1. Beware of long, hot showers in the Winter

I know as much we like to take long hot showers in the winter, unfortunately prolonged exposure to hot water strips away essential oils and causes dryness. Either use lukewarm water or take 5-10 minute express showers during the winter. Also, use moisture rich soaps or body washes such as Dove and Aveeno,

 2. Treat your skin with kindness

After getting out of shower, do not aggressively rub your skin with towel, but rather gently pat yourself dry. Also, avoid wearing fabrics that itch like wool or wear a layer of cotton underneath.

3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize

Apply moisturizer immediately after showering- the chances of your moisturizer being effective are much better on slightly damp skin. For your face, we recommend Skinmedica’s Dermal Repair cream that also has antioxidants to protect your existing collagen. In addition, use a moisturizing cream for the sensitive skin around your eyes. We carry a wonderful anti-aging product that is also very moisturizing called TNS Eye Repair. See our Winter Skin Promotion below on these two products! For your body, there are wonderful over the counter options such as Eucerin and Cetaphil, or even coconut oil!

 4. Hook up the humidifier!

Increase moisture levels in your home to counter the effects of the heat you are using in the winter.

5. Gloves, Socks, Aquaphor!

Have problem areas on hands and feets. Apply some aquaphor or Vaseline and put gloves and/or socks on and go to sleep with them. For your cuticles, apply a cuticle oil or even just olive oil will do!

 6. Moisturize More: Carry travel size moisturizer in your purse or coat pocket

Before I step out, I always apply some moisturizer on my hands and then throw my gloves on.

  7. Don’t forget your lips

8. Avoid alcohol based products

Avoid toners or skin products with alcohol in it. Opt for non-alcohol or witch hazel based toners.

 9. Exfoliate

Yes, exfoliation is important to get rid of excessive dry, flaky skin layers that accumulate over the winter as long as you don’t have skin conditions such as rosacea, eczema or psoriasis. It is also important to exfoliate, so the moisturizers and expensive skin products you use, actually get absorbed. Do not aggressively exfoliate either to avoid redness or irritation. We carry safe and effective medical grade chemical peels that can be done once a month to give you back that healthy glow without the flaky, dry skin!

 10. Hydrate for your health

It is not just enough to apply topical moisturizer as the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis) becomes dry and rough if you are dehydrated. The skin of someone who is severely dehydrated will benefit from fluids. Add the extra benefit of drinking plenty of water for your overall health!