You’re not alone if dry, flaky skin is driving you nuts. The chilly temperatures and relentless, dry indoor heat can hit your complexion hard. Though it seems impossible, a few simple steps is all it takes to get your skin back on track to being supple and radiant this season.
Step One: Moisturize strategically.
Avoid long, hot showers, which can overdry skin. When toweling off, leave your skin damp to apply moisturizer while locking in essential hydration.
Step Two: Easy does it with exfoliating.
We all love the feeling of freshly exfoliated skin, but some of us have a tendency to overdo it. If your routine involves daily scrubbing with abrasive exfoliating cleansers, cut back to once a week and embrace soothing, oil-free cleansers that clean without stripping skin of its natural protective barriers. Luckily, you have your pick of many terrific products, such as Epionce® Milky Lotion Cleanser, available in our online store, which cleans skin without over-drying or irritating.
Step Three: Embrace retinols.
We hate to say it, but the natural aging process is one of the main culprits of dry skin. As we age, our skin thins and produces less oil, which can lead to chronically dry skin. To help replenish moisture and thicken your skin, start incorporating formulations with retinols into your routine. Retinols are derived from vitamin A, a powerhouse nutrient that is clinically proven to improve your skin’s appearance, enhancing volume, smoothing wrinkles, and clearing blemishes.
Step Four: Cover up.
Covering your face and hands when outdoors with warm winter gear will protect your skin from the harsh outdoor elements. The sun is still strong in the winter, so you also need to apply an SPF 30 or greater, which has the added benefit of providing an extra barrier of moisture, depending on the formulation. View our leading selection of SPF products at our online store.
Step Five: Rule out allergic reactions.
Many household products, from laundry detergents to shampoos, contain perfumes, dyes, and other additives which can wreak havoc on your skin. Select products that are formulated for sensitive skin, and wear cotton blend fabrics for clothes and sleeping. If your skin is red, itchy, and scaly, you may be suffering from a skin condition that needs a doctor’s attention. Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, for example, can be helped with topical prescription ointments or antibiotics.
For more helpful tips, check out our podcast on dry skin. You can also subscribe to Young Medical Spa’s podcasts through the Plastic Surgery Network on Apple TV.
Young Medical Spa® is easily accessible to patients in the Philadelphia, Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton areas.