Should You Use Retinol on Wind-burned Skin?
It's a wise idea not to. Linkner advises skipping retinol during the night if the skin is wind-burned so as to not aggravate that sensitive face. Start using retinol again after skin returns to normal and reintroduce it slowly, as per Wesley.
Think about it this way: "Retinol can be used on sensitive skin, which can be red," says Polla. "However, retinol is best not used on sensitized skin — meaning skin that has been made sensitive by another product, a professional treatment, or wind or sun burn."
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Winter Skin Care Tips: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Skin needs hydration, especially in winter. Gohara recommends using products that help skin maintain its moisture levels, like the Fresh Chemistry Glow Getter Brightening Serum Set, $75. It's rich in hyaluronic acid and features stabilized vitamin C that's activated on use.
Shorten Shower Times
As much as you might love a long, hot, steamy shower in the cold, Linkner says that it's best to shorten showering times to less than five minutes(!) to not be as drying and stripping on skin.
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Try a Richer, Gentler Cleanser
Polla encourages switching from a foam cleanser to a cream cleanser because the latter is less stripping on skin. Similarly, try incorporating nourishing creams into other skin care steps. Those who are very dry can add face oils. Wesley suggests trying an oil cleanser or micellar water, too.
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Add Emollient and Humectants Into Your Regimen
To combat against the drying combination of freezing weather and indoor heating, Van Dykes suggests using emollient and humectants products, i.e. hydrating and smoothing moisturizers. Look for a rich night cream like the Crepe Erase Overnight Facial Plumping Treatment, $54, to repair the fragile skin barrier and allow skin to tolerate more active ingredients, retinol included.
