TikTok video sparks discussion on dry skin solutions for Alberta newcomers
Health-care professionals advise to avoid hot showers and stay moisturized
Southern Alberta has seen some of the most exceptional drought in the country over the last few months — so it's no surprise that these conditions can possibly lead to dry and sensitive skin.
This is especially so for newcomers to the province, like University of Calgary graduate Elisha Banerjee.
"I was used to the cold, that was the part that was easy, it was the dry that I was not prepared for," she said.
From northern Ontario to now living in Edmonton after attending the U of C, Banerjee says it's been difficult to adjust to the dryness.
"In Ontario we're so used to humidity where your hair is massive, your skin is oily, you're blotting every two seconds."
Going viral
Banerjee posted a TikTok video — not thinking it would amount to much — that has since reached Instagram, asking people for advice on how to deal with dry skin and a dry scalp .
After almost two weeks, the video has gathered over 15,000 views.
"I was not expecting that many girls to reach out to me with their recommendations and all of their help," said Banerjee.
Some of the advice she received included staying hydrated and even investing in a water softener to combat Alberta's hard water.
But the most commented tip was getting a humidifier.
"Almost every comment mentioned a humidifier, they were like 'just put one in every single room,'" said Banerjee.
"I'm glad it's an all-Alberta problem, it's not just a me thing, and I'm happy that everyone could come out and help me out a little bit."
What are health-care professionals saying?
Dr. Susan Poelman, a clinical associate professor at the University of Calgary Division of Dermatology, and co-director of Beacon Dermatology, says winter dryness is common, but more serious conditions like xerotic eczema, also known as asteatotic eczema, can spark.
"There's something called asteatotic eczema, or we call it winter eczema, and that's definitely something where it's related to the dry weather," said Dr. Poelman.
"Patients get itchy, dry rashes on the body that can also burn and sting."
Pharmacist and owner of The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Randy Howden, says the best thing for Alberta newcomers to keep in mind is to start caring for your skin early on.
"Avoiding really hot showers because that can dry and irritate the skin, and trying to make sure that you moisturize, especially after bathing," said Howden.
"I think the biggest mistake people make is waiting until their skin is overly dry or their scalp is dry, their eyes are really dry and it takes some time to get everything caught up and back into a good situation."
Dr. Poelman recommends investing in a cream over a lotion, as lotions contain water which can further dry out the skin.
Relying on natural products without reading the ingredient list is a common error she sees her patients making.
"Sometimes the natural ingredients can actually make things worse," said Dr. Poelman.
"I tell people to look at the ingredients and just make sure there's not added fragrance and sometimes things like tea tree oil."
Shared experiences
While some Albertans aren't victims to the harsh climate — such as those with naturally oily skin types — their time in the province has allowed them to see how others are preparing.
"I myself have oily skin but my girlfriend has dry skin, and she always has oils and moisturizers on her, 24/7," said local Calgarian Prithvi Roy.
"Stay moisturized as much as you can, research what works for your skin, just stay layered up."
Banerjee wants others sharing her experience or are new to Alberta to know that things will get better with time, and that staying consistent with skin care is key.
"Some people in the comments did say it just takes time, and that's what I've noticed."
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