The Northeast is finally emerging from last week’s deep freeze, but the skin-battering effects of frigid temperatures and arctic winds continue to wreak havoc on the face. “It’s been a dry season without much rain or snow, so the air is especially low in humidity. When you combine that with all the time spent indoors, where we’re subject to radiant heaters, it’s causing very dry skin,” explains the Manhattan dermatologist Anne Chapas. While slathering on a rich cream every day might seem like the best fix, hydration is only half the battle. “You really need to exfoliate to remove the dead cells on the surface, which will in turn allow your moisturizer to penetrate better,” Dr. Chapas says. T asked five dermatologists to reveal which face products they trust to gently bring healthy radiance out of hibernation.
For normal skin:
Fresh Soy Face Exfoliant
“Look for products with natural extracts — they’re more gentle on the skin and provide antioxidants and other benefits,” says the New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler. “This one contains cucumber seeds, which act as a good physical exfoliant, but they’re gentle enough to avoid irritating the skin. It also contains cucumber extract to help soothe dry skin and reduce redness and puffiness from your face.” $42; fresh.com.
Avon Anew Clinical Advanced Retexturizing Peel
“These pads contain 10 percent glycolic acid, which isn’t so irritating that people with normal skin can’t tolerate it,” Dr. Chapas says. “Glycolic acid removes the bonds between dead skin cells, so you can really remove that dry layer. This Avon product is one of my favorites, and I usually have patients use a single pad twice a week.” $25; avon.com.
For sensitive skin:
Clarisonic Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing System
“The Clarisonic brush gently lifts debris without overly stripping the skin, so it’s perfect for exfoliating even sensitive types,” explains the dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, who is based in Washington, D.C. “During the winter, I recommend using it no more than every other day in conjunction with a gentle cream cleanser, like CeraVe Hydrating Skin Cleanser or Donell Cream Wash.” $199; sephora.com.
For aging skin:
Vivité Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
“For aging skin, exfoliating is even more important,” notes the Boston dermatologist Brooke C. Sikora. “This cleanser combines alpha hydroxy acids to slough off the dead layer on top and brighten the skin, with supersoft microbeads to further gently exfoliate, so you can bring younger, plumper skin cells to the surface. Start by using it at least two to three times a week, and then you can work up to daily use.” $39; available in physicians’ offices.
For acne-prone skin:
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Facial Wash
“This cleanser is oil-free, which is a must for acne-prone skin,” says the dermatologist David E. Bank, who practices in Mount Kisco, N.Y. “It contains glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells on the surface and stimulate cell turnover. Pro Vitamin B keeps skin moisturized and nourished, while Allantoin soothes and calms flare-ups. It’s gentle enough to use once or twice daily.” $32; peterthomasroth.com.
This post has been revised to reflect the following correction:
Correction: January 30, 2013
The name of a Boston dermatologist was misspelled in an earlier version of the post. Her name is Brooke C. Sikora, not Sikoya.