Winter can affect your routine. For example, you'll turn off the air-conditioning and turn on the heat, use coats and gloves for protection from the cold, and eat heavier foods during the cold months. The needs of your skin also will change with the climate. Summit Medical Group's Medical Aesthetician, offers three tips to help keep your skin healthy through the winter months:

Exfoliate
Dryness and cold cause dead skin cells to accumulate, creating ashy, dry skin. To combat this effect, Ms. Moreland recommends gentle daily exfoliation followed by a moisturizer to keep your skin looking smooth and healthy. Peel treatments, which are offered through a medical aesthetician, can help you get a deeper exfoliation. Winter is an especially good time for a peel because it's important to limit your exposure to the sun after the treatment. During the winter, the sun isn't as strong as it is at other times of the year and you're likely to be indoors more. 

Hydrate
Drink plenty of water. Heat at home and work saps the body, including the skin, of moisture. Replacing it with water can help keep your skin looking and feeling supple. Medications, including those used to treat colds, also can dry the skin. If you're taking prescription or over-the-counter medicine, remember to drink plenty of liquids.

Protect
The skin is the largest organ of the body. Protecting it from the cold winter air can help reduce uncomfortable irritation and cracking. Rich moisturizers and lip balms also can help keep your skin soft and smooth. It's also important to remember that sun damage occurs year 'round. Snow, in particular, can reflect the sun's rays and cause UV damage. Don’t forget that your daytime moisturizer should always include an SPF of 30.

If you'd like to know more about winter skin care and how you can enter the spring with healthy, glowing skin, please call 908-277-8759 for a consultation appointment.