From snow-kissed peak ascents to sun-drenched beach strolls, the climate-hopping this winter may leave skin in need of repair. Here, we speak with two experts from renowned U.S.-based spa, SkinSpirit to get their insight on weatherproof skincare secrets and top treatments. Get ready to radiate brilliance no matter where your winter adventures take you.
Read more about winter skincare tips in The Agency Magazine.
Wanda Chandler, Medical Aesthetician
What are the most common skin concerns people face during the winter season, and how does cold weather affect the skin differently than other seasons?
The most common skin concerns people face during the winter season are dryness, dehydration, flaky skin, and redness. The skin can become raw, flaky, and needs more hydration and stimulation when it gets cold.
Are there specific ingredients or products that are particularly beneficial for nourishing and protecting the skin during the winter months?
Growth factors, peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic serums.
Some people experience dry and flaky skin during winter. What are your top tips for preventing and treating this issue? Are there any specific lifestyle changes or habits that can complement skin routines?
Exfoliating 2-3 times per week to retain sebum production on the skin is key. Lactic acid peels retain moisture and give you a beautiful glow with added anti-aging benefits. Use lots of moisturizer and never skip your hyaluronic acid! Make sure you are visiting your esthetician every 3-4 weeks. I also recommend weekly enzyme treatments at home – I love the Jan Marini Transformative cream!
If you wear makeup, I recommend a double cleanse day and night. Sleep is important to keep our skin glowing. Daily SPF is a must and lots of water!
Winter often brings lower humidity levels. How can individuals adjust their skincare routine to maintain adequate moisture levels in their skin?
Get a humidifier. The use of antioxidants, hydrating serums and serums that stimulate sebum production are excellent for moisture retention. I love SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, CE Ferulic, hyaluronic serum, TNS Serums SkinMedica and Alastin Skin Nectar in the winter.
Christina Tewfik, Physician’s Assistant
Sunscreen is sometimes overlooked during the winter. Why is it essential to continue using sunscreen even in colder months, and what products do you recommend for daily sun protection?
It is essential to use sunscreen even in colder months, as the UV rays still penetrate through clouds.
For individuals with sensitive or reactive skin, what are some calming ingredients they should look for in winter skincare products?
For the winter skincare products, I would look for hyaluronic acid which holds the moisture in the skin, ceramides to protect the skin barrier, and squalane which is an emollient oil to lock in that moisture as well.
Many people experience chapped lips during the winter. What are your recommendations for preventing and treating dry, cracked lips?
I would say using HA on the lips prevents dry cracked lips during winter. Stay away from using chapsticks as most chapsticks have menthol and phenol that dry your lips out even more! My favorite product to use during the winter is Skinceutical’s antioxidant lip repair – the key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, allantoin and silymarin which all promote hydration.
How can individuals combat winter-related skin aging concerns, such as fine lines and dullness, with luxury skincare treatments or products?
Individuals combat winter-related skin aging concerns such as fine lines and dullness with retinol/retin-A, a vitamin A derivative that promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production, lessening fine lines/wrinkles.
Are there any specific treatments or professional procedures you would recommend during the winter to revitalize and rejuvenate the skin?
I would highly recommend collagen production treatment such as microneedling and Morpheus8, which is microneedling with radiofrequency, and a light treatment such as Broadband light to address excessive redness and hyperpigmentation. The best time to do resurfacing/light treatments is the winter (the summer months make your skin more sensitive and vulnerable to the sun, leading to delayed wound healing).
Winter can be a challenging time for those with acne-prone skin. What are your best practices for managing breakouts and keeping the skin clear without causing excessive dryness?
The best practice for managing breakouts is a good skincare routine, along with monthly facials. Keeping active ingredients in your routine such as salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids to reduce excessive oils that lead to acne breakouts. As always have a vitamin A derivative such as retinol/retin-A to promote skin cell turnover and prevent acne breakouts as well! Monthly facials are important to keep your skin in check.
Do you have any special tips or advice for individuals living in extremely cold climates or regions with harsh winter conditions?
I would say moisturizing is super important. Winter lacks humidity which makes the skin more prone to losing its natural moisture, directly leading to cracking/dry skin. So getting a medical-grade moisturizer with ceramides and humectants is essential!
For those traveling this winter, whether it be to London, Puerto Rico or Aspen,
take a deeper look into the top spas and skin tips in our winter issue here.
