Don't Let Your Skin Take a Backseat As You Prepare for Winter

MAPLE GROVE, Minn., Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Snow tires? Check! Anti-freeze? Check! Window scraper? Check! Gloves? Check! Moisturizer? Oops! Just like a car, you need to prepare your skin for the effects of winter. Blasting furnaces and extreme temperature changes can result in skin that is rough, flaky, and downright unsightly. This year, put the brakes on severe dry skin before it starts with AmLactin® Moisturizing Body Lotion. Wrap yourself in this intensely hydrating moisturizer containing 12% lactic acid, a clinically proven alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), ideal for dry skin that is about to be aggravated by the harsh winter elements.  With AmLactin®, the only flakes you'll experience this season will be the snowy kind.

"Fluctuations in temperature can make winter as rough on your skin as it can be on your mood," said Dr. Alan Fleischer, professor in the department of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. "As the weather changes, people should ramp up their moisturizer. During the cold weather months, I recommend applying a moisturizer with 12% a lactic acid twice a day to restore the natural softness winter extremes strip away."

In addition to being affected by seasonal weather changes, dry skin can occur at any time in life due to aging, harsh soaps, or detergents.  It can also be associated with a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris (KP).  According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 40 percent of the population may have KP. Sufferers may experience a higher incidence of outbreaks of dry skin associated with KP in cold weather due to harsh, dry conditions.

About Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
People with KP may experience flesh-colored or red bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks, along with extremely rough, dry skin. There is no cure for KP, and its cause remains unknown; however, it tends to run in families.  It is important to be aware that other medical conditions can mimic KP, so people with these symptoms should visit a doctor or dermatologist to confirm a diagnosis.   

About the AmLactin® Family of Moisturizers
The AmLactin® family of moisturizers is ideal for managing a variety of dry skin conditions including dry skin associated with KP. Every AmLactin® product is formulated with emollient and humectant ingredients plus a potent alpha-hydroxy acid therapy to exfoliate and hydrate skin, leaving it soft and smooth. The line includes AmLactin® Moisturizing Body Lotion, AmLactin® Moisturizing Body Cream, AmLactin XL® Moisturizing Lotion for severe dry skin, and AmLactin® Foot Cream Therapy.

AmLactin XL® contains the unique patented ULTRAPLEX® formula, which is an extra-strength blend of three moisturizing compounds that are derived from lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid moisturizer. AmLactin XL® is a clinically proven, superior moisturizer to 40% urea cream and 12% ammonium lactate lotion for severe dry skin.

As with all products containing AHA, be sun smart: also use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using these products and for a week afterwards.

All AmLactin® products are available without a prescription at Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, www.drugstore.com, and other fine retailers nationwide. For more information, visit www.amlactin.com where you can search the store locator to find a store where AmLactin® can be purchased and download valuable coupons.   For tips on managing dry skin associated with Keratosis Pilaris and to watch a video on "How Lactic Acid Works," visit www.littleredbumps.com.

Some skin conditions may be worsened by moisturizers, so people should always follow their doctors' skin care recommendations.

Upsher-Smith
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. is a rapidly-growing pharmaceutical company that manufactures, distributes, and markets both consumer and prescription products. Upsher-Smith prides itself on providing safe, effective, and economical therapies to the ever-changing healthcare environment. For more information, visit www.upsher-smith.com.

Dr. Fleischer consults on behalf of Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

Sources:

American Academy of Dermatology. "Dry Skin & Keratosis Pilaris." Educational Pamphlet, 2009.  
Nili, A. "Keratosis Pilaris." http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1070651-overview. Accessed October 25, 2011.
Data on File. Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.

SOURCE Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.