your moisturizer contains SPF, you still need to use a separate sunscreen if you’ll be outside for more than a short period since moisturizer has less staying power when you’re sweating, Freeman noted.

6. Protect yourself from rashes

Heat and humidity increase the risk of heat rash, also called prickly heat, caused by blocked sweat glands. Symptoms include itching, reddened skin, red bumps, and tiny blisters. Rashes caused by fungal infections are also more common in summer.

RELATED: 6 Common Water Rashes and How to Treat Them

“You’re more likely to get a fungal rash now because fungi love hot, moist areas of your body, particularly the skin folds such as your armpits, stomach, and under your breasts,” said Freeman.

To reduce your risk of heat rash and fungal infections, Freeman recommends wearing breathable, cotton clothes and applying a powder such as Zeasorb to skin folds to absorb sweat. Drying these areas with a hairdryer set on cool is also helpful if you’ve just gotten out of the shower or start to feel sweaty at home.

7. Guard against rosacea flares

Summer weather is hard on people with rosacea since sunlight and heat are common triggers of flare-ups. Unfortunately, chemical sunscreens can also cause a flare.

“If you have rosacea, it’s better to use a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these ingredients are less likely to aggravate your skin,” said Freeman.

If you want to try a new brand of sunscreen, do a patch test first. Apply a small amount near (not on) a rosacea-prone area of your skin. If it burns or stings within 72 hours, don’t use it.

8. See your dermatologist if you get a serious sunburn

You can easily manage a mild sunburn on your own with cold compresses, aloe vera gel, moisturizer, ibuprofen, and drinking plenty of fluids. But serious sunburns should be evaluated by your doctor, according to Freeman. If your skin is crusting, scabbing, or draining pus, or if you have a fever or chills, you may need to take an antibiotic.

Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org, and many other outlets.


Woman receiving facial treatment

What Is a Facial?

Medical Review By: Alyse Penninger

If you’ve never gotten a facial, you may be missing out. But what exactly is a facial?

A facial is a deep cleansing treatment that sloughs away dead skin cells and removes debris from deep in your pores. The techniques and products used vary depending on the type of facial and the provider. Facials are best performed by a licensed aesthetician and may include targeted treatments such as dermaplaning or microdermabrasion.

“When you get a facial, you’re treated with medical-grade products that are designed to penetrate the epidermis and affect the deeper layers of skin, unlike drugstore products that sit on top of your skin,” says Alyse Penninger, a licensed medical aesthetician at Water’s Edge Dermatology. “You also get the expertise of an aesthetician, who evaluates your skin and tailors the products and techniques included in the facial to best address your concerns.”

An aesthetician can tailor your facial to achieve the results you want. Here are some of the types of facials commonly offered by dermatology practices.

Classic facial

A classic facial typically involves four steps: cleansing, exfoliating to remove dead skin cells, extracting debris from your pores and hydration.

“If your pores are very clogged, your aesthetician may also steam your face before doing extractions,” said Penninger. “This softens your epidermis, which makes it easier to remove the debris that’s deep in your pores.”

Benefits of a classic facial include clearer, more radiant skin. Anyone can get a classic facial, regardless of skin type, since it’s easy to customize the products used. If your skin is oily, for example, your aesthetician will hydrate your skin with moisturizers that are lighter than those used for people with normal to dry skin.

When to get one: Every four to six weeks.

Acne/milia facial

If you have acne or milia — small, hard bumps that develop under the top layer of skin — you may be tempted to “pop” them yourself. But it’s much safer and more effective to get a facial designed for these concerns.

The reason: When you get an acne or milia facial, your aesthetician will use special tools, such as a lancet, to gently break the skin and expel the contents of the lesion or milia with minimal pressure. To draw out blackheads and whiteheads, the aesthetician may also use ultrasonic tools, which create gentle vibrations in the skin.

“People are sometimes tempted to squeeze acne themselves, but they often apply too much force,” Penninger says. “This can cause irritation and broken capillaries, making skin look even more rough and blotchy.” Squeezing won’t get rid of milia due to their pearl-like hardness and location beneath the surface of the skin.

When to get one: Every four weeks. People with severe acne can get one more often.

Oxygen therapy facial

This type of facial is appropriate for all skin types, though it’s particularly well suited to dry skin. After cleansing and exfoliating your face, the aesthetician uses a wand-like instrument to deliver streams of pressurized oxygen combined with hydrating serums to the skin. This allows the serums to penetrate more deeply.

“Oxygen therapy facials hydrate and plump your skin, making it look more lifted and firm and diminishing fine lines,” Penninger said.

When to get one: Every four to six weeks.

Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning can be added on to any facial. The aesthetician uses a small surgical blade to exfoliate the top layer of skin and remove peach fuzz.

“People love to get dermaplaning before special events because it makes skin look so smooth, almost like it’s airbrushed,” Penninger said.

Your skin may look red for a few days after treatment, so it’s best to schedule the treatment a few days before a special event.

When to get it: Every three to four weeks.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion delivers more powerful exfoliation compared to classic facials. The aesthetician uses a small, mildly abrasive tool to remove the top layer of skin, diminishing age spots, hyperpigmentation, acne scars and enlarged pores. Microdermabrasion also causes the collagen in skin to thicken, making your face look tighter and smoother.

For more aggressive treatment of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage, your provider might recommend a chemical peel, which is not generally performed in conjunction with a facial. Chemical peels use an acid to slough off the top layers of skin.

When to get it: Twice a month at first, then once a month to maintain the results. Get a mild- or moderate-strength chemical peel once every six to 12  months. Get a deep peel once in your life.

HydraFacial

In this type of facial, the aesthetician uses a wand-like device to perform every step of the treatment. Cleansing and exfoliating are combined into one step; the wand dispenses clearing serum to your face and washes away dead skin cells with a special spiral tip. Next, the aesthetician uses the wand to apply a gentle peel that loosens the debris in your pores, then uses suction to remove the debris. Last, the wand delivers antioxidants and peptides (amino acids that make skin look more plump and firm) to your skin.

While the name implies that the treatment is best for people with dry skin, anyone can get a HydraFacial because the serums used can be tailored to your skin type, Penninger said. Benefits include a brighter, more even complexion and less-noticeable fine lines.

When to get it: Every two to four weeks depending on your skin type.

Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org and many other outlets.

 


Skin care products arranged neatly on white surface

The Right Order for Applying Skin Care Products

Medical Review By: Candace Marin, APRN

 

You’ve probably put a lot of effort into figuring out the products your skin needs to be healthy. But if you’re using more than two skin care products, you may find yourself stumped about which one(s) to apply first. Knowing the correct answer matters more than you might think.

“There is a specific order you should follow to get the maximum benefits from each product,” said Candace Marin, an advanced practice registered nurse at Water’s Edge Dermatology.

“Generally speaking,” said Marin, “you should apply thinner products first because your skin won’t absorb them well if you apply thicker ones they can’t penetrate, such as sunscreen, beforehand.”

To get the best results from your skin care routine, Marin recommends applying products in the following order.

Morning routine

1. Cleanser

Naturally, you want to start with a clean face, but a surprising number of people skip cleansing, particularly in the morning.

“People just splash water on their face because they assume their skin doesn’t get dirty while they’re sleeping,” Marin said. “But how often do you wash your pillowcase and pillow? All the dirt and dust mites get onto your face overnight.”

RELATED: The Best Facial Cleanser for Your Skin Type

2. Toner

Toner isn’t essential, Marin noted. But if you like to use it, this is the point in your morning routine to do it.
“People who have oily skin are usually the ones who prefer to use toner, but anyone can use it to remove soap scum or dirt that may be left behind after cleansing,” she explained.

3. Vitamin C serum

 Vitamin C serum provides a variety of benefits — reducing the appearance of sun spots, making wrinkles less visible, guarding against sun damage — but it can only deliver on these promises if it’s applied before heavier products.

“Vitamin C serum is very thin and can’t penetrate heavier products like moisturizer, so it would be pointless to use it any later in your routine,” said Marin.

You can apply vitamin C serum in the morning or at night. Marin recommends using it in the morning so you can benefit all day from the protection it offers against free radicals generated by sun exposure.

4. Spot treatments

 Many spot treatments for acne, dark spots and scars have a thin consistency, so apply these before moisturizer and sunscreen. “Otherwise, you’re just creating extra barriers for spot treatments to get through,” said Marin.

If you’re using both a spot treatment and a retinol, apply the spot treatment in the morning and the retinol at night, Marin advised. Using them together can cause irritation. In addition, spot treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide decrease the effectiveness of some retinol/retinoids when they’re used at the same time. Differin (adapalene), an acne treatment, is one that is okay to use with benzoyl peroxide.

5. Moisturizer

Now that you’ve applied the thinner products, you’re ready for moisturizer. Apply it every day in the morning and at night.

“Look for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, which are particularly effective at providing hydration and locking it into your skin,” Marin said.

If your skin is dry or sensitive, opt for a cream instead of a lotion.

RELATED: Lotion vs. Cream vs. Ointment: Which to Use When

Moisturizer is important for everyone, even people with oily skin. It is a definite must if you’re using a retinol/retinoid cream because it can dry out your skin. For people with oily skin, a moisturizing lotion is preferred over a cream.

If you like using eye cream, you can apply it with your moisturizer at night. If you’re using eye cream to treat under-eye circles, however, apply it in the morning when you apply other spot treatments.

6. Sunscreen

As the thickest product of all, sunscreen should be applied last in your morning routine. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

If you prefer, you can use a moisturizer with SPF 30. But avoid this surprisingly common mistake: “Many people think they can use a moisturizer with SPF 15 and apply makeup with sunscreen with SPF 15 on top of it, but that doesn’t equal SPF 30,” Marin explained. “You won’t have enough protection from the sun.”

Evening routine

1. Cleanser

Follow your morning cleansing procedure.

2. Retinol/retinoids

 If you use a retinol or retinoid product for wrinkles or acne, apply it in the evening, after you wash your face. (Retinol is milder and found in over-the-counter products, while retinoids are only available by prescription).

Retinoids increase cell turnover and therefore can lead to light sensitivity and dryness. They may be less effective during the day because sunlight causes retinol and retinoids to break down.

To avoid irritation, use the product every other night so your skin has a chance to adjust to it. If you don’t experience any side effects, such as burning, peeling or redness, you can apply it every night.

If your dermatologist prescribes a retinoid, he or she will likely advise you to use it just a few times a week at first.

3. Moisturizer

Apply moisturizer to seal in moisture overnight and help you wake up with healthier, better-looking skin.

 

Article Written By: Jessica Brown, a health and science writer/editor based in Brooklyn, New York. She has written for Prevention magazine, jnj.com, BCRF.org and many other outlets.

 


Woman stretching her upper back

9 Spring Skin Care Tips for a Post-Winter Glow

If spring has sprung, that means a break from the cold, dry winter air that may have turned your skin dull and rough. It’s the perfect time to undo the effects of the previous season and prep your face for warmer days ahead.

With a few simple steps, you can smooth and hydrate your skin to reveal a fresh new face.

  1. Exfoliate winter-worn skin. Use a gentle exfoliating face wash such as wederm Exfoliating Cleaner to remove dead skin cells and reveal the new cells beneath. Make small circles with your finger pads as you wash.
  1. Embrace hyaluronic acid for your face. A facial moisturizer with hyaluronic acid will attract water and give you dewy plumpness. Check out Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost products or wederm Pure Hydration hyaluronic acid serum.
  1. Consider a rejuvenating facial treatment. A chemical peel will slough off dead skin, fade age spots and allow a newer, brighter layer of skin to shine through. Another option is a HydraFacial treatment which exfoliates the skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Make an appointment with a dermatologist or cosmetic dermatology provider to determine which treatment will best suit your skin type and concerns.
  1. Switch from a cream to a lotion. If you’ve been using moisturizing cream on your body, it may be time to switch to a moisturizing lotion, which is lighter, unless your skin is very dry or sensitive. A cream is still ideal for rough areas such as the feet.
  1. Spring clean your makeup and skin care products. Discard any products you typically use in cold weather that will be past their prime next winter. You should also toss any sunscreen that is more than three years old or is expired. Throw out any makeup that’s almost used up, especially mascara and lipstick, as these can harbor bacteria. Wipe down the inside of your makeup bag or run it through the laundry if it’s machine washable. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges, too. 
  1. Break out the sunscreen and lip balm. You need sunscreen year-round, of course. It’s also smart to use lip balm with 30 SPF or higher to prevent chapped lips and lip cancer. If you didn’t use it throughout the winter, start using it now. Consider a tinted lip balm for a seasonal pop of color. 
  1. Update your wardrobe. If buying a new wide-brimmed hat and fashionable sunglasses will inspire you to wear them, it’s well worth the investment. When it comes to sunglasses, the bigger the frames, the better.
  1. Eat your fill of fresh produce. In spring, grocery stores and farmer’s markets are bursting with skin-nourishing fruits and vegetables. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as lemons, broccoli, kiwis and bell peppers, promote collagen production, which helps keep skin from sagging. Cherries and most berries are rich in anthocyanins, pigments that pack antioxidants and benefit the skin in a rainbow of ways.
  1. Drink more water as the temperature rises. The body needs more fluids when you sweat. While drinking more water won’t plump your skin unless you are severely hydrated, it will help your body flush toxins and could lead to a clearer complexion.

 

Article Written By: Maura Rhodes, a New Jersey-based writer and editor specializing in health and well-being.


How to Heal Dry, Cracked Hands

Frequent hand-washing may be key to staying healthy, especially now and during cold and flu season, but it can really take a toll on your skin. That goes double in winter when colder temps and drier air conspire to zap skin of the natural oils that maintain moisture and provide a protective barrier. This can lead to dry, cracked hands.

Dry cracked hand treatment by Alissa O'Brien, MD

"People think water is moisturizing, but it's actually drying — when it evaporates, it reduces skin’s natural oils," said Dr. Alissa O’Brien, a dermatologist at Water’s Edge Dermatology. "And if you're using hot water and harsh soap over and over throughout the day, it’s the perfect storm for drying out your skin."

Soap doesn’t discriminate between germs and the skin’s protective oils; neither does the alcohol in hand sanitizer. With frequent use, both can lead to dryness, irritation, and rash-like dermatitis or eczema. They can also lead to cracks in the skin which allow for the entry of germs like staph that make you more susceptible to skin infections.

To curb dry, cracked hands while practicing good hand hygiene, Dr. O’Brien offered this advice:

Wash your hands correctly

1. Steer clear of harsh soap. A gentle moisturizing soap (Dr. O’Brien recommends Dove) will get the job done just as well as antibacterial soap, which is more drying and hasn’t proven to do a better job at preventing illness than regular soap. Of course, if your dermatologist has prescribed an anti-bacterial soap due to recurrent infections or other special circumstances, keep using it.

2. Wash with lukewarm water. Lukewarm water is as effective as boiling water is at reducing germs. That’s because the goal of hand-washing isn’t to kill germs. "When you wash your hands, the germs get washed off," Dr. O’Brien explained. "They go down the drain." After washing, pat your skin dry. No need for vigorous rubbing, which can disrupt your skin barrier, lead to irritation and cause dry, cracked skin.

Moisturize regularly

"The best thing is literally to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize," said Dr. O’Brien. Moisture after every hand-washing. This will lock in moisture that got into your skin while washing and prevent evaporation that dries out the skin even more. For extra dry skin, apply an ointment at bedtime and then wear a pair of cotton gloves to help seal it in. Ointments can work extra well overnight when skin naturally loses more water.

Opt for ointment or cream moisturizer

Ointments work better than other types of moisturizers because they penetrate the skin better, according to Dr. O’Brien. "That’s why, when we prescribe topicals, we usually pick ointment forms — more medicine gets in that way." She recommends a product like Aquaphor Healing Ointment or a thin layer of petroleum jelly. "It sounds messy, but it’s extremely moisturizing and your hands are going to love it."

If an ointment is messier than you prefer, choose a cream moisturizer, which contains more oil than water-based lotions. Cream moisturizers are also more effective at trapping water in the skin and repairing its barrier function. Here are a few brands to try: Cetaphil, CeraVe, Eucerin, Gold Bond and Aveeno. Ingredients to search out include petrolatum and ceramides. Petrolatum helps block water loss from your skin; Ceramides are a type of lipid (fat) that helps form your skin’s barrier and increase hydration. Ceramides are a key ingredient in CeraVe products.

Be sure to stay away from lotions and moisturizers with fragrances and dyes. "Some dyes can irritate dry skin, so generally, I wouldn’t get the pink frilly one," said Dr. O’Brien.

Choose the right-hand sanitizer

Washing your hands is your best bet at removing all types of germs — even better than hand sanitizer. For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand sanitizers don’t kill the stomach bug or a type of parasite that causes severe diarrhea. However, hand sanitizer is far better than nothing when you don’t have access to soap and water. If using a hand sanitizer, choose one that contains at least 60 percent alcohol and is enriched with an emollient like glycerin or vitamin E to help counteract the drying effect.

Wear gloves

If your hands are frequently immersed in water, such as when washing dishes or washing your car, wearing rubber or latex gloves can prevent the water from stripping away your skin’s oils. Gloves lined in cotton may be more comfortable on dry skin and are easier to put on and take off. Gloves are also recommended if you work with chemicals or plants, especially if you have sensitive skin that is prone to dryness.

Remember the sunscreen

It won’t be your main line of defense against dry, cracked hands, but because the sun can dry out your skin, sunscreen can help prevent further parching. "The sun not only makes dermatitis worse, but skin will be more prone to burning if it’s already irritated," said Dr. O’Brien. She likes CeraVe AM, a moisturizer with an SPF 30.

 

Article Written By: Karyn Repinski is a Brooklyn, NY-based award-winning health and beauty writer.
Medical Review By: Ted Schiff, MD