Help Your Skin Survive the Change of Seasons Beautifully

Roberta Palestine, M.D., Dermatologist, Dermatology & Clinical Skin Care Center

With the leaves changing colors and the start of the holiday season, fall is a
wonderful time of year. But unfortunately the onset of winter can wreak havoc on
our skin. Cooler temperatures outside combined with arid, artificial heat inside
create a recipe for dry, itchy skin.

For patients who experience dry and itchy skin when the weather changes year after
year, I advise being proactive. If you start moisturizing sooner rather than later—
especially when fall just begins to set in—these uncomfortable skin issues can
usually be avoided.

When it comes to the face, a few simple skincare steps can alleviate uncomfortable
and unsightly dryness, but you don’t have to stop using the anti-aging or anti-
acne active ingredients you rely on to keep your skin looking great. Retinol is
commonly used to treat visible signs of aging as well as acne, and many patients
find it difficult to tolerate this ingredient even when the weather isn’t in flux.
If the change of seasons makes your skin more reactive, first try switching to a
cleanser designed for sensitive skin. You can also step down the concentration of
your retinol until spring. For example, if you find SkinMedica Tri-Retinol Complex
ES or prescription retinoids too harsh this time of year, try SkinMedica’s original
Retinol Complex for the short term. Other skin-soothing options include mixing your
retinol with moisturizer when applying, or using a more intense moisturizer such as
SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair for the winter months. Your best bet is to talk to your
dermatologist, so he or she can give you recommendations that are well suited to
your skin and your concerns.

Exfoliation is key for eliminating dead, flaky skin, and SkinMedica Skin Polisher
contains ultra-fine jojoba spheres that gently remove dry skin without irritation
or stripping the skin of essential moisture. This time of year is ideal for in-office
chemical peels since most of us are outdoors less, making it easier to avoid the post-
peel sun exposure that can lead to complications. Within just a few appointments,
skin is smoother and softer with less signs of summer sun damage, and eliminating
the build-up of dull, dry skin helps your moisturizer penetrate better.

For dry, itchy skin on the body, daily moisturization is key. Apply cream or lotion
immediately after showering when skin is still damp, and remember to be generous.
Don’t try to spread your cream or lotion too thin, even if it means waiting a few
extra minutes before getting dressed. And don’t take too-hot showers either, as this
can dry out skin even more.

While most of us associate winter with bundling up and being out of the sun, I can’t
stress enough the importance of daily sunscreen use year-round. We all need to
use a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection regardless of the weather, since
even incidental sun exposure from walking to and from the car and driving can
contribute not only to visible signs of aging, but to skin cancer as well. My rule
of thumb: Apply sunscreen anywhere that’s not covered by clothing, so in the
winter this means concentrating on your face, neck and hands. During the colder
months, your sunscreen doesn’t have to be thick, greasy or water-resistant, and I
recommend SkinMedica’s TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer + SPF 20 because it works
like 3 products in one by delivering moisture, sun protection and anti-aging benefits.
But if you take part in outdoor activities like skiing (the sun is stronger at higher
altitudes), be sure to have a high-performance sunscreen that offers a high level of
UV protection.

There’s no reason your skin can’t survive winter comfortably and beautifully, but
when in doubt, talk to your dermatologist. As the only doctor trained exclusively in
the care and health of your skin, he or she is your best ally year-round.

Roberta F. Palestine, M.D. is the founder and director of the Dermatology & Clinical
Skin Care Center in Bethesda and Germantown, Maryland, and has been in practice
since 1982. Dr. Palestine is a board certified dermatologist. She received her
undergraduate degree from Cornell University, her medical degree with honors
from the University of Rochester, and she attended the world-famous Mayo
Clinic for her residency in dermatology.