Winterizing your skin care routine

Do you change your skin care routine when the seasons change?
“If you’re like most women, you don’t,” says Jodi LoGerfo, dermatological nurse-practitioner for Orentreich Medical Group in New York City. “But you should switch up your skin care routine to adapt for (your) skin’s reaction to the colder temperature, wind and drying indoor heat,” she advises.
This is especially true if you live in the North and face more extreme cold, windy or wet weather or a combination of all three. Also, if you are on an anti-aging or an anti-acne prescription regimen and are using a Retin-A (tretinoin) product or an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) lotion or a combination of the two, you may need to make some changes because these products have side effects of dryness and irritation that will only be exacerbated by any cold or extreme winter weather.

Re-evaluate your skincare routine for winter

Reduce use of Retin-A products. LoGerfo says you can cut your usage frequency of your prescription and it will continue to regenerate skin cell turn-over and form new collagen but without the drastic side effects of dryness, irritation and cracking that can increase in response to winter weather. Maximum Retin-A use is twice per day (morning and night), but if skin looks or feels irritated, try applying the product just once per day, every other day or even two or three times a week. You can experiment with how often and when to use it (such as morning versus night time if only once per day) so it doesn’t cause the irritating effects. The same goes for over-the-counter anti-aging products containing Retinol, which is also a vitamin A derivative just like Retin-A, but at a much lower concentration. Retinol products have a much less aggressive positive or negative effect on the skin, but you can adjust your usage the same way if necessary, LoGerfo advises.
Switch alpha hydroxy acid lotion for a protective, emollient lotion. “Many times we prescribe an anti-aging regimen combining the use of a Retin-A product and an alpha hydroxy acid product for the best effect. But, during the winter, you can stop using your alpha hydroxyl acid product if skin seems irritated,” LoGerfo suggests. Instead, she recommends using a thick cream facial moisturizer over any Retin-A to protect against cracking, peeling and chapping.
No more long, hot showers. Hot water is very irritating and drying to your skin’s top-most layer, especially if it is already irritated by other products, indoor dry heat, winter wind and cold temperatures. The hot water strips skin it of its natural oils leaving it unprotected and open to cracking and peeling. LoGerfo advises taking quicker, lukewarm showers, for less than 10 minutes at a time, and to pat skin dry gently (no harsh rubbing on skin or hair). While your skin is still damp, apply a super-rich cream moisturizer for hands, feet and anywhere else you see drying or cracked skin. Even better, try adding virgin coconut oil to your skin care routine to help it retain moisture and resist cracking and irritation.
Use a humidifier. Indoor heat can be very drying to your skin. “You’ll know if this is the case in your home if your nasal passages also feel dry,” LoGerfo says. Try a room humidifier all night and even all day to help skin and nasal passages remain moist, the way they should be.