To help restore our not-so-silky skin back to its pre-winter state, we asked a skin care industry expert to weigh in with a few tried-and-true skin care repair tips.
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1. Switch it up
"After studying for the past year under one of Los Angeles' most knowledgeable and respected skin care analysts, I've realized how many mistakes I was making with my own skin!" reveals Krissy Portokalsky, aesthetician and makeup artist at C'est Tout Face & Skin Boutique in Los Angeles. "Knowing how to care for your skin properly is extremely important, and when seasons change, so should our regimens."
Which makes sense, right? We don't walk into a snowstorm wearing flip-flops — our skin needs a little assistance adjusting to the changing seasons, too.
2. Say hello to serums
So what should we be doing differently during the winter months to repair the damage being done by the harsh elements? For starters — and this might come as a shock — don't stock up on super heavy moisturizing formulas, says Portokalsky.
"Throw out any heavy moisturizers you may be using, and replace them with a serum," she says. "Serums penetrate into the skin faster than lotions and moisturizers and do not clog pores."
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3. Feed your skin
Additionally, start giving your skin the credit it is due — it is the largest organ of the body, with a total area of roughly 20 square feet. Not only does it protect us from the elements, but it also helps regulate our body temperature.
If yours is dry, it just means it needs even more TLC than normal (and it deserves it, by gosh).
"Our skin also needs vitamins, just like the rest of our body. Add a strengthening serum into your regimen — something with lots of Vitamins C, E and A. Kind of like a multivitamin, but for your skin!" suggests Portokalsky.
4. Three words: exfoliate and moisturize
To ensure your skin is smooth and absorbing as much of those vitamins as possible, adopt a weekly habit of exfoliating your skin. This will get rid of dead skin cells, clearing the way for you to slather on your favorite moisturizing formula.
Because when it comes to repairing dry winter skin, one thing remains a multi-season standard: moisturizing. Whether your product of choice is a serum, a lotion, a body butter or good ol' Vaseline, the bottom line is you need to be giving your skin the moisture it craves. As Portokalsky points out, "Hydration is the most important element to keeping skin healthy during winter."
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This post was sponsored by Cetaphil.