There’s a reason January and February are known as the “dead of winter.” And we’re pretty sure it has to do, at least in part, with the fact that cold, dry, windy weather wreaks havoc, not just on the soul, but on the skin as well. What can you do to keep chaffing, dryness, and other cold-weather skin scourges at bay?
Below, five Westchester salons and spas share some cold-weather beauty fixes:
1. Scrub Your Lips
Spa owner Miriana says winter is a great time to re-think your lip-care regimen. “Layering on the lip balm doesn’t help for very long, nor does it take away the dry, flaky skin” that can build up during a cold, windy winter. For luscious lips, exfoliate with a homemade mixture of honey and brown sugar: The honey hydrates, while the sugar helps slough off dead skin. Massage in a circular motion with your fingertips for about a minute once or twice a week, then rinse and apply a thin layer of your favorite lip balm.
Miriana Day Spa, Thornwood (914) 773-2300
2. Smooth on a Serum
To seal in the moisture that escapes in cold temps, Micheline Giovani, founder and medical director of Advanced Laser & Medical Spa of Rye, advises this extra step for your morning routine: Apply a serum under your everyday moisturizer. Giovani says the combination of hyaluronic acid and peptides acts as a moisture-binding agent. Try Advanced Medical Skin Care’s Hydrating Peptide Gel, which also helps boost collagen.
Advanced Laser & Medical Spa of Rye (914) 921-2506
3. Modify Your Moisturizer
Switching from your lightweight summer moisturizer lotion to a winter-friendly, super-hydrating moisturizing cream like SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair will help soften winter-weary skin. It’s full of antioxidants like vitamins C and E as well as hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture to the skin, where it’s needed, says David Bank, MD, director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery.
The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery, Mount Kisco (914) 241-3003; www.thecenterforderm.com
4. Hydrate Your Hands
Exposure to dry, cold weather can be especially tough on your hands and cuticles, making them crack and peel, says Jennifer Sciarrino, co-owner of Derma Glow of NY Spa + Boutique. This calls for an extra-heavy-duty cream. Sciarrino recommends Pacifica Super-Hydrating Hand Cream, packed with rich conditioners like shea butter and coconut, almond, and safflower oils.
Derma Glow of NY Spa + Boutique, North Salem (914) 338-7822; www.dermaglowofny.com
5. Help Your Heels
Coconut oil is not just for cooking: According to Satori Acupuncture & Health Spa owner Sandy Lussi, it’s an amazing winter beauty secret. For dry, scaly, and often painful crocodile-like heels—a common winter woe—slather on some oil before bed (don’t forget the socks!) and wake up with smoother soles. (It’s naturally antibacterial and antifungal, too.)
Satori Acupuncture & Health Spa, Katonah (914) 767-3303; www.satori-spa.com