Skin Care: Winter is time for rejuvenation, not hibernation

Protect your skin to enjoy the winter.

CHICAGO — What excites me about living in the Midwest is its changing seasons. I can feel God’s paintbrush working as the beauty of nature unfolds from spring to winter. One looks forward to the blooms of spring, fun in the sun during summer and the golden glow of foliage in the fall. Winter, in spite of the magical kaleidoscope of the glistening snow, is what one dreads. Why?

The freezing cold and the seeming absence of the bright sun can be depressing. Let us remember though that there’s a reason why this has to take place. This is the time when the ground is being prepared through the wet snow for us to enjoy the myriad shades and shapes of blossoms that come out in spring. It is believed that a wonderful cold season brings about the best in the succeeding ones.

As nature works to replenish itself, let’s take the cue and do the same to ourselves.

One thing we should avoid is to be carried away by the temperature drop and just moan and groan in one corner. Looking at the bright side of the situation and making the most of it is the way to go. How?  We overcome the winter blah by using this time to renew and beautify ourselves.

Based on how our body, particularly our skin, responds to the extreme cold, the following beauty regimen will be of utmost help.

• Have a winter skin reassessment by your esthetician. Your at-home skin care may have to be adjusted to be able to cope with the adverse effects of freezing temperatures. Your esthetician will be able to recommend what’s best for you.

• Exfoliate gently to address skin flaking, which can happen when the skin dehydrates. Make sure the exfoliant you use is not be harsh on the skin. Micro-exfoliating Honey Cleanser of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese sloughs off dead cells while retaining moisture. Exfoliating with this product two to three times encourages clearer skin devoid of blackheads or whiteheads.

• Hydrating mask application creates healthier skin by boosting moisture retention. Impairment of barrier function, which leads to sensitivity and redness is prevented. The frequency of application may be every other day or twice a week depending on the skin’s need. You may do it before bedtime or before taking a shower. This can also be part of relaxation.

• Professional chemical exfoliation or chemical peels is best availed of at this time. This is one time gloomy days are advantageous since this type of facial treatment requires less sun exposure. Removal of the outermost layer of the skin will reveal a brighter, even tone and smoother texture. Wrinkles and other signs of deterioration are being diminished as well.

• Vitamin C serum infusion, which slows down aging, is truly beneficial too. It is to be applied before the moisturizer. Its antioxidant nature reduces the harsh effects of the environment. A more even and firmer condition is just one of its results.

• Water intake is of utmost importance anytime of the year. We need proper hydration since water is lost when skin is exposed to outside cold and artificial heating.

So let’s all gear up and look forward to unraveling the beautiful skin beneath. Wintertime is not bad after all.