Winter Skincare Advice

 Article provided by the experts at DDF 

DDF Dramatic Results Kit. Serious skincare starter kit for you or someone you love.

Dry, flaky cheeks . . . cracked cuticles . . . parched lips . . . do these telltale signs of winter sound familiar? Colder, drier air and bitter winds outside combined with interior heating units can really do a number on the skin.

No matter your skin concern: acne/problem, sensitive/allergic, hyper-pigmentation, environmentally damaged, or anti-aging, the change of seasons may necessitate a change in skincare protocol.

What happens to skin in the winter? Our bodies are composed of nearly 70% water and the water in the body (and skin) is constantly being rebalanced based upon environmental conditions. Dry-cold air will steal water molecules from the skin while a moist/hot environment will cause water to move from deeper layers in the skin to the surface in order to readjust the body's temperature. In winter, dry cold winds and indoor forced hot air can make even the most radiant skin look ashy and dull.

We cannot change the water balance in the air but we can make some changes in our daily protocol to adjust to the drier atmosphere. We can also make environmental changes like using a humidifier indoors and choosing steam heat where we have an option, or put pots of hot water on the radiators to generate more moisture in the air. Showers will be more skin-friendly than long hot baths, and remember to leave skin slightly damp before applying moisturizers whose primary function is to HOLD water in the skin.

Below are a few winter skincare protocol tips from experts at DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula):

• Acne/oily skin: If you are currently using a strong benzoyl peroxide cleanser along with a topical treatment, you may find your skin is extremely dry this time of year. Think about switching to a milder cleanser like DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser (with only 1% Salicylic) rather than discontinuing your BP treatment all together. And of course, protect your skin with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15.
  
• Environmentally damaged skin/anti-aging: You may want to consider a slightly richer daily moisturizer such as DDF Ultra-Rich Moisturizing Cream to provide an extra boost of moisture and protection from the harsh winter elements.
  
• Irritable/dry skin: If you suffer from eczema or dermatitis, you may notice an increase in irritation this time of year. First step? Switch to a non-drying, gentle cleanser that will do the job without stripping your skin of vital moisture or causing further problems. While many pharmaceutical companies offer a range of heavy-duty steroid creams to soothe eczema and similar inflammations, start with an over-the-counter product first; no need to over-medicate.
  DDF Aloe Cort Cream blends pure aloe vera gel with 1% Hydrocortisone cream to relieve redness, stop itching, and soothe irritated skin without feeling heavy or clogging pores (great for use on the face).
  
• Keep skin moist: carry a moisturizing lotion or cream with you at all times and place a tube or tub on your bedside table. Apply a generous coat to affected areas before going to bed and you will wake up to healthier, happier skin!
• Don't forget your hands and feet! Those poor toes get jammed into boots day after day for months without even a glance down. Pamper those babies with a rich foot cream - applied while skin is still damp, followed immediately by a pair of socks. For really dry, scaly or callused areas, a foot cream containing glycolic acid
  (DDF Pedi-Cream has an impressive 18%) will have your toes tapping and heels clicking in no time.
• Don't forget your sunscreen. That big yellow orb IS still up there and can still work that solar evil on your skin. Find a daily moisturizer with SPF that you like and remember to apply it to your face everyday. Skiers and snow-shovelers should be even more careful; the UV rays in the glare reflecting off the snow can age the skin faster than you may think.
  
  DDF has variety of products to cleanse, tone, moisturize, exfoliate, soothe and repair. The most effective skincare available without a prescription.
•   DDF Dramatic Results Kit. Serious skincare starter kit for you or someone you love.
  
  Founded by Howard Sobel, M.D., leading New York City dermatologist, DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula) offers the most effective skincare available without a prescription.