Winter in Vancouver brings crisp air, rain, and chilly winds that can leave skin feeling dry, sensitive, or irritated. As the seasons change, it’s often necessary to adjust skincare to reflect your skin’s changing needs. At Kitsilano Medical Aesthetics, we help you understand and support your skin with evidence-based care for year-round health.
Dry Skin: Focus on Hydration
Although winters in Vancouver are relatively mild, the cold air can still strip your skin of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight, flaky, or rough. Caring for different types of dry skin in winter requires gentle cleansing and diligent moisturizing. Look for rich creams with ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Limit shower time and run a humidifier. Avoid stringent cleansers that can strip away natural oils. Finally, support skin health from the inside with a diet rich in fatty acids and plenty of water. Other treatments recommended by Dr. Kamani may include:
- Hydrating facials with hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture
- Skinceuticals moisturizers packed with ceramides and antioxidants
- LED light therapy to soothe and strengthen your skin’s protective layer
- Skinvive for up to 6 months of hydration
Oily or Combination Skin: Balance and Calm
In winter, people with oily or combination skin must balance oil control with essential hydration. Dr Kamani recommends gentle cleansers and lightweight water-based moisturizers. Look for products with hyaluronic acid and top off with a gentle sunscreen. Avoid harsh alcohol-based products that can strip away natural oils, triggering an overproduction of sebum. Exfoliate gently two to three times a week and drink plenty of water. Blotting paper is also an excellent tool for shine control. To support skin health further, we offer several in-office treatments that can be tailored to address specific concerns:
- Chemical exfoliation (lactic or salicylic acid peels) to gently clear congestion without over-stripping skin.
- Lightweight hydrating serums with proven ingredients
- Facial masques to cleanse, exfoliate, and nourish
Sensitive Skin: Soothing Protection
To care for sensitive skin, focus on gentle hydration. Use lukewarm water for short showers, then pat skin dry. Follow up immediately by patting a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to damp skin. Use a humidifier and stay hydrated internally by drinking plenty of water. Opt for a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, mackerel, sardines, flaxseeds, chia, walnuts, soybeans, eggs, and milk). Remember to use sunscreen daily and try our targeted in-office treatments:
- Calming facials with niacinamide and barrier-supporting peptides
- LED therapy to reduce inflammation and promote skin health
- SkinCeuticals topical creams, when needed
Normal/Combination Skin: Maintain and Glow
For patients with balanced skin, winter is an opportunity to enhance radiance and strengthen long-term health. To care for normal or combination skin, Dr. Kamani recommends gentle cleansing and creamy skincare products. Layer on hydrating and corrective serums, followed by a rich moisturizer packed with antioxidants. Opt for warm showers–not hot–and try in-office treatments targeted to concerns like dryness, dullness, and ageing:
- Hydrating facials with antioxidants
- Microdermabrasion to polish away dullness
- Targeted serums to boost collagen and hydration
At Kitsilano Medical Aesthetics, Dr. Kamani customizes every plan to your unique needs for skincare in Vancouver that supports health and vibrancy. Book a consultation to discover your ideal winter skincare routine.
Call 604.222.9998 or use our website contact form to schedule an appointment.