It’s About Moisture…

Cold, dry winter weather can really cause irritation, discomfort and… can age the skin if proper care isn’t taken. You invest in your skin with cosmetic surgery and non invasive procedures, so it is important to take extra care of your skin…especially when the weather is extreme.  Here are some age defying tips to help you keep your skin healthy and feeling great in all kinds of weather!

Conserve Moisture
There are many habits that can strip out the moisture from your skin. This dryness can be painful, itchy and contributes to skin-aging by stripping moisture. So – work on replenishing this lost moisture using a few simple steps:

First…some habits to avoid – and some to do:
….Hot showers or baths removes the natural lubrication and oil on the skin. Although a hot shower always feels good after coming in from the cold, try to keep it short and not too hot.
…..Cleansers and toners, containing harsh ingredients, strip your skin of natural oil. Real sudsy cleansers usually have a surfactant like sodium laurel sulfate, and the acetone in many toners can be too harsh, along with already dry conditions.

…..Use mild cream or gel cleansers and toner with no alcohol this time of year.
Sipping hot coffee and tea is so comforting when it’s cold out, but beware the dehydrating effects they can have. Most people only think to drink lots of water when they’re sweating and hot, but cold, windy air can be just as dehydrating for your skin. So, drink lots of pure water everyday!

Moisture Reinforcement
Not only do you need to be on the defensive when it comes to protecting your skin (during the winter) by not participating in certain drying habits, but you need to be on the offense to add the extra help it needs this time of year. Here are some ways to add moisture reinforcement for your skin:

…..Running the heat in a home strips the air of any moisture -counter this by adding a little water vapor back to your home’s air with a humidifier.
…..Diligently use moisturizer morning and night… your face and hands are most exposed to the elements, but don’t neglect the rest of your body.
…..Exfoliate gently to remove the dull dead skin build up … then you must moisturize that fresh new skin to keep it healthy and glowing.
…..Continue using sunscreen. Snow can actually reflect up to 80 percent UV rays. As skiers and snow sports enthusiasts know, you can get a sunburn in the winter.
…..Eat foods that encourage your skins moisture retention... rich in essential fatty acids like salmon and other “healthy fats” found in avocados and coconut oil.

I hope these tips help you save your skin this winter. We also offer medical grade, physician prescribed skincare, SkinMedica, which effectively addresses many skin issues and is essential for healthy skin maintenance. Stop by our office or visit our website www.davinciplastic.com to learn more.

Steven Davison, M.D.

Board Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon

As seasons change so does our skin. Winter is the worst season of the year and can be very hard on the skin.  In this blog I offer a few tips to help you avoid costly mistakes in your daily skin care program, that lead to dry, flaky and red irritated skin. You can keep looking and feeling your best even during harsh winters. 

1. Avoid licking your lips and do use lip balm.  The skin on your lips is very fragile and requires special care just like your facial skin.  Licking your lips frequently can cause them to dry out and become flaky.  Even though licking provides temporary moisture it leaves the lips drier due to evaporation into the dry winter air and heated environments. The digestive enzymes in saliva can break down the skin causing lips corners to crack and the skin to flake. Prevent damaged lips by exfoliating the dead skin away and then use a well formulated, conditioned lip balm throughout the day to keep in natural moisture.

2.  Do Use Sunscreen all year around.  Winter UVA rays are nearly as strong as summer rays.  They are responsible for changing the DNA in the skin and this causes premature lines, wrinkles and sagging. Damaging UV light is the #1 cause of premature aging skin because they interfere with skin barrier function while simultaneously preventing proper moisture levels in the skin.

3.  Use the right formula and amount of moisturizer.  Too much moisturizer is wasteful, can cause skin congestion, bumps and breakouts.  The skin, like a sponge, can only absorb so much.  Find the right formula for your skin needs, apply it daily and prevent future skin problems.

4.  Adjust your skin care regimen to your skin needs. Our bodies constantly change and so does our skin with fluctuating temperatures and conditions.  Make sure you are using the right products during each season.  For example:  you may need to switch from a foaming cleanser and creamy moisturizer, during winter months, to a gentler cleansing lotion and serum moisturizer, to avoid loss of drying the skin.  Find a good aesthetician (Nora handles this at DAVinci) to help you with your best skin care program/products. Visit my website for more info: www.davinciplastic.com.

5. Seal in your moisturizer right after cleansing your skin!  You have a one minute window after cleansing, to moisturize and prevent skin dehydration. Water acts like a magnet and attracts the water deep within your dermal layers and result in evaporation. Apply your moisturizer or serum while your skin is still damp to ensure plump, well hydrated skin.

BRILLIANT DISTINCTIONS® Reward Program that allows patients to earn redeemable points/coupons for SkinMedica® products, Botox® and Juvederm®.  My patients love this program. Check it out at: www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com.

Glow N” Go Treatments are popular all year long but especially during the winter months. Treatments include:  Botox® Cosmetic, Microdermabrasion, IPL treatments for dark spots and patchy or uneven skin color and Injectables are here to stay. The Seniors and the younger generations are in love with instant Liquid Facelifts when surgery isn’t necessary.  Manly Makeovers are rising in popularity as more men are choosing cosmetic procedures for career advantages and because they just want to look good.

Stay Well and Put Your Best Face Forward!

Steven Davison M.D.