Today, celebrity New York dermatologist, new mom (her baby boy just hit the one month mark), and former Soiree bride, Dr. Dendy Engelman is giving us her Top 5 can’t live without winter skin “must haves”- and even a winter skin “don’t”.  Thank you Dr. Dendy for the insider information, and if you’re in Manhattan be sure to visit her practice for to keep your skin in it’s best condition, no matter the season.

Seasonal skin conditions are something of a nightmare, especially if you are not sure what you need to brace yourself for – sudden warm temperatures can give way to a winter storm over night. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind as you brave the next few months and dream of warmer weather. 

 Keep it bright – You might notice those sunspots and hyperpigmentation starting to set in from your time under the sun during the summer. (When exposed to UV light, the body produces melanin as a measure of self-protection. The immune system remedies some of the damage, but eventually, buildup starts to accumulate in the form of hyperpigmentation a.k.a. dark spots.) The good news is winter is a good time to get treated for any hyperpigmentation whether you’re looking to do a peel or laser treatments. To boost skin’s natural defense and keep hyperpigmentation at bay, I recommend Elizabeth Arden’s Superstart Skin Renewal Booster Serum ($65, ElizabethArden.com) and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Acid ($162, SkinCeuticals.com). For an overall brightening, and to spot treat, I recommend lasers and/or chemical peels.

Keep it hydrated – Consider applying a dermal repair product like SkinCeutical Epidermal Repair Moisturizer ($69, SkinCeuticals.com) which helps with hydration and reduces irritation and redness that cold, winter weather can bring. 

  Keep it moisturized – Dry skin is when your sebaceous glands don’t produce enough oil to keep your skin lubricated – causing the skin to appear flaky or itchy. To combat dry skin, make sure you keep skin moisturized with an extra rich lotion like Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream ($13 at Drugstores), as well as oils like coconut, magnesium, or Bio Oil ($11 at drugstores)

  Keep it protected – Yes we’re talking about the hats, scarves, gloves and earmuffs but we also have to remember the sun protection year round. Sunscreen is important no matter the season! Also don’t forget your cuticles, lips, and any extremities like your ears and nose! 

    Keep it smooth – For one reason or the other you will notice that skin looks lackluster in the winter. It could be the how the light hits, but more because we’re spending so much time indoors to escape the cold that dry air, indoor heating, lack of movement and blood circulation is making our skin appear dull. (Dry skin doesn’t reflect the light as well as hydrated skin). I love hydrating mask by Dr. Jart+ (Water-Full Hydrogel Mask).

Don’t forget the Big Picture – If you’re planning a winter wonderland themed wedding and have festivities outdoors, make sure your skin is at its peak with our in-office Oxylight Facial and take extra precaution and have a salve like Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream available in your bag during the wedding for any last minute fixes for chap lips, cuticles, flaky skin. If you are more the type to get married in warmer temperatures here is something to keep in mind. In addition to being the month of love (Valentine’s Day), February is also National Wedding Month, which means that people are starting to prep for their wedding because winter is great time to start any laser treatments like intense pulsed light – great for overall skin revitalization and improvement of anything from acne scars to hyperpigmentation. Now is a great time to be evaluated for correction of fine lines and wrinkles with neurotoxins (like Botox) and dermal fillers (like Voluma & Juvederm)