Winter weather brings about a host of skin problems that are hard to avoid, but easy to minimize as long as you follow a seasonally-specific skin-care protocol. “Celebrities can’t allow their skin to get beat up by the winter weather—they can’t afford to be photographed like that,” says celebrity aesthetician Dangene. Here’s what the A-listers do to maintain flawless-looking skin all winter long:
Don’t Over Moisturize Just Because It’s Winter
Dangene says you don’t need to over moisturize or even change your moisturizer in the winter if it’s not really necessary. “When it’s really cold out, some people get really dry and their skin needs to be attended to. Then there are those whose skin is not affected by the cold. It’s an old wives’ tale to over moisturize in the winter, but if your skin doesn’t need it, don’t do it. It can cause you to break out,” she says. “I always tell my celebrity clients to read their skin. Take a scan of it each morning and decide what it needs.”
Exfoliate, But Do It The Right Way
Just because there’s a dip in temperature, doesn’t mean you can pass up exfoliating your skin. Celebrity aesthetician Renee Rouleau explains that when the heat is on and the air outside is cold, skin becomes depleted of its natural moisture, leaving it feeling tight and dry. “People tend to load on extra moisturizer to compensate for the dryness. But, if your skin is dry, tight and flaky, it means there’s a buildup of dead skin on the surface that needs to be removed,” says Rouleau, who has her celebrity clients use a physical exfoliator two to three times a week or an exfoliating acid serum under moisturizer at night.
Pair Moisturizer With A Serum
While a good moisturizing cream is important, sometimes it’s not enough, especially for skin that’s experiencing the harsh effects of winter. Rouleau says adding a serum to the mix will help. “I have Kara DioGuardi do this. She layers Renee Rouleau Skin Drink ($40.50), a hydrating serum, under moisturizer for an added boost. Using serum underneath moisturizer helps better hydrate skin because the damp skin allows for the moisturizer to be absorbed more effectively.”
Don’t Forget About Your Body
“A good body oil or even natural coconut oil is incredible, especially in the winter,” says Dangene. She suggests layering it on—a thin layer of oil first, followed by your favorite body moisturizer—to lock in moisture. “And, never wash your skin with hot water in the winter. It just dries it out.”
Mist As Needed
There are definitely those winter days when skin feels dry, itchy and tight regardless of what you’ve treated it with earlier in the day. That’s when it’s time to reactivate your products, especially moisturizer, with a good hydrating mist like Evian Facial Spray ($12) or Sanitas Moisture Mist ($18).
Be Mindful Of In-Office Treatments
Celebrities are hush-hush about what they use to treat their skin, but it comes as no surprise that they like to refresh and rejuvenate with chemical peels. “You have to be very careful with peels and keep the elements in mind with these treatments during the winter. Consider how long it will take your skin to heal, and monitor how you protect your skin from the cold and wind. An easy way to do it: Wrap your skin up with a scarf,” says Dangene.
Find a Doctor
Find a NewBeauty "Top Beauty Doctor" Near you
