By Dr. Lydia Evans
10. Examine your skin care regimen.
As it gets warmer, you may need a lighter moisturizer (a lotion instead of a cream), or a stronger cleanser.
9. If you do not use an exfoliator, consider starting two to three times a week.
Exfoliators remove old skin cells which can produce a dull complexion.
8. Think about a toner.
As your skin becomes oilier, you may want to begin using a toner, or increase the frequency of use if this is already part of your routine. Toners are helpful in removing deep oil, dirt, and make-up from pores. Use them after exercising, working outdoors, or a day in the city.
7. Get a medical grade facial from a qualified professional.
Removing stubborn blockages from clogged pores will make your skin look smoother and healthier.
6.Make sure you use cosmetics and/or sunscreens that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
As the intensity of the sun increases, so does your risk of damage, even on a cloudy day.
5. Pay attention to your body.
An exfoliating body wash followed by a body moisturizer will get rid of those dry flakes, making you feel smoother and softer.
4. Remember your heels.
Thickened, discolored skin on your heels is unattractive in sandals. A potent glycolic acid cream especially formulated to remove tough, dry skin works great.
3. Look at your cuticles.
Winter can be especially rough on hands, leaving ragged skin around the nails. Massage a moisturizing cream with lactic or glycolic acid around your cuticles twice a day.
2. Love your lips.
After the winter, their surface can be uneven with peeling and flaking. Frequent application of lip balms is helpful. A lip exfoliator will remove dry patches, so lipstick application will be smoother.
1.Lighten up those tell-tale brown spots.
Some flat discolorations will improve with high quality bleaching creams; others, as well as elevated spots, may require mechanical removal. Fraxel treatments are especially helpful for this problem. Clear skin always looks fresher and more youthful.
Along with practicing Dermatology in Chappaqua since 1993, Dr.Lydia Evans has been a consulting dermatologist for L’Oreal since 2000 and has been a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and New York State Chairperson of the Psoriasis Research Foundation.
