How to Care for Dry Skin During Winter Months

During the winter months, our skin can be stripped from its natural moisture barrier by winters harsh elements. Just as it is important to keep our bodies healthy with the right nutrients, we should also use skin care products with ingredients, necessary to keep our skin, healthy and beautiful.

If your skin is Dry:

Cut back on cleansing.
Face wash is designed to remove debris, but it can take away a bit of moisture in the process."In winter, limit washes to once a day," says Judith Hellman, M.D., a New York City dermatologist. The best time: "Do it at night, when you need to remove dirt and makeup," Dr. Hellman says.

Soften in two steps.
Apply an SPF moisturizer all over; UV rays are drying. Then add a richer formula to cheeks, says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. (Use a gel?Try a lotion. Use a lotion.Try a cream.)

Say A-HA!
Fine lines and deeper creases are more noticeable in the winter, when skin isn't as hydrated and plump. To minimize their appearance, apply a lotion formulated with alpha hydroxy acids. "AHAs fade wrinkles and act as humectants, drawing water molecules from deep in the skin to the surface," Dr. Waldorf explains.

If your skin is sensitive

Wash with lotion.
Cleanse with a cream-based formula rather than a gel. "Thicker, opaque formulas contain more moisturizing emollients."Dr. Hellman says. To max out its moisturizing ability, tissue off, don't rinse; you'll remove dirt while leaving behind a layer of healthy-skin ingredients such as glycerin.

Pass on perfume.
"Fragrance is one of the most common irritants, especially when applied to sensitive skin," Dr. Hellerman says, Scan product labels phrases such as "fragrance free," and check the ingredient lists to be sure "fragrance" is not there. (Hint: It's usually at the end.)

Anti age, gently.
Look for skincare products that pack a double Punch. They should be formulated with peptides-amino acids that repair skin damage and stimulate the natural production of collagen-- as well as antioxidants to fade freckles and spots. The most effective, according to the doc: coffeeberry, idebenone and kinetin.

If your skin is pimple-prone

Unplug pores.
Lather up daily with a one-step exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic acid, which dissolves dead skin cells and oil. "Grainy scrubs can be too irritating if used with a heavy hand each day." Dr. Hellman says. those formulated for normal, not oily skin are made with gentler ingredients.

Use the right moisturizer.
It may sound counterintuitive, but lotion actually keeps oil in check. "Stripping skin of moisture causes it to pump out excess sebum." Dr. Hellman says. The secret to staying clear: a superlight, noncomedogenic cream. It keeps skin supple but won't clog pores.

Do double duty.
Dealing with with pimples and wrinkles can be disheartening, but both are treatable with one ingredient: retinol, a derivative of vitamin A. "It stimulates collagen growth, reverses sun damage and keeps pores clear,," Dr. Hellman says. When applying skip the area around your nostrils; ingredients can accumulate in crevices there, causing flakes.