5 post-winter skin savers

Dried out from winter?

Whether you spent winter immersed in the elements or hold up in the house keeping warm, chances are the chilly season took its toll on your skin.

The good news? Whether your ailment is dryness, tightness, irritation or all-out parched skin, these expert product suggestions and tips can help take your visage from blah to beautiful.

Skin saver: NeoStrata Intense Moisture Rescue Sheet Mask

Star ingredient: Hyaluronic acid, which, according to Dr. Paul Cohen, dermatologist at the Rosedale Dermatology Centre in Toronto, attracts hydration and helps skin retain much-needed water.

The best part: In addition to replenishing moisture, ingredients in these masks aid in the production and maintenance of collagen, thereby boosting skin’s youthful appearance.

NeoStrata Intense Moisture Rescue Sheet Mask, $40/8 masks

Skin saver: Weleda Cold Cream

Star ingredient: Loaded with natural ingredients, it’s the pure beeswax in this cream that takes centre stage and imparts skin with a breathable layer of moisture. The result is a complexion soft, smooth and safe-guarded from the elements.

The best part: It uses natural ingredients to nourish skin, and the mix of natural essential oils imparts a subtle, fresh-from-the-spa scent.

Weleda Cold Cream, $18, 30 mL

Skin saver: Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

Star ingredients: In addition to a healthy dose of hyaluronic acid, this serum also contains potent argan and rose oils, which work to smooth away fine lines and revitalize lackluster skin, says Holly Sherrard, senior instructor at The International Dermal Institute in Toronto.

The best part: In addition to other superstar ingredients, this product also packs a potent peptide serum that helps stimulate collagen as it hydrates.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum, $88, 15 mL

Skin saver: Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Star ingredients: The duo of moisturizing aloe barbadensis leaf juice and repairing olive extract come together to keep moisture in and environmental irritants out.

The best part: Even though the gel is rich and oil-free, it feels über light going on and manages to infuse your complexion with an instant dose of hydration.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator, $43

Skin saver: Aquafolia Aqua Rescue Cream

Star ingredient: “Products like this that contain natural oils and green, white and red tea extracts are great because they nourish dry skin and replenish its moisture barrier, helping to keep it smooth and supple,” says Cohen.

The best part: Beyond its moisturizing effect, this cream also contains antioxidants that combat fine lines and wrinkles, and is a good option for sensitive and reactive skin types.

Aquafolia Aqua Rescue Cream, $114, 60 mL

Click through to get expert tips for great skin year-round. >>>

Get great skin year-round

To get skin that looks hydrated, refreshed and generally fabulous all year long, follow these expert-suggested tactics:

1. Switch your cleanser seasonally. Choose options that are pH balanced, soap-free and contain no artificial colours or fragrances to keep your skin’s hydration levels optimal, says Sherrard.

2. Don’t stop exfoliating. Aim to slough off dead skin cells at least once a week, says Cohen, and if you have regular, sensitive or combination skin, do so with chemical exfoliators for best results. For oilier, thicker skin, mechanical exfoliants used weekly is ideal.

3. Treat and prevent skin sensitization with products using natural ingredients like oats, ginger, chamomile, and use lipids such as evening primrose oil, avocado, sunflower and argan oils, says Sherrard.

4. Don’t wait until your skin feels parched and moisture sapped to up the hydration ante. Start layering hydrating products now by choosing versions with super moisturizing ingredients like Hyaluronic acid and brown seaweed.

5. Don’t let your guard down when it comes to SPF, even if you haven’t seen the sun in months. Always wear sunscreen every day, and aim for an SPF of at least 15 for basic coverage during the work week, when you’re likely to be indoors most of the time, and SPF 30 for more active times spend outside.

Related:
• 5 reasons your skin is dry
• How exfoliation helps your skin
• The foods to eat for great skin