A few months ago I shared a fabulous interview with Dr. Stuart Kaplan, founder of the skincare line kaplanMD (which I LOVE) You can check out the interview HERE.
Cold weather is quickly approaching and for some has already arrived! Dr. Kaplan has some great and simple skincare tips for the winter weather.
(Photo By: Marek Bernat)
Cold weather can be especially harsh on your skin. During the fall and winter seasons, the combination of cold temperatures and low humidity pulls moisture from your skin. It is this loss of moisture that causes our skin to become dry, red, and scaly. But not to worry – here are 6 simple cold weather tips to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
1. Turning up the heat? Turn on the humidifier! Air inside your home becomes very dry in winter, especially if your windows are closed and the heat is on. A humidifier will replace moisture in the air. Keep indoor air moisture levels at 40 to 50 percent.
2. Switch your moisturizer from lotions to thicker creams or ointments and use them often. Moisturizers protect your skin from the elements. Think of moisturizers as a daily barrier between your skin and the air. Even if you have oily skin, you still may need a moisturizer in the winter.
3. Use mild soaps, and avoid deodorant, fragranced, antibacterial or abrasive soaps, as these are more drying for your skin. Instead look for a milky textured cleanser like kaplanMD Cleansing Lotion, which features a gentle amino acid based surfactant obtained from apples along with soothing, anti-inflammatory actives like Soy, Panthenol and Chamomile.
4. Remember to use sun protection. Even though it is cold and overcast, your skin is still vulnerable to damage from the sun’s UV rays. Apply a moisturizing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on any part of your skin that is exposed to the elements. This will not only protect your skin from chafing and drying, but also protect against the winter sun, which can still cause sun damage and burns. Remember, even on overcast days, 80% of UV rays still filter thru. Use a moisturizer plus SPF daily, such as the kaplanMD Day Cream SPF 15, which is an ultra hydrating, lightweight moisturizer, anti-wrinkle cream and sun protectant- All in One. Also look for sunscreens with physical, rather than chemical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Physical sunscreens are more effective, and less irritating to skin.
5. Remember to use a lip balm that also has at least SPF 15. This will protect against chapped lips, as well as sun damage, which the thin skin on the lips is extra vulnerable to. The lips are often the first place to exhibit signs of aging, so they must not be neglected! For excellent protection that features the added skincare benefits of 10 active ingredients plus a touch of color and shine, try kaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment or kaplanMD Lip 20 Treatment Gloss, both with a sun protection factor of 20.
6. Review your skin care regimen. If you are using products with tretinoin, such as Retin-A or Renova, or are using alpha-hydroxy acids or glycolic acids, you may want to use these less frequently, as they may cause your skin to exfoliate and become more sensitive and dry. Avoid microdermabrasion and abrasive skin treatments, as these exfoliate the top layer of the skin, and leave the new layer of skin unprotected to the harsh elements. If you do use an exfoliant, remember to always apply a moisturizer immediately after rinsing your face to help seal in moisture and prevent skin from chafing. (Article written by Dr. Stuart Kaplan, Beverly Hills Dermatologist)
