Updated: Sep 18, 2020
By Jessica Mangiaracina PA-C
With this new season coming upon us, I am sharing some cold weather skin care tips that could be helpful.
Chronic skin conditions with the change of season
Chronic skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, acne, may start to flare during the changes of season. If you have psoriasis, eczema, you can make sure you are moisturizing your skin well, and even see your dermatologist for topical steroids and steroid free creams if you know you flare seasonally. Some steroid-free prescriptions include Eucrisa, Elidel, & Protopic.
Plan Laser and Chemical Peel Treatments
Fall and winter mean Laser and chemical peel season! These treatments are best to get done when your skin is not tan.
Laser treatments: Great for dark brown spots, redness, and enlarged blood vessels. The most common areas are face, neck, chest, and tops of the hands. Specific lasers can also be used to treat cystic acne. IPL is a popular laser treatment during this time of year.
Chemical Peels: Great for skin texture, clogged pores, brown spots, melasma, fine lines, and wrinkles, plumping up that collagen! My favorite is glycolic acid or retinol peels.
Consider using Retinol less and thicker moisturizers
If your skin is dry and flaky this time of year, consider decreasing the number of days a week you apply your retinol cream. For me, I decrease to 3-4 times a week, sometimes 2-3 if I am extra dry.
I also switch to a thicker moisturizer in the colder weather for my face and body. La Roche Posay Lipkar lotion is my go-to.
Yes, you still need sunscreen!
Sunscreen always! It would be best if you used sunscreen in the colder weather and even on cloudy days. It would help if you used broad-spectrum sunscreens and an SPF of at least 30. All sunscreens need to be re-applied every 2 hours. EltaMD is my go-to always!
What is in your cold-weather skin care routine?
Diva Tip: A Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or more with Zinc Oxide and Iron Oxide is your best bet for the winter months.
Jessica Mangiaracina is a full-time Dermatology Physician Assistant practicing in Ridgefield, CT.
