When it comes to winter, our skin can really suffer. From dry, scratchy, scaly, and itchy to downright painful, keeping skin in working condition in the winter can be challenging. 

During winter, the main goal is to keep your natural moisturizing factor intact. The natural moisturizing factor (NMF) are substances within the skin that help keep it smooth, hydrated, and healthy. A collection of amino acids, sugars, minerals, and peptides joined with ceramides, cholesterol and glycosaminoglycan create this barrier that keeps the skin sound. With repeated use of products that contain denatured alcohol and other drying agents this NMF weakens. The result is dry, flaky skin that feels uncomfortably tight and itchy. 

A multiprong approach is the key. Being aware of your skin type, the environment of home and work, and your lifestyle each carry their own unique qualities. Be sure to review your skin care regime each season and adjust accordingly. Play special attention to cleansers and moisturizers as they may need tweaking. If you use retinols, easing off your regular schedule will help reduce dryness. 

Environment- Going from heat to cold and vice versa is particularly challenging for those with sensitive skin. Consider our poor capillaries, stretching and contracting as we go from cold outdoor winds to indoor heat. This constant contacting and expanding causes capillaries to lose elasticity and can result in tears and breaks which seem on the face as tiny red threads that eventually get bigger and can spread from the nose to the cheeks. Without a strong NMF, skin begins to show signs of stress. To protect capillaries and reduce inflammation in the skin try a topical like Theraderm OPC Gel rich in pycnogenol and hyaluronic acid for reducing inflammation. Keeping capillaries protected from tug of war with the environment can be achieved with deep hydration as well as monitoring the moisture levels around you. Topicals containing ceramides such as Skin Medica TNS Ceramide Cream help lock moisture in and guard against dehydration. Using a good humidifier to regulate the moisture levels in your home can make an enormous difference, especially in your bedroom. Even though a hot shower feels terrific, opt for warm not hot for the health of your skin. 

Lifestyle-If you are an avid gym goer, be sure to use discretion when hitting the sauna as it can agitate the skin as well. A quick cleanse and application of moisturizer before getting out in the wind and weather will keep your skin from losing ground. 

 Another helpful tool in the battel against winter dehydration is light therapy. Celluma Red Light Therapy helps to increase blood flow, stimulate collagen and elastin, and accelerates the skin healing process. The better your elastin the stronger your skin barrier is and makes it easier to combat dryness. The best results are seen with a minimum of two thirty-minute sessions per week. 

Do not forget to exfoliate! Removing dead surface cells not only feels terrific, but it also allows your skincare products to absorb more efficiently. Take caution to avoid OTC products that contain ground apricot pits or walnut shells as they act like miniscule swords that abrade the skin. If you have skin issue concerns like Rosacea, flushing, or broken capillaries, avoid these abrasive products. A safe at home exfoliant is Theraderm NuPeel that contains papaya, an enzyme that gently but effectively sloughs away surface debris while not disturbing your natural moisture factor. 

For an at home treat, make your own colloidal oatmeal bath by pulverizing a cup of oatmeal in the blender and tossing it into a warm bath. These oatmeal baths relieve itchy inflamed skin. After bathing, gently towel dry then pat of your favorite oil or moisturizer into the skin to restore balance. 

By following these simple steps, you will get through winter with healthier skin that keeps its glow in the darkest of days.