By Jennifer Adell 1-Minute Read
Welcome to ASK AN EXPERT, a series where we pose your real questions to our menopause experts for the answers you need. Have a question? Post it on The After Party, our private Facebook Group.
Your Question:
“What should I do to prep my skin for winter (especially as I am aging)?”
The Answer:
From Jennifer Adell, a licensed esthetician and skincare expert based in Connecticut who is also trained in energy medicine for mind and body healing:
“Winter can be tough on any skin type. As we age and enter the stages of perimenopause and menopause, we feel these significant changes even more. Due to lower humidity and cold temperatures, we are more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and a more compromised skin barrier. Prepping your skin for colder months while navigating hormonal shifts requires extra care and nourishment. Focusing on boosting hydration and protecting your skin barrier is key.
Clean Slate
Start by using a gentle, hydrating cleanser like Clean Slate that won’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Follow up with a richer moisturizer containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to maintain moisture and strengthen your skin barrier. Look for products with ingredients like peptides and niacinamide, which help improve skin elasticity and repair damage.
“Prepping your skin for colder months while navigating hormonal shifts requires extra care and nourishment.”
Consider using a facial oil or lipid-based serum for an added layer of moisture, as declining estrogen levels can reduce your skin’s natural oil production. Omega-rich oils like rosehip or evening primrose are excellent options. Gentle exfoliation with lactic or glycolic acid once a week can help remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.
Incorporate serums with antioxidants like vitamin C or resveratrol to combat oxidative stress and boost collagen production. Don’t forget to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in winter, as UV damage still accelerates skin aging.
Lastly, stay hydrated and use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist, preventing skin from drying out further.”
Try Jennifer's recommended ingredients for winter-prepped skin, like niacinamide in The Works body cream, vitamin C in Fountain of Glow, and the gentle exfoliants in Brighten Up.
Learn more from Jennifer Adell
Brighten Up
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