Drying Our Patience: Part II
What with the temperature averaging these days at zero, we thought it an ideal time to get a refresher course on the best ways to give our winter skin some extra TLC. We turned to Dr. Joseph Russo for guidance. With a practice based in Newton, Dr. Russo is Board Certified, Harvard trained Plastic Surgeon and certainly knows what it’s like to brace for New England’s winters.
What are some of the problems/causes for skin in winter?
New England winters are harsh on skin both outdoors and indoors. Dryness and dehydration are the most common problems and are caused by the cold, dry outside conditions as well as the warm, dry indoor conditions. People also often tend to drink less water in the winter, contributing to further dehydration. Dryness and dehydration themselves cause further symptoms such as irritation, flaking, and the appearance of fine lines. Makeup also may be harder to apply and not look as good
Can you share some tips to help?
Changing your skin care routines and making sure to hydrate in winter are a must. You should be using more moisturizing products, both morning and night. I love SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator because it supports skin’s ability to replenish hyaluronic acid (HA) for overall skin health. It does not necessarily replace a moisturizer, especially in the winter, but you will see a difference in your skin both immediately and long term. Monthly or even bi-weekly professional Hydrafacials can produce a huge benefit as they exfoliate the dry, dead skin cells and give a boost of hydration. This is one of the most common winter skin treatments in our office. You should also not be afraid to continue to exfoliate at home with a gentle retinol and/or AHA product. This seems counterintuitive since exfoliating products tend to be drying, but they actually help to shed the dead skin cells and enhance rejuvenation. And don’t neglect your water intake. Hot decaffeinated tea can be a nice winter option to help replace what water consumption you may be lacking.
See below for some winter skin helper outers:
The Deep Cleanse, new from Tatcha, uses ingredients from the Japanese Luffa Fruit, Japanese Wild Rose and Japanese Leopard Lily to remove impurities from skin without disrupting the skin barrier. The Silk Cream is a rich yet weightless gel cream that uses Akoya Pearl extract to support natural collagen for more supple skin. And for oily skin, The Water Cream is an oil-free cream that hydrates without leaving skin sticky or greasy. (Available at tatcha.com)
Dermelect Smooth Lip Volumizer plumps lips using peptides, conditioners, and moisturizers. Progenline Tripeptide fills in fine lines and smooths rough texture. Rapid Repair Facial Moisturizer is enriched with Chamomile and Azulene, ingredients known for soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It also combats irritation caused by environmental pollutants. Immerse your hands in a silken glove of moisture with the Timeless Anti-Aging Daily Hand Treatment. The grease-free, quick absorbing formula locks in moisture to dry, overworked hands. The Runway Ready Luxury Foot Treatment nourishes with Argan Oil and Shea Butter, exfoliates with hydroxy acids, and locks in moisture with Hyaluronic Acid. (Available at dermelect.com)
First Aid Beauty has a couple of new products for winter 2018. The Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream is an oil-free cream packed with a nutrient-rich Coconut Water formula composed of electrolytes, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients to hydrate and replenish. The Hello FAB Ginger & Tumeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask is a soft jelly mask that delivers a surge of cooling hydration immediately upon application and works to brighten and calm signs of stressed out skin. (Available at sephora.com)
BeautyGARDE’s new Oil-Free lash + Brow Shampoo is a makeup remover that is safe and easy to use with both natural lashes and lash extensions. The antimicrobial brush head uses soft bristles to release and oil-free gel cleanser. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle, yet tough enough for waterproof cosmetics. (Available at beautygarde.com)
California Charcoal Face Mask is a peeling face mask that extracts blackheads, cleanses pores, and reduces oil. Activated charcoal, clay, rosemary, and eucalyptus draws out bacteria, exfoliate, and sooth irritated skin. (Available at bulbhead.com)
The new VENN Age-Reversing All-in-One Concentrate is a comprehensive concentrate that works to structurally reverse skin age. It repairs skin at the cellular level to heal wrinkles, prevents oxidation, protects against photosensitivity and reverse hyperpigmentation, and brightens and hydrates skin. (Available at vennskincare.com)
Weleda’s cult-favorite Skin Food is an all-natural cream that contains a nourishing cocktail of plant extracts. It restores moisture and elasticity to the skin and is especially effective on hands, cuticles, elbows, and knees. It’s also prevents chaffing on babies’ and children’s delicate skin. It creates a protective layer against windburn, making it ideal for outdoor activities. (Available at weleda.com)
Goddess Garden, known for their certified-organic skincare, makes winter sunscreen easy with Face the Day Daily SPF 30 Moisturizer & Firming Primer. This three-in-one facial moisturizer, firming primer and sunscreen protects from aging UVA rays, while providing hydration and a firming effect. Pair it with Under the Sun Hydrating Serum for extra nourishment. At night, soothing arnica and other botanical ingredients in Day Undone Softening Night Serum along with the restorative ingredients in Dream Repair Brightening Night Cream make your skin look like winter never happened. These are part of a seven-product facial line that also includes cleansers and an eye cream. (Available at goddessgarden.com)
