Winter is a particularly challenging time for skin, but it’s a perfect time  to fall in love with your skin! Here are four tips to perfect your healthy glow!

• Try a Topical Retinoid

Topical retinoid and vitamin A products, like Avene Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Cream, increase cellular turnover, which means that younger cells are replacing older, duller looking cells at a faster rate. These younger cells absorb moisture better, and contain more of the skins healthy, natural oils to maintain a youthful appearance. You may also find that continued use lessens the appearance of dark spots from scarring or excessive sun exposure. (Just be sure to use a sunscreen, as retinoids use can increase your sensitivity to light!)

• Stay Hydrated

Especially with winter still upon us, skin is thirsty more now than ever. Not only does drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated impact total overall body health, but it helps the health of your largest organ: your skin! As a rule, try to drink half your body weight in ounces daily! Additionally, investing in a humidifier for use at home (or anywhere you spend a lot of time) balances the air and soothes dehydrated, itchy, cracked skin.

• Set the Scrubs Down

Since dehydrated skin is more likely to have crack and microtears, exfoliating scrubs and brushes. However, this doesnt mean that you can’t exfoliate. Using a leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliant, such as Obagi Nu-Derm Exfoderm or Exfoderm Forte, or a exfoliating moisturizer, such as Glytone Age- Defying Antioxidant Night Cream, naturally helps shed unwanted flaky skin without causing excess irritation!

Don’t neglect you body either! Try an exfoliating body lotion, such as Obagi KèraPhine™ Body Smoothing Lotion.

• Always Remove your Makeup

Let your skin breathe after a long day by remembering to remove the dirt, oil, and makeup that has settled in your pores. Using a gentle non-soap cleanser, like Obagi Nu-Derm® Gentle Cleanser, provides modest hydration and a perfectly prepped canvas for your professional serums and hydrators to do all the work during your beauty sleep!

As a fulltime aesthetician, it’s my honor and privilege to offer you the best products and services to give you glowing, soft, youthful skin! Schedule a time to come and visit with me to discuss your skincare needs—my consultations are free! Email me with questions here: sfrost@swmphs.com.