The holidays are heralded as the most wonderful time of the year – but in reality, they tend to be more stressful than magical. Your skin shouldn’t have to pay the price. Events spanning from November to February demand that you look your best – but all the anxiety you’re going through can lead to breakouts, dull skin, weight gain, and more. Take this opportunity to adjust your skincare and prepare for the coming winter months. After all, this is Chicago – we’re not going to be back to warm weather for way too long.
Check out our home skincare tips below, and if you’re looking for some professional help, consider your in-office treatment options. We’ve detailed everything you need to know for happy wintertime skin below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
How To Adjust Your Skincare in the Winter Months
- Up your moisturizing – You know that the air gets drier as it gets colder. But what you might not realize is just what a shock this is for your skin. Dry air is the primary cause of winter skin damage, as the skin fights to protect itself through the freezing months. It’s common to experience cracking, inflammation, and dehydration from skin exposure to cold temperatures. Using a more powerful moisturizer will help you prevent concerns like these. Thicker creams containing glycerin or sorbitol help draw in moisture and lock it in place. If you have oily skin, we can recommend a product that will up your moisturizing without causing breakouts.
- Cleanse carefully – If you’re in the habit of using harsher soaps or facial cleansers, the winter is a wise time to back off. This can make your skin even more sensitive if it’s already irritated by the elements. Try using something gentler during the colder months.
- Don’t dry out your skin – You’re not going to like what we say next, but it’s important – long, hot showers aren’t the best thing for your skin. Sure, a hot shower might feel like the best part of a long, freezing day, but excessive exposure to heat dries out your skin. Try to keep showers warm (not scaldingly hot) and brief. And apply moisturizer as soon as possible after showering – using creams in the 3 minutes post-bathing makes products more effective. Adhering to this rule helps you lock in moisture before your skin starts to dry. It’s also helpful to lightly pat down your skin with your towel instead of rubbing it vigorously. It’s good for your skin to be a little damp when you apply moisturizer.
- Keep exfoliating, but be gentle – Even if your skin is feeling sensitive and damaged, it’s still smart to exfoliate. Careful, superficial exfoliation will help enhance the effectiveness of moisturizers and other topicals.
- Never skip your SPF – We know that it seems like the sun is locked away right now, but the UV rays are still present and your skin is still exposed. The last thing you want is to accrue sun damage during the winter, when you’re not even enjoying the sunshine. Use a moisturizer with SPF every day.
Moving Forward with Glowing Skin
If you’re looking for a little winter rejuvenation, you’re not alone. This is an ideal time to receive light-based treatments because you don’t need to worry about extended sun exposure. If you’re hoping to minimize signs of aging and enhance your skin overall, one or more of the following treatments might be a good fit.
- PicoSure Focus – This gentle laser skin resurfacing option leads to comprehensive anti-aging results. Patients love it because it’s downtime-free and a far more comfortable process than many resurfacing lasers. The PicoSure effectively treats scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and more.*
- IPL Treatments – If you gained some brown spots last summer, this is your opportunity to clear them away. IPL treatments are excellent for many types of hyperpigmentation. The brown spots flake away after treatment sessions, with a series offering optimal results.*
- Facials & Chemical Peels – These treatments are great resets for tired or damaged wintertime skin. A facial promotes healing, cleanses, and restores moisture. Chemical peels renew cell turnover and give you a fresh start, removing dead skin cells. We will provide the formulation that best fits your personal needs.*
*Disclaimer: Please note that there is no guarantee of specific results. Results may vary.