The holiday season brings cooler temperatures, more travel and less time to pamper yourself. Sadly, winter often leaves our skins with a lot more than rosy cheeks. Dry skin is one of the most common complaints during the winter, even in Southern California. With a little help from Elle Magazine, we have compiled 5 Quick Tips to Dodge Winter Dryness. #1 Seek a Specialist The best thing you can do for dry winter skin is visit your skincare specialist, according to WebMD. Dry skin may surface during the winter but you could have a more serious condition that can be diagnosed by one of AMA Skincare's doctors. Our office offers a free consultation to diagnose your specific skincare problem before we offer you a product or treatment. Based on your specific needs our doctors may recommend a Customized Medical Aesthetic Facial, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or a simple cream or potion to help solve your problem.  

 #2 Add Aloe and Vitamin E Elle magazine editors say the key to a glowing winter face is glycerin, aloe and vitamin E. “Glycerin and vitamin E help lock in moisture, and aloe helps to calm and soothe," said Dawn Diorio, national trainer and aesthetician for Ahava. "It also stimulates circulation and helps rid toxins from the skin.” One of our favorite products is Demalogica's Super Rich Repair, which contains both vitamin E and glycerin to help restore dry skin. In addition to your skin regimen, you may want to consider adding extra omega-3s to your diet during the cooler months. Consuming extra omega-3s from salmon, nuts, tuna or seeds can help reduce that pesky dry skin. #3 Cut Down Shower Time Believe it or not, showering can actually dehydrate your skin. Nicknamed the "winter wolf in sheep's clothing" water can disrupt natural lipids on your skin cells. Following your (quick) shower simply pat dry rather than wiping down completely. Leaving a little moisture on the skin will help your moisturizer soak into those dried cells. Trying to cure itchy dry skin with a long bath? Instead of soaking in pure water, try an oatmeal or baking soda bath to cure the winter itches. If that doesn't work seek help from one of our professionals. You may need a prescription or a specific in-office treatment.  

 #4 Exfoliate Don't be afraid to shed that flaky skin! During the winter doctors recommend exfoliating one to three times per week depending on your particular dryness. However, be careful not to over exfoliate. Shedding too much skin can break down natural barriers and actually make the problem worse. You can find a wide variety of exfoliation products in our online store. One of our favorites is the Pear and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher by Eminence. This easy to use product organically restores dead skin cells. As for that "exfoliating loofah" - trash it! After one use it is covered in bacteria. #5 Hydrate As temperatures cool your body's need for water heats up. To cure skin dryness go back to the basics - watching what you put in your mouth. Doctors recommend drinking a minimum of eight full glasses of water per day, even more if you are exercising regularly. Elle editors point to fruit to add an extra boost in your water intake. Melons are an excellent source of water. If simply adding H20 doesn't do the trick, try green-tea. The tea variation is “loaded with antioxidants and protects the skin from UV stress,” said celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson. Following these 5 Quick Tips will help you escape winter dryness and look your best during the holiday season. If you have any questions regarding your dry skin contact AMA Skincare at 949.428.4500 or 310.460.2444 to set up your free consultation.