{"id":16910,"date":"2020-09-18T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2020-09-18T17:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/?p=16910"},"modified":"2023-10-05T12:34:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T19:34:05","slug":"winter-skin-care-ingredients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https://www.realself.com\/news\/winter-skin-care-ingredients","title":{"rendered":"These Are the 7 Skin Care Ingredients Derms Recommend Using Now to Prep Skin for Colder Weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

We may still be firmly entrenched in PSL season, but make no mistake—winter is coming, as are the accompanying skin changes and complexion concerns. Among them, dryness is the biggest issue. Cold, dry air outside plus dry indoor heat disrupt the protective skin barrier, allowing natural moisture to escape, explains Dr. Mona Gohara<\/a>, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine. Further exacerbating the situation, most people also tend to moisturize less often in the winter because they’re always covered up, she points out. The end result? Dry, flaky skin all over. You may also notice that your complexion looks oddly sullen come winter. “People tend to exfoliate less when their skin is dry, leading to a greater buildup of dead cells and a dull, grayish tone,” Dr. Gohara says. <\/p>

In order to deal with these problems, seasonal skin-care swaps are a must. But the real <\/em>secret to success lies in staying one step ahead of the game and making these changes long before the weather turns. As the saying goes, the best offense is a good defense. “You want to do things now so that your cells are properly hydrated, your oil production is stable, and your skin is radiant. This way, when winter arrives, you only have to maintain these results,” explains Dr. Stacy Chimento<\/a>,  a board-certified dermatologist at Riverchase Dermatology in Miami Beach, Florida. Not to mention that it takes at least four to six weeks for most changes you make to your skin-care routine to translate into visible results, adds Dr. Gohara. <\/p>

So which ingredients should you start using now, in preparation for what’s to come? We asked the dermatologists to weigh in on seven of their favorites and share their go-to product picks. Bring it on, winter. <\/p>

Hyaluronic acid (HA)<\/strong><\/h2>

Both derms we spoke to agree that this is an absolute moisturizing must. “It acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture in the air and delivering it into the skin,” explains Dr. Chimento. Opt for an HA-based serum and layer it under your daily moisturizer, for an extra hit of hydration. Top tip: Because the ingredient absorbs moisture from the air, it’s ideal to use HA in a humid climate (think: a steamy bathroom when you’re fresh out of the shower). <\/p>

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum<\/strong><\/a> ($30)<\/strong><\/h3>
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\"L’Oréal<\/figure><\/div>

Dr. Gohara recommends this drugstore buy, which combines two different types of the namesake ingredient. A 1% concentration of a smaller hyaluronic acid molecule penetrates deeper into the skin, for hydration purposes, while a 0.5% concentration of a larger HA molecule sits on top of the skin, for an instantaneous plumping effect. It’s lightweight and not in the least bit tacky, and it works beautifully under makeup. <\/p>

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier<\/strong><\/a> ($100)<\/strong><\/h3>
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\"SkinCeuticals<\/figure><\/div>

“<\/strong>This serum contains high concentrations of pure hyaluronic acid, to restore skin’s moisture levels and deliver surface hydration,” explains Dr. Chimento. Plus it also touts licorice root and purple rice, ingredients that work to support your skin’s natural levels of hyaluronic acid. For best results (AKA for improved firmness, smoothness, and plumpness), she suggests applying it to freshly cleansed skin every evening. <\/p>

SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator<\/strong><\/a> ($178)<\/h3>
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\"SkinMedica<\/figure><\/div>

Five different weights of hyaluronic acid penetrate skin at different levels, to deliver both surface and deeper hydration. On some skin types, the plumping effect can be dramatic enough to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines.  “After hearing so many dermatologists and plastic surgeons rave about this product, I had to try it myself,” says RealSelf head of content Carolyn Hsu. “It lives up to the hype. A lot of moisturizers I’ve tried are forgettable because the results are not very impressive—usually, [they] just feel like a layer of product over my face. But HA5 sinks in immediately and feels invisible but leaves my skin noticeably more supple and quenched from the inside out, even hours later. It’s such a comfortable feeling.” <\/p>

Related: How Dermatologists Recommend Treating Dry, Winter Skin<\/a><\/em><\/p>

Retinoids <\/strong><\/h2>

Sure, you could make weekly or biweekly exfoliation a part of your routine, but Dr. Gohara recommends using a retinoid nightly instead. Not only does it increase cell turnover to ensure your complexion stays radiant, but you’re also getting the collagen-boosting benefits to help smooth out fine lines and wrinkles in one fell swoop.<\/p>

Differin Adapalene Gel<\/strong><\/a> ($17)<\/strong><\/h3>
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\"Differin<\/figure><\/div>

There’s no shortage of retinoids to choose from (and if you really want a heavy-hitting option, you can always ask your derm for a prescription-strength version), but Dr. Gohara says this affordable, over-the-counter option is a winner. As the name suggests, it relies on adapalene, a retinoid once available only by prescription, at a 0.1% concentration that’s both effective and gentle. Use a pea-size amount, applied evenly across your entire face, nightly.  <\/p>

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