Spring Cleaning Tips for Better Skin

From snow and rain to whipping wind, winter weather can wreak havoc on delicate epidermis; here’s how to get rid of dry, flaky skin and face a brighter day

By Anna Sachse
CTW Features

Just as the freezer will sap frozen steaks of moisture and leave them looking shriveled and “burned,” frigid outdoor temperatures dehydrate the skin, slowing cell turnover and contributing to dry, flaky, cracked or scaly patches. Indoor heating further parches the skin’s top-most layer, amplifying an already dull, grey appearance.

Sure, winter’s dark and dreary weather might have made it easy to ignore suffering skin, but now that yet another spring is here, it’s time to do a little complexion housecleaning. Start following these expert tips now for a smooth glow all over, just in time for swimsuit season.

Exfoliate

According to Nia Terezakis, MD, a dermatologist with offices in Metairie and Gonzales, La., skin that appears dry to the eye is, surprisingly, not exactly dry. Our bodies are constantly shedding individual skin cells, resulting in a whole new outer layer every single month. Normally this process is imperceptible, but when skin is damaged or irritated by harsh winter elements (or excessive sun), the cells tend to shed in visible clumps that are perceived as dry, flaky and dull, Terezakis says. Bacteria also feed on oils trapped by cells that don’t turn over quickly enough, contributing to breakouts.

To help the sloughing process along, Jeffrey Benabio, MD, a San Diego-based dermatologist and founder of TheDermBlog.com, recommends exfoliating with the Clarisonic cleansing brush once or twice a week or, if the skin isn’t too sensitive, using a gentle granular product like Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Foaming Scrub, Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser or even a simple DIY combination of sugar and oil. Either way, don’t get too aggressive, warns Terezakis, as harsh, excessive rubbing can lead to inflammation and actually provide more openings for pimple-causing bacteria.

Another option is to use a moisturizer containing alpha-hydroxy acids that remove dead cells, but keep in mind that these natural chemicals derived from plant sugars may increase skin irritation and sun sensitivity, so start with low concentrations and remember to slather on the sunscreen.

Cleanse

Traditional alkaline soaps such as Ivory or Irish Spring tend to add insult to dry, red and itchy winter skin injury by stripping necessary natural oils (sebum) and raising the skin’s pH. “The oil is there for a reason – to protect,” Benabio says. Remove too much of it and the result is an epidermis that’s more dehydrated and irritated than ever.

Keep in mind, however, that most facial bars, liquids, foams and wipes are not actually soap. Instead, they are formulated with surfactants and moisturizers that have a pH much closer to your own. (Consider using similar soap-free products on your body as well!)

Everyone’s skin is different so the trick is figuring out which products work best for your skin, and how often to use it. Those prone to acne may need to use gentle cleansers twice a day, followed by an alcohol-free toner, Benabio says. But if skin is already extremely dry or sensitive, frequent cleansing may trigger further problems. Instead, simply rinse the face with warm water in the morning and then use a product like Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser or a Dove Winter Care Beauty Bar (switch to the lighter Summer Care version when things finally heat up) at night to remove make-up and accumulated oils.

Moisturize

Contrary to popular myth, although drinking lots of water is good for the body in many ways, it’s not going to have much of an effect on how the skin looks unless you’re experiencing extreme dehydration, Terezakis says. Instead, her best bet for a plump, glowing complexion is to “moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!” Not only do soothing emollient creams add water to the skin and help keep in the water that’s already there (look for products that contain hydrating humectants, such as glycerin, which can also attract water from the air), they improve the tone and texture of skin by sliding between dead cells and acting as a glue – the result is skin that appears less dry and flaky.

Although there are thousands of skincare products on the market each claiming to contain the best vitamins, minerals and anti-aging ingredients, there is no magic moisturizer, Terezakis says.

Test a variety of lotions and potions to see which one works best, but Terezakis recommends budget-friendly Aveeno, Cetaphil and CeraVe, all available in drugstores. Apply them immediately after a shower or washing your face to help trap water in the surface cells.

And don’t forget to wear SPF. After all, spring means the sun will be making more frequent guest appearances – we hope.

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