Dermatologist-Recommended Tips for Healthy Winter Skin
With Ottawa’s cold winters and harsh winds, our skin takes a major hit, and even staying indoors does not prevent damage. So, how do you keep your skin looking and feeling healthy? We asked Royal College-certified Dermatologist Dr. Jillian Macdonald of The Ottawa Clinic to share her winter skin care tips.
“One of the most common conditions during the winter is dry, cracking skin that breaks out in a form of eczema known as asteatotic dermatitis,” says Dr. Macdonald. “Even patients who don’t normally suffer from eczema are susceptible to this condition. To minimise the effects, use a hydrating moisturiser, such as SkinMedica® TNS body lotion, and apply it right after you get out of shower, while your skin is still damp.”
TNS Body Lotion is comprised of natural growth factors, antioxidants, matrix proteins and soluble collagens.
Another common complaint in winter is a sallow and gray complexion, which is the result of staying indoors and a lack of vitamin D. On top of adding a vitamin D supplement to their diet, Dr. Macdonald recommends patients try using a cream with retinol.
“Retinols aren’t usually found in your average skin cream, but they are one of the most important skin care products,” she explains. “The SkinMedica® Retinol Complex promotes healthy turnover promotes healthy turnover of the skin by helping clear away dead flaky skin. Retinols are also beneficial for treating acne, fine lines, skin discoloration and preventing skin cancer when applied on a regular basis.”
Turn Hibernation into Rejuvenation
“If you are looking to repair blotchy, discolored skin, the SkinMedica Lytera® line is one of the products I can really stand behind based on its science,” says Dr. Macdonald. “The Lytera® formula significantly reduces brown pigmentation, evens out skin tone and increases its lustre.”
The best prescription for winter skin rejuvenation is a combination of SkinMedica® products and Fraxel® treatments. Fraxel® uses advanced laser technology to stimulate skin tightening through the production of collagen, to even out skin mottling, and to treat UV damage. A recent study showed that 94 per cent of users report improvement in overall skin condition after 12 weeks, and 79 per cent report improvement in the evenness of skin tone during that same time period.
“Winter is the best season for Fraxel® because less sun exposure means you can maximize treatment results,” says Dr. Trefor Nodwell, founder of The Ottawa Clinic. “Pre-treatment with Lytera® and SkinMedica® Retinol, in combination with Fraxel® is the best way to combat dermatoheliosis, which is the brown mottling, dilated blood vessels, and bumpy texture of the skin that results from UV damage over time.”
Do you need a new winter skin care regimen? Book a consultation to find the best approach for your skin.
