Winter months can be harsh on your skin, especially in Arizona. With humidity levels regularly dipping below 20%, many of us experience dryness, flakiness, and irritation head to toe. In fact, a recent study ranked Arizona the third worst state for skin health due to its incredibly dry climate and relentless sun exposure. While these factors may seem like a recipe for premature aging (and they can be!) the right skincare strategy can keep your skin healthy and radiant.
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What I tell my clients is simple: as the seasons change, your skin care routine needs to change, too. This means in the winter, focusing on hydration and protection is key to maintaining skin so smooth and glowy, no one will believe we live in a desert. Evolving your skin care with the seasons doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. From simple at-home remedies to cutting-edge in-clinic treatments, there’s something for everyone. In 2024 we’re in our skin care era! Here are my top recommendations to combat winter skin woes:
At-Home Remedies that Pack a Punch
Opt for Lukewarm Showers: While hot showers might feel cozy, they strip the skin of essential oils, leaving it dry and irritated. Instead, keep showers lukewarm and brief. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer within two minutes to lock in hydration.
Use a Humidifier: Central heating can sap moisture from the air, making your skin feel dry and rough. Adding a humidifier to your bedroom or living area can help replenish lost moisture. For an even simpler solution, place a bowl of water near your heater to add back in some of the humidity we’re losing.
Gentle Exfoliation: Dry skin builds up dead cells, making your complexion look dull. Use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to remove this layer, allowing your moisturizers and serums to absorb effectively. Overdoing it, however, can worsen dryness—less is more when it comes to exfoliating.
Layer with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides: If you aren’t already, start incorporating hyaluronic acid serum into your skincare routine. HA actually attracts moisture to your skin. Follow it up with a ceramide-rich cream to seal in hydration. Affordable options like Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream and La Roche-Posay Double Repair Face Moisturizer are great choices.
Don’t Skip SPF: UV rays don’t take a holiday in the winter. Protect your skin daily with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to prevent damage and premature aging, even on cloudy days. Apply this every single morning, no exceptions.
Advanced Treatments to Win the Dry Skin War
Skinvive for Deep Hydration: When at-home or over-the-counter remedies aren’t cutting it, it’s time to bring in the big guns. For those struggling with persistent dryness, Skinvive—a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler—is a game-changer. This treatment deeply hydrates the skin, offering faster, longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products.
Microneedling with Exosomes: Microneedling creates microchannels in the skin, allowing nutrient-rich serums to penetrate deeper. At Aesthetic IQ, this procedure is paired with exosomes or platelet-derived growth factors to supercharge hydration, boost collagen, and improve skin texture. We see incredible results for our clients with this treatment.
Hyaluronic Acid Lip Filler: Dry, flaky lips can be especially bothersome during the winter. A hyaluronic acid lip filler not only restores moisture but also smooths out fine lines, leaving your lips plump and hydrated. Perfect for all of the pictures being taken this time of year!
Even living in a desert, we don’t have to endure the discomfort of dry winter skin. By making small lifestyle changes and incorporating the right products or treatments, you can keep your skin hydrated and glowing year-round. Winter may be tough on your skin, but your skincare routine is tougher! We’d love to help you customize your skin care routine year round at Aesthetic IQ. Visit https://aestheticiqclinic.com/to schedule a free consultation.
Author: Marissa Abdo, MS, RN, CANS is the founder of Scottsdale-based Aesthetic IQ Clinic. Abdo is a former team member of Dr. 90210 in Beverly Hills and a top national trainer with over a decade of experience. As a national trainer for the top aesthetic companies, Allergan and Galderma, she focuses on the anatomy of her client’s facial structures to enhance their overall beauty and specializes in facial injectable treatments that include Botox, Dysport, Juvederm and Restylane dermal fillers, and Sculptra Aesthetic.
