When it comes to cleaning, O’Connor recommends using mild, soap -free detergents that carefully remove dirt without stripping hydration.
“Avoid hard ingredients such as Ahas and Bhas if your skin is already dry – they can further lose moisture and irritate the skin barrier,” she says.
Dr. Spearman also suggests that you are looking for skin care products with soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Niacinamide and Squalane to soothe inflammation.
And do not shimmer on moisturizer! “Choose a rich, moistening formula with ceramides, hyaluronic acid or glycerine to help restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture,” she recommends.
For an extra hydration reinforcement, O’Connor suggests adding an occlusive product to seal in moisture.
“Ocklusives form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Apply them over your creams to maximize hydration, she explains. The best occlusive include petrolatum, mineral oil, olive oil and argan oil.
But she warns that those with acne prone or oily skin may want to avoid occlusive, as they can trigger outbreaks. And don’t forget sunscreen!
“Many people skip SPF in winter, but UV rays still penetrate the skin – even more if there is snow that reflects sunlight,” adds Dr. Spearman. “A mild, wide -spectrum sunscreen is the key for year -round protection.”
