Winter can be a magical season, especially if you're a Floridian and winter means perfect weather and sunshine. Whether you migrate to South Florida for sunny, summer-like days or live in cooler climates with snow-covered landscapes, dry air is going to follow you no matter where you go. And while it might be less of an issue for anyone living in the south, don't be deceived into thinking that warm Florida winters can't come with some dryness, too. And it can also wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dry, flaky, and in need of some extra care. Cooler, dry air and indoor heating can strip your skin of its natural moisture, leading to irritation and discomfort. To keep your skin healthy and radiant during the winter months, it's essential to update your skincare routine with the right products. In this blog, we'll explore the best skincare products to help you combat the dryness of winter months.
Hydrating Cleansers
Stripping your skin of all of its oils when the air is already drying it out to begin with is a recipe for dry skin that will age prematurely. Your entire winter skincare routine should start with a gentler cleanser that can remove makeup, dirt and excess oil while replenishing the oils that are good for your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides can help maintain your skin's moisture barrier while cleansing away impurities.
Our recommendation: Purifying Cleanser
Richer Moisturizers
A rich moisturizing cream is your best friend during the drier winter months. Opt for a product with ingredients like shea butter, aloe, squalane, lipids, and ceramides to provide your skin with the hydration it needs. Applying a thick layer of moisturizer before bed can work wonders for keeping your skin soft and supple. Just be sure that you select your level of richness and ingredients based on what's best for your skin type, and don't think that you can skip this step if you have acne-prone skin.
Our top recommendation: Intense Lipid Hydrating Creme or Daily Youth Creme
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a hydration powerhouse, and the best part is that it hydrates every skin type without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an excellent choice for boosting your skin's moisture levels. Incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine can help your skin stay plump and hydrated, and if your skin is exceptionally dry we recommend layering on hyaluronic acid serums and following up with a thicker cream moisturizer to lock in the moisture.
Our top recommendations: HA Collagen Restore Creme and HA Intense Hydration Eye Serum
Lip Treatments
Don't forget about your lips! Chapped lips are a common winter woe, and it's more about dryness than coldness that leads to issues with dry lips. Invest in a good lip balm with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and other hydrating ingredients that keep your lips plump and soft. Keep one in your bag, one on your nightstand, and one at your desk to ensure your lips are always protected.
Our recommendation: HydraPlump Lip Serum
Sunscreen
Sunscreen may not be the first thing that comes to mind during winter, but UV rays can still harm your skin even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV radiation. Look for a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
Our recommendation: any sunscreen at all. In fact, choose from any you see here because you can never have too much.
Overnight Actives
Moisture isn't the only thing your skin needs during dry months—active ingredients that repair while you sleep are a must. Whether it's a hydrating overnight mask or retinol (or both), the idea behind reparative ingredients at night comes from the fact that your skin is already in heal and repair mode while you sleep. Adding to this with ingredients that will further enhance that process will keep your skin vibrant and smoother. You should be doing this all year, but it's more important during cooler months.
Our recommendations: Retinol and Filler In A Bottle
Winter skincare is primarily about replenishing moisture you may be losing as the humidity drops, so you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Try incorporating some of our recommendations into your routine, and adjust it as needed to suit your skin's uniqueness. With some consistency, you'll likely notice that your skin is softer and looks healthier with regular attention.
Embrace the season of cooler temperatures and let your skin shine, especially for those of us who are Floridians looking forward to a break from the heat and humidity of summer. Contact our office to schedule your appointment: 561.805.9399 | info@supriyamd.com.