Get ready for winter
Protect your skin from the winter sun with EltaMD I UV Facial SPF 30+. Dermstore coupon codes, $21 Skin Survival Tip #2: PROTECT The sun doesn't stop shining in the winter, and neither does sun damage or the risk of skin cancer, says ITK advisor Michael S. Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S. You should still be using sunblock in the winter - the sun shines through your car windshield, when you're walking to your car, and especially when you're outside shoveling snow because of the reflection off of the snow. Retinol is a topical vitamin A acid that can improve the texture of the skin, diminish fine lines and improve pigmentation from sun damage.
winter, when you're down in the trenches of chapped lips and cracked skin, resolve to keep your beauty wits about you. Arm yourself with a skincare regimen that will combat the weather and leave your skin flawless, not flaky.
"The goal is to go into winter with as healthy skin as possible, so you will come out with as heakhy skin as possible," says Joel Schlessinger, M.D., ITK advisor and dermatologist in private practice in Omaha, Nebraska.
The first step in protecting the skin is identifying the environmental triggers. Dry air is a skin dehydration culprit, says Helen M. Torok, M.D., a dermatologist based in Medina, Ohio. "Eighty percent of the skin is water, and the cold, dry air sucks the moisture out of our skin."
Skin Survival Tip #1:
MOISTURIZE
Finding the right moisturizer can be a challenge, and which is best for you could depend on your skin type.
"The biggest mistake when choosing a moisturizer is getting one that feels good on your skin, but doesn't actually moisturize," Dr. Schlessinger says. "It's also important to make sure the ingrethents aren't going to cause allergies. For instance, certain fragrances and colors can be irritating."
If you have dry, sensitive or allergyprone skin, Dr. Schlessinger suggests Vanicream or CeraVe moisturizing products, and Dr. Torok recommends Neostrata.
According to Dr. Schlessinger, "If you have oily skin, or do not have severely dry, cracked skin, a lotion instead of a thick cream could be fine."
Glytone
Moisturize this winter with the Glytone line of products (available for all skin types). www.glytone.com
EltaMD UV Facial SPF 30+.
Protect your skin from the winter sun with EltaMD I UV Facial SPF 30+. www.dermstore.com, $21
Skin Survival Tip #2:
PROTECT
The sun doesn't stop shining in the winter, and neither does sun damage or the risk of skin cancer, says ITK advisor Michael S. Kluska, D.O., F.A.A.C.S., F.A.C.O.S.
"You should still be using sunblock in the winter - the sun shines through your car windshield, when you're walking to your car, and especially when you're outside shoveling snow because of the reflection off of the snow.
In addition to an all-over sunscreen, it is imperative to protect the lips with an SPF and moisturizing balm, Dr. Schlessinger says.
"Products that contain sunscreen are very important, and most people don't remember that in the winter. Especially when skiing or being outdoors, you need to protect your skin and lips." Even better, find sunscreens and lip balms without preservatives, Dr. Torok adds.
Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15.
Keep your lips hydrated and sun-safe with Jane Iredale Lip Drink SPF 15. www.janeiredaledirect.com, $11.60
Skin Survival Tip #3:
REJUVENATE
Just because you don't want to get out of bed on those dark, cold mornings, doesn't mean you should give up on making your skin look its best. It's never too late to reverse sun damage and diminish fine lines.
Neocutis
Repair your skin with the human growth factors found in Neocutis skin cream, www.lovelyskin.com, $130
"You can use retinols even in the winter," Dr. Torok says.
Retinol is a topical vitamin A acid that can improve the texture of the skin, diminish fine lines and improve pigmentation from sun damage.
For the décolleté and hands, Dr. Schlessinger suggests using a product with human growth factors to improve the collagen in the skin. "It repairs skin damaged from sun exposure," he says.
With hese winter skin survival tips, you can greet this winter with fresh, glowing skin. And as Dr. Torok tells her patients, remember to CHAP - Cover, Hydrate And Protect - before your lips and skin become chapped.
"For those of you with oily skin, I'd suggest using a glycolic acid wash before applying a lotion with SPF."
MEN'S GUIDE
* Avoid alcohol-based aftershave, it will dry out your skin. (Try PFB instead).
* Use a retinol around the eyes at night to prevent actinic damage (looks like blackheads).
* Find a moisturizing product without a fragrance. They exist.
* Use sunblock. Always. Forever.
ETHNIC SKIN
Ethnic skin can be prone to oiliness and/or eczema. If oiliness is an issue, look for a lighter moisturizer instead of a thick cream. If eczema is a problem, find a product with lactic acid to get rid of blotchiness.