skin care NEWS
from GreatSkin®.com
WINTER & DRY CLIMATE SKIN HEALTH

by GreatSkin.com
© GreatSkin® Clinics

The winter months can be especially damaging to the skin. The wind blows harder and colder, the temperature drops, and moisture becomes depleted in the skin causing skin dehydration, erythema, scaling, and flaking cracked areas. Areas such as the lips, elbows, knees, heels, and hands become particularly parched during this season. UVA rays in winter are as intense and cause as much damage as UVA rays in the summer months.

The following are some pointers to help alleviate and prevent these conditions, whether in the dryness of winter or in an arid climate. We’ll discuss the facial area first.

First, and foremost, cleansing should be done with tepid water and a lathering gel rather than with hot water and soap. Hot water and soap are too harsh and can strip our Natural Moisture Factor and cause flaking of the skin.

Secondly, be sure to exfoliate the skin at least three times a week with a gentle non abrasive scrub (Dermalogica’s Skin Prep Scrub is a great one).

A hydrating mask should be used at least three times a week. M.D. Forte Skin Rejuvenating Hydrating Mask and Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power Mask are two of my favorites.

C SerumA Vitamin C Serum is powerful at combating wrinkles, which are much more prominent in the winter months. Our GreatSkin® C Serum has 14% ascorbic acid potency with pycnogenol for an added punch!
   

During winter months (no matter what skin type) we should be applying a hydrating booster with hyaluronic acid before our moisturizer, which will help draw moisture to the upper layers of the skin and replenish hyaluronic found naturally in our skin. I can’t go a day without using SkinceuticalsSkinceuticals Hydrating B Gel!

Always choose a moisturizer with anti oxidants to help protect from free radicals, especially Vitamins A and E. Dermalogica’s Intensive Moisture Balance is wonderful for extra dry skin!

Say good bye to ugly chapped lips with Bioelements Instant Emollient, Dermalogica’s Solar Shield Lip Shield, or Biomedics Lip Shield. All are excellent winter lip savers!

And, remember Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care was named the "Best Eye Cream" by a panel of Dermatologists with Health Magazine. It offers four important benefits to the eye area: re-texturizing, sun protection, minimizing of dark circles, and reduction of puffiness.

Last, but not least, defend against further environmental insults by applying Skinceuticals Daily Sun Defense 20 or Obagi Sunblock, both offer the maximum protection from the winter sun which is every bit as harmful as the summer sun.

For body, use a Body Wash like Bioelements Comfortable Clean Shower Gel or bathe in Dermalogica’s Hydro Active Bath Salts. Then, exfoliate with Bioelements Body Mineral Glow, using Dermalogica’s Ultimate Buffing Cloth or Bioelements Cactus Cloth. After blotting skin dry (never rub dry), spritz with Bioelements Monsoon Spray and then apply a rich body moisturizer like Dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream or Bioelements Extremely Emollient Body Cream.

DermalogicaDry, neglected feet can be soothed with Biomedic Foot Cream while Dermalogica’s Multi Hand and Nail Cream will protect nails, cuticles and add moisture to chapped, parched hands.
   

In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Get Free Online Help.

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Here are some simple products to help maintain your skin in good order between spa facials. CLICK HERE