'Winterizing' your skin care routine

November 5, 9:53 PMTampa Skin Care ExaminerBarbie Winterbottom

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As the seasons change it is important to recognize that skin care needs can change too.  Depending on your geography, these seasonal changes can be drastic.  In TampaBay, where the winters are mild the need to change up products and routines can often be overlooked.

Typically, as the winter months approach, the days are shorter, the temperature drops, the air is drier and the holidays have us running in circles and often eating and drinking a lot more than our normal patterns.  All of these factors can contribute to changes in our bodies, which are reflected in our skin.  So...what should we do?

First, although it may seem counter-intuitive, exfoliating frequently will stave off that dry flaky "winter" skin.  Exfoliating can be done in a number of different ways both chemically and manually.  Chemical exfoliation includes acid peels, such as glycolic, lactic, mandelic and azaelic and even daily moisturizers containing AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA's (beta hydroxy acids).  Acid peels, performed by a professional on a routine basis can lighten, brighten and re-texturize skin and even help undo the sun damage received during the summer months.  Using a daily moisturizer containing AHA's or BHA's helps to gently slough off dead skin cells, allowing any products applied to the skin to penetrate deeper into the skin which leaves skin soft and supple.  Consistently exfoliating dead cells also speeds up the cellular turnover rate (the process through which the body makes new healthy tissue), which slows as we age.

Secondly, applying an appropriate moisturizer to hydrate and nourish the skin is a must.  Exfoliating without proper hydration can cause extreme sensitivity and irritation.  However, when an appropriate moisturizer is used, the results can be fantastic.  Look for a moisturizer containing Alpha Lipoic Acid, Alpha Tocopherol (Vit. E) or Hyaluronic Acid.  These ingredients will plump and hydrate the skin.

Lastly, don't forget the sunscreen!  Using an effective sunscreen everyday is the single most important treatment you can do for yourself.  Look for a sunscreen containing at least 4% or more of at least one or more of the following ingredients; Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Avebenzone, Homosalate and Octisalate.  A thorough listing of sunscreens, ingredients and more can be found at www.huntsmancancer.org .

It's important to know that the skin is the largest organ of the human body and should be treated as such.  Just as we take care of ourselves through eating lot's green leafy vegetables, exercising and drinking plenty of water to ensure our internal health, we also need to care and protect our skin on the outside to keep that healthy glow.