7 Winter Skin Solutions
Photos: Fuse, David Cook, Regan Cameron, Satoshi, Courtesy of Origins, David Cook, Glow Images Inc.
1/7Try New Hydrators
Dermatologists will always love their ceramides and hyaluronic acid. But some are now equally smitten with a pack of new hydrators.
Glyceryl glucoside: A supersized version of the humectant glycerin, it pulls moisture from the atmosphere into the deeper layers of the skin and enhances the skin's water channels to boost hydration. Find it in Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion and Nivea Express Hydration Daily Lotion.
Selaginella lepidophylla: An extract that's both a humectant and an antioxidant, it "constantly renews the skin, making cells more cohesive to prevent water from escaping," says cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson. Try Nuxe Crème Nuxuriance Day Normal to Dry Skin.
Coconut extract: Because this has fats that are similar to those in the skin's barrier, it can replace the stuff that's so easily stripped away in winter. Try VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Hand + Body Smoother.
Niacinamide: "It strengthens the skin's outer layer to prevent water loss and speeds up cell turnover," says cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer. According to Zeichner, it also revs up production of the skin's own free fatty acids and cholesterol to keep the moisture barrier intact. Try Cetaphil Restoraderm Skin Restoring Moisturizer or Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.
2/7Maximize Your Moisturizer
Apply it the right way with these key moves.
Clear away dead skin cells. They keep moisturizer from sinking in. Buff your face gently twice a week with a jojoba-bead scrub or a mild exfoliant with fruit enzymes (we like Olay Fresh Effects Bead Me Up Exfoliating Cleanser).
Always smooth lotion on damp skin. You've heard it before, but did you know you have a three-minute window for best results? Wait any longer and "moisture starts to disappear from skin before you can lock it in," says Jeannette Graf, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Moisturize with the bathroom door closed. It maintains the humidity. "Any humectants in your cream can help pull that moisture into your skin," says Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
Sprays reach where hands can't. Use them while still in the shower—with the water off, just before stepping out—to reduce the slip factor. Or try a continuous-spray lotion, like Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, which spritzes even while upside down.
3/7Care for Your Lips
Lock in moisture with a thick ointment. "Aquaphor is the ultimate fix," says David Bank, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University/Presbyterian Hospital. The corners of the mouth crack when saliva gets trapped there. "The digestive enzymes in saliva break down the skin," says Bank. Prescription ointments, like Alcortin and Mycolog, can tackle both the infection and the irritation, or try layering a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream with a drugstore antifungal (like Lotrimin) and petroleum jelly on the area twice a day for three days.
4/7Stock Up
The best creams to stash here, there, and everywhere.
In the shower: "Now's the time to use the richest stuff possible," says Graf. For the face, we like Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea SPF 25; for the body, Jergens Crema Deep-Conditioning Shea Butter With Oatmeal is a decadent, easy-to-spread nut-butter blend.
At the office: Choose a hand cream with silicones and humectants that coats skin without leaving it slick, drippy, or sticky. Heidi Waldorf, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center, swears by Derma Topix Intensive Hand Cream.
5/7Soothe Your Scalp
Are we the only ones who've been shrugging off flakes, figuring they're just a result of dry scalp? "If your scalp is scaly and itchy, that's generally dandruff, not dry scalp," says Bank, adding that it usually happens when an overgrowth of yeast aggravates and inflames the scalp, causing cells to shed at warp speed. Switching to a flake-fighting formula, like Clear Scalp Hair & Beauty Therapy Complete Care Nourishing Anti-Dandruff Shampoo or Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo, should clear up run-of-the-mill dandruff in a couple of weeks. Those with thicker, more stubborn scales may need to start by washing with an exfoliating shampoo containing salicylic acid (like Neutrogena Maximum Strength T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo) or see a dermatologist for a prescription steroid scalp treatment.
6/7Get the Best Humidifier
John McAloon, a team project leader at Consumer Reports, tested 29 to find the best one. For single rooms or small apartments, a tabletop machine is ideal. The Crane Penguin EE-865 scored highest among tabletop humidifiers: At only $40, the ultrasonic model was quiet, energy efficient, sturdy, and low maintenance.
7/7Avoid These Skin Sabotours
These pesky little things sap moisture.
Sipping water from a bottle: "As the water molecules left on lips' surface evaporate, they draw out moisture from within the skin," Bank explains. Seal lips with petroleum jelly or drink from a straw.
Wearing scratchy fabrics: Wool and synthetic fibers rubbing against you can dry out and irritate sensitive skin, says Graf. Wear a layer of soft cotton underneath.
Skipping sunscreen: "Even in winter, UV rays can interfere with skin-barrier function, reduce ceramide levels, and prevent skin from holding onto moisture," says Zeichner. Use a lotion with SPF 30 or higher every morning and carry a sunscreen powder for touch-ups.
Removing a gel manicure: Dissolving one is incredibly drying, according to Waldorf. Slather on hand cream pre- and post-manicure.
