In Canada, our weather changes drastically from season to season, and many of us find that our skin does, too. Exposure to low temperatures and wind combined with central heating means that our skin can be much drier in the winter than other times of the year.

Here are my top 3 tips for keeping your skin hydrated all winter long.

1.  Use humectants. These ingredients (such as glycerin, lanolin or hyaluronic acid) help draw moisture into the skin and hold it there all day long.

What do I recommend? ZO Skin Health’s Hydrating Creme is a lightweight but ultra hydrating cream containing glycerin that is great for dry and irritated skin. Another choice is Alastin’s Restorative Skin Complex. It contains silver mushroom, which is 400 times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid.

 2.  Exfoliate regularly. Whether you use a chemical or mechanical exfoliant, the process of exfoliation is important because it helps remove dry, dead skin cell build up.

I like ZO Skin Health’s Exfoliating Polish. The magnesium crystals in this mechanical scrub help remove dead skin cells to create a clear, smooth and even toned complexion. Biologique Recherche’s P50T is also a great choice if you prefer a chemical exfoliator.

 3.  Use products that reinforce your skin’s barrier. If your skin barrier is strong it helps prevent moisture from escaping.

I like Biologique Recherche’s milk cleansers: Lait U, Lait EV or Lait VIP 02. They maintain barrier function and prevent skin from drying out while cleansing the skin and removing makeup. Another great option is BR’s Serum TEWL for trans epidermal water loss. This product acts as protective shield and is great for very dry skin or those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

And here’s a bonus tip…use masks! Masks are a great way to soothe dehydrated skin and lock in moisture:

·   BR’s Masque Visolastine + is a hydrating white clay face mask that purifies the pores without drying out the skin. It locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling soft.

·   Esthemax’s Hyaluronic Acid Hydrojelly Mask is an at home peel off mask that provides excellent moisture retention and is suitable to all skin types.

·   BR’s Biokiss is like a mask for your lips! It’s super soothing and I love using it before I go to bed.

 Finally, don’t forget your sunscreen even in the winter!

Melissa Rossi, Master Skin Therapist