Feel good in your own skin

Advice from dermatologists Dr. S. Gagnon and Dr. M. Gagnon

As dermatologists and skin specialists, we want to offer you advice on how to help you to keep your skin well hydrated to minimize cracking, peeling, irritation and itching (so we can keep washing our hands!).

Bath or shower
  • Use lukewarm water and avoid water that is too hot, which will further dry your skin.
  • Do not exceed 5 to 10 minutes in the shower or bath.
  • Choose a mild, fragrance-free soap or shower oil.
  • Pat your skin with a towel to dry it, without rubbing.
And apply a moisturizing cream, balm or ointment right away to lock water into your skin and better hydrate it. This timing is very important. Lotions are good too but a little less effective.
Choice of clothes and laundry detergent
When our skin is dry, even our clothes and laundry detergents can cause irritation. Choose clothes that ‘breathe’ like those made of 100% cotton or wear cotton or silk under wool or clothes with a rougher texture.
Select laundry detergents that are non-allergenic.
Sometimes it may be necessary to double rinse or rinse with warm water to better remove soap particles from the clothes.
Humidify the ambient air

Connect a humidifier or check the instructions for your heating system, which may offer humidification options.

We hope these tips and tricks help you to feel good in your own skin.