WINTER WELLNESS
Treat your skin right
Dry, cracked hands. Red, irritated skin, Chapped lips. All are among the telltale signs that winter has settled in. But they don’t have to be, if you know the insider tips and tricks for protecting your skin from the cold weather. We tapped two skincare experts, Dr. Frances Jang, a Vancouver-based dermatologist, and celebrity skin guru Jennifer Brodeur (who’s worked with women such as Michelle Obama and Oprah) to learn advice on the best ingredients, products and preventive measures you can take to get glowing skin all year round — even when it’s -40.
Look for signs of dryness:
“At first the signs are barely noticeable,” says Brodeur. “It may start with a feeling of tightness, then, as foundation is applied it looks rough, flaky, and scaling becomes apparent even without makeup. Fine lines look more visible, redness arises and patches of grey/ashy skin are harder to cover.”
Jang also says to keep an eye on skin sensitivity and worsening of eczema, as those are clues your skin is feeling the effects of the seasonal change from warm to cold.
Pinpoint the causes of dry skin:
The temperature drop is causing dryness in your skin, but it’s not the only factor contributing to your winter beauty woes. Both Jang and Brodeur place a lot of the blame on the heat blasting in your home and office and the hot air in your car.
“All of this heat dries up the air so the air is constantly looking for moisture, so it will take it where it can get it, including taking moisture from your skin,” says Brodeur.
This, Jang says, causes your skin to get dry and occasionally flake, and can even cause dryness around your cuticles, which can lead to cracked nails. Other culprits to watch for include wool clothing, which may irritate your skin, and long hot showers and baths.
Switch up your skin care:
Jang says, “As winter approaches, I suggest switching some of your skincare products to help with hydration. For the face, using a heavier moisturizer or a face oil may help maintain skin hydration, while using a cream or oil-based exfoliant instead of a dry one will help prevent aggravating the skin.”
Switch to a non-stripping cleanser, says Brodeur, which will help ensure your skin’s nat- ural oils aren’t removed during cleansing. Whenever possible, try to only use your cleanser in the evening and just use water in the morning.
If you love your summer moisturizer and don’t want to give it up in the colder months, Brodeur has a hack: Add a few drops of a nourishing face oil to your day cream to give it a hydrating punch.
If you aren’t totally sure what your skin needs to make it through winter, Jang recommends visiting a skincare professional to evaluate what might need to be changed to maximize your skin’s health.
Even though it’s cold out — don’t forget your sunscreen!
“It’s important to continue using SPF 30+ all year round, as we still experience significant levels of UVA during the winter months even in a temperate climate,” says Jang. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder hitting the slopes, SPF is essential, as the higher altitude and the UV rays reflected off the snow can cause serious damage.
Invest in a humidifier:
Brodeur suggests taking steps to minimize dryness in your home.
“To maximize the amount of water in the air, place a humidifier in the bedroom, since that is where you spend the most time. A cool air humidifier increases the moisture level in the air, which helps your skin’s barrier to stay hydrated.”
Use these key ingredients:
To really amp up your skin’s hydration, both Jang and Brodeur sing the praises of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally produced by the skin to help retain moisture. Applied topically, it can help with plumpness and boosting your natural moisture levels. Thankfully, the ingredient can be found in most moisturizers and serums.
Brodeur also says to scan ingredient labels for natural humectants, such as glycerine, aloe and honey, which help draw moisture into your skin.
Omega fatty acids are another hydrating heavyweight to keep watch for. Often found in face oils, they serve as the essential building blocks of the skin’s surface layers, creating a smoother, more even, younger-looking and healthier complexion, no matter your age or skin type, says Brodeur. She likes sunflower seed oil, peoni root extract oil and sesame oil, as they have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.