
As season's change, so should your skin care—but it doesn't have to involve a lot or cost a lot either. Read on for 3 essential moves that'll keep your skin looking its best as cooler weather sets in...
1. Slough it off
Problem: Drier skin has us putting the brakes on exfoliation. Problem is, as skin becomes more dry, our outermost layer of skin becomes home to flaky, dead cells--causing a dull look.
Solution: Try either a gentler mechanical exfoliator--one with very fine scrub particles that won't irritate skin or, opt for a chemical one, such as an alpha hydroxy acid-based cream. Test it out on the back of your hand first for any sensitivity. Cheapest solution? Grab a washcloth & use gentle circular motions. For more on exfoliation, read dermatologist Dr. Mary Lupo's tips.
2. Ramp up the Moisture
Problem: Cooler weather and indoor heating dry skin out.
Solution: Switch out your moisturizer. If you're using a lotion you love, try the cream version in the same line--that's the simplest solution. Look for creams with moisture-binding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, and lipids such as apricot oil or olive oil. And start using a humidifier. Dermatologist Dr. Jeannette Graf also recommends avoiding harsh cleansers.
3. Slather on Sunscreen
Problem: Thinking summer's gone...sun's gone. Wrong. You still need sunscreen protection on a year-round basis.
Solution: The easy fix is to use a moisturizer with at least an SPF 15 built-in. But you want to ensure you're protected against both UVA and UVB rays--so while it may be an added step, buying a separate facial sunscreen that expressly states such is really your best bet. For more on what sunscreen ingredients to look for, read on.
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