Maintain Healthy Skin During Winter

Winter Skin Tips from a Dermatologist

This winter, don’t let your skin take the brunt of snowstorms and dry interior air! With a few simple changes to your routine like swapping out laundry detergent or layering skincare products, you can not only add moisture to your complexion but also keep it locked in.

Dr. Robert Anolik, a top NYC-based dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, warns that his patients may experience dryness, dullness or even irritation in their skin due to cold winds and low humidity levels this time of year. 

Here are some tips from Dr. Anolik on how to keep your skin happy during any type of weather:  “Combine cold blustery winds with next to no humidity in the air and you’ve got yourself an ideal recipe for significantly less moisture on your skin.” With only a few extra steps you can achieve beautiful and healthy skin.

1. Switch Your Laundry Detergent 

Making the switch to a mild detergent can make all the difference in how your skin feels, particularly considering that dry and sensitive skin is more susceptible to harmful irritants. Anolik shares that “many people suffering from irritation-related discomfort find relief when they opt for an unscented, non-irritating type of laundry detergent”. Take action now – be kinder to your skin by making sure you use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent!

     2. Cleanse Your Skin

According to Anolik, long hot showers and harsh soaps that deplete the skin of its natural oils are primary causes of dry winter skin. To combat this, she recommends taking shorter and less warm baths or showers with a gentle hydrating cleanser. For those with sensitive skin looking for an effective solution, PCA Skin has designed a line free from common irritants; particularly their cleanser is highly recommended. 

If you’re dealing with dry skin, 100% Pure’s exfoliating cleanser is the perfect solution. On the other hand, for individuals who experience oiliness and combination skin problems, SkinCeuticals’ cleansing formula that contains salicylic acid offers excellent exfoliation while calming and nourishing your complexion.

PCA SKIN Facial Wash

SkinCeuticals Simply Clean 

100% Pure 7% Fruit Acids Apple Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser

3. Exfoliate 

Surprisingly, exfoliating is essential to moisturizing your skin. By scrubbing away the dead cells, it allows fresh ones to come in and better absorb whatever lotion you put on afterward. If your skin tends to be dry more often than not, reduce how much and how frequently you exfoliate and make sure to use a generous amount of moisturizer afterwards. To this end, Anolik suggests “a lot” of hydration following every session.

100% Pure Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub

Agent Nateur Holi (Water)

4. Begin with Serum 

According to Anolik, serums create the perfect base layer. “They’re incredibly lightweight and swiftly absorb into your skin,” he explains. “To ensure maximum absorption of all skincare products, you should layering from thinnest consistency to thickest; beginning with a serum.” As for hydration—while some serums may offer minimal moisture—for better results use an oil or cream after applying serum!

100% Pure Vitamin C Serum

100% Pure Black Tea Grass Jelly Anti-oxidant Serum

Hynt Beauty Vitamin C Ester Brightening Serum

5. Use Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is intensely hydrating, yet not excessively oily. It absorbs quickly into your skin, making it perfect for layering skincare products. According to Anolik: “It’s an impressive ingredient because of its ability to retain water and since our bodies naturally contain it already. Unfortunately however we produce less of this substance as the years go by.”

Huygens Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier

Indie Lee Daily Skin Nutrition

6. Make Sure to Moisturize! 

According to Anolik, luxurious creams are significantly more effective than thin lotions for moisturizing during the wintertime. We suggest using premium treatments that include rose hip oil, jojoba oil and shea butter for maximum hydration!

100% Pure Bakuchiol Moisturizer

Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer

Karite Creme Corps Hydrating Body Cream

7. Invest in Facial Oils 

Give your skin an immediate boost with face oils. The best of them not only work instantly, but also have lasting benefits for your complexion. You can use them by themselves or layer under/over moisturizer – whichever method suits you! And if you want to revive a fading makeup look in seconds? Try patting some oil over it (avoiding the eye area), and let this magical product do its thing!

100% Pure Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants PM Facial Oil

UMA Oils Ultimate Brightening Face Oil

9. Protect Your Skin with SPF

Don’t let the sun rob you of your skin’s moisture—apply sunscreen daily to protect your complexion and keep it hydrated. Many sunscreens offer extra-hydrating benefits, so pick one that suits your needs!

Odacite SPF 50 Sheer Sunscreen Mineral Drops

Neocutis JOURNE Revitalizing Day Cream SPF

Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF