November 2, 2017
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Winter can be the harshest season on your skin. Outside, the temperatures are frigid and the gusty wind constantly blows dry air onto our faces. Inside is no better; central heating sucks all the humidity out of the environment. This results in skin that is dry, red, blotchy, itchy, and sometimes acne-prone. Fortunately, Dr. Anca Tchelebi, owner of Park Avenue Medical Spa in Westchester, NY, offers 8 winter skincare tips that will help your skin stay smooth, moisturized, and pimple free during the winter
Moisturize
The dry winter air strips your skin of its moisture. That is why “a good moisturizer is central to good winter skincare” says Dr. Tchelebi. Some of the best moisturizers for dry skin contain lipid molecules called ceramides. These lipid molecules strengthen your skin’s water barrier that keeps moisture in.
Use a Humidifier
Central heating turns your home into a dry, arid environment that will suck the water out of your skin. “Put some moisture back into the air with a humidifier,” suggests Dr. Tchelebi. “Put the humidifier wherever you spend a lot of time in your house and especially in your bedroom when you sleep at night.”
Professional Winter Skincare Treatments
You put your skin through the wringer during the winter. Give it a much-deserved break at your local skin spa with a professional winter skincare treatment. Microdermabrasion is a great way to exfoliate dry winter skin and Hydrating facials infuse your skin with powerful, moisturizing ingredients.
Avoid Hot Water
Taking steamy showers or soaking in a hot bath is especially enjoyable when the weather is cold and dry. But hot water only exacerbates dry skin. Dr. Anca Tchelebi recommends keeping your hot water use to a minimum. Make hot showers quick, and when you wash your face, use lukewarm water.
Exfoliate
Winter acne is a common skin malady. Dr. Tchelebi explains that during the cold, dry months “dry skin cells build up on the outermost layer of the epidermis and can easily clog the pores, leading to acne breakouts.” To avoid pimples caused by dry skin cells, Dr. Tchelebi suggests weekly exfoliation. “Exfoliating removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells and stimulates cell renewal. Not only will you slough off dead skin cells and other debris that clog your pores and dull your complexion, but you will also reveal a fresher, more radiant layer of skin.
The Best Skincare Products for Wintertime
When shopping for winter skincare products, Dr. Tchelebi recommends choosing moisturizers and cleansers formulated for sensitive skin. Also, look for products with moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. “I recommend Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier or their Hydrating B5 gel.”
The Worst Skincare Products for Winter
“You may want to limit certain acne medications in your winter skincare routine,” says Dr. Tchelebi. Medications with benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid dry out the skin. “Talk to your dermatologist about alternative acne treatments if you suffer from dry skin in the winter.” Also, “avoid cheaper skincare products containing alcohol. These will only exacerbate dry winter skin.”
Drink Water
We may not feel as thirsty when the weather is cold, but your skin still needs you to drink up. Hydrate your skin from the inside out during the wintertime by meeting your recommended daily water intake.