As a Medical Aesthetic Doctor and Skin specialist, Dr. Kamani knows many people struggle with their skin in the winter. The cold, biting air coupled with low humidity robs skin of its moisture, in some cases to the point where it cracks and bleeds. Changing to a richer moisturizer is a quick fix for many people, but we have some additional tips to counteract the wintery weather and help keep your skin looking youthful and smooth.
Change your Cleanser
Cleansers can be extremely drying, especially if they contain ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. Instead, try incorporating a moisturizing or gentle cleanser. One we recommend is SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser. When you’re done cleansing, pat dry and immediately follow up with your toner, Vitamin C (CE Ferulic) and moisturizer of choice. Leaving your skin naked for as little as 30 seconds after cleansing can lead to dehydration and increased dryness.
Drink (and Eat) your Water
In the winter, we all tend to prefer warm comforting drinks, which means we drink less fresh water. In addition, tiny indulgences such as tea, coffee, and cocoa can lead to greater dehydration. If your skin is dry, it needs to be hydrated from the inside as well as the out. A little warm water with a few drops of lemon is both refreshing and hydrating at the same time. Incorporate foods that are high in water content like melon, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, oranges, and kiwi.
Exfoliate Regularly
If your skin is dry, it is likely that more of it is sloughing off. If there is too much dead skin, it will be harder for products and moisturizers to get where they’re needed. That’s why exfoliation is so important in the winter. A good exfoliating scrub or body wash can really make a difference. Use it on your face, lips, hands, elbows, and knees. Follow up with a good moisturizer, and you’re sure to see a difference. One to try is ZO’s Offects Exfoliating Polish, which relies on ultra-fine magnesium crystals to exfoliate dead skin cells and increase epidermal turnover.
Protect
Remember, the sun in the winter can damage skin just as easily as in the summer, so make sure to wear sunblock year-round. Don’t forget to cover up with scarves and gloves to protect skin from the biting wind.
Consider your Moisturizer
Petroleum-based products can exacerbate dryness in the winter. Instead, opt for products that use natural, nourishing ingredients wherever possible. You may need to consider an oil-based solution in extreme cases. However, a good overall moisturizer we recommend for dry skin is Emollience by SkinCeuticals, which features nourishing essential oils including grapeseed, rosehip, and macadamia.
Book an Appointment with a Vancouver Medical Aesthetic Doctor
To learn which products are best for your skin, request a free skin care consultation with Medical Aesthetic Doctor and Skin specialist, Dr. Kamani. In just a few minutes, she can offer solutions to reduce chapping, redness, itching, and help keep skin healthy and beautiful all season. Contact 604.222.9998 or info@RozKamani.com to set up an appointment.