Complements Beauty 911: Winter skin care

12/16/14

By Lashelle Kuhlman, licensed aesthetician, reconstructive & cosmetic surgery, Mount Nittany Physician Group

This time of year can really take a toll on our skin, as the cold and dry air causes our skin to dehydrate. Here are some tips on how to achieve good skin care in the winter months.

EXFOLIATE: In the winter months, skin can get extremely dry. It is important to exfoliate your skin two to three times per week. When we exfoliate, we are sloughing off old, dead skin cells and it sends a message to the skin to produce more collagen and bring out new skin cells. It also allows products we are using to penetrate deeper and do its job, rather than sit on the surface of our skin. Your skin will look bright and fresh after exfoliating!

Treatments every three to four weeks such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels are great to remove dead skin cells. These involve no downtime and help give the skin a beautiful, smooth glow.

MOISTURIZE: I cannot say this enough – this is vital. Moisturize day and night and don’t be afraid to switch to a moisturizer that is richer to deliver intense hydration. For individuals with dry and normal skin, I recommend a moisturizer with humectants, which help the skin retain moisture. Look for products that contain shea butter, squalene, and sodium hyaluroante. If you have oily skin, it’s still vital to moisturize. Use an oil-free moisturizer that does not contain mineral oil, as it will clog your pores.

Mount Nittany Physician Group Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery offers many treatments and products that can help you take care of your skin this winter! Call 814.231.7878 for a free consultation.