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If you are experiencing tight, dry, cracked and irritated skin, you are not alone! Cold air contains less humidity; in turn we crank up the thermostat. While trying to keep warm in our homes, vehicles and workplaces we are drawing surface moisture from our skin and mucous membranes. Here’s how to combat the dry skin winter blues: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize - Apply a full body slather daily, ideally twice a day. I am still shocked to find out that there are people who never apply lotion, not even to their freshly shaven legs! - Do not forget about those areas of the body that are the most exposed and susceptible to dry heat like the hands and lips. Apply moisturizers to these areas as often as you can remember throughout the day. At night, those simple cotton gloves and booties are great for helping lotion to penetrate your hands and feet, while giving a cloth protection from surface moisture evaporation. - Change the type of moisturizer you are using. That lightweight lotion you were using in the summer may no longer be enough. You may need to switch to an oil-based product during the winter months. - Use a humidifier. They are relatively inexpensive and add much needed moisture into the air. Keep one close to your bed while sleeping. Your face, sinuses and throat will thank you in the morning. Change how you Shower - Avoid hot prolonged showers. Hot water can compromise the lipid layer of the skin. This leads to moisture loss and irritation. Try to shorten the length of your shower to around 10 minutes. - Apply your lotion or body oil IMMEDIATELY after a shower. I am talking about within the first 2 minutes! It is important to trap and lock-in any surface moisture that is left on the skin after toweling off. If “Out of sight, out of mind” is a saying that pertains to you when it comes to remembering to use lotion after showering, then leave it on the ledge of your tub where it is visible. - Gently pat your skin dry. If your skin is already feeling irritated chances are it is because your skin’s acid mantle and its protective lipids are compromised. Be gentle, rubbing the skin roughly can further aggravate sensitive skin, eczema, and psoriasis.   Blog Written by askderm's in house Esthetician Chantal Monique Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 7 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. Her specialties include makeup application and facial treatments, which were featured on ABC's Wife Swap. Chantal also has a background in the Fine Arts. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers as well as the must have ingredients and trending looks. With an ever growing portfolio and clientele askderm is excited to be teamed up with Chantal for future blogs, informational videos and skin care tips!

Spring Break is FINALLY upon us! It's time to dust off those swim suits and sundresses for long days in the sun. If you are anything like me, your skin hasn't seen sunlight in a very long time. Winters here in Upstate New York are brutal. Find out what can be done once peeling starts and how to prevent your skin from peeling. Tips on How to Prevent your Skin from Peeling SPF: Safely protect the outer part of your skin from the harmful effects of the sun rays with an SPF product. As a general rule, you should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. You also need to reapply sunscreen after every swimming session or every  1 - 2 hours. Our collection of SPF ranges for those with sensitive skin to acne prone, from lotions to gels, and everything in-between. SHOWER: Taking a cool shower after receiving a sunburn can help protect your skin from peeling. A shower will also bring relief to a painful sunburn. Always remember to apply a moisturizer or lotion after your shower. COCONUT OIL: Coconut Oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that not only helps with the inflammation of sunburn but also helps moisturize your skin. You can spray a liberal amount of CapriClear to your sunburn each hour for relief from dryness and inflammation. CapriClear Coconut Oil Spray is also great for non-sunburned skin after a day in the sun to keep your skin moisturized. ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: If you do not have an allergy or drug complications take aspirin or ibuprofen to relieve pain and inflammation. WATER: And lastly, drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. What to do when your Skin Starts Peeling Peeling of your skin is the skin's attempt to get rid of the sun damaged cells. Peeling causes iriitbalility and makes you want to itch your sunburn. There are just those times that no matter how much lotion you apply, your skin starts to peel. And nobody wants that to happen but what can be done once it starts? Apply a generous amount of coconut oil to the peeling skin and rub it into the skin. This is by no means a cure, but it does help with the pain and reduces some of the flakes. And bonus, the coconut oil really brings out your tan after applying it. Have you or are you planning on heading someplace for Spring Break?

Want the inside scoop? Chantal, askderm's in-house esthetician, shares her top beauty tips and skincare expertise. Check out Chantal's Friday Fun Facts on askderm.com's Facebook page for new skincare facts!  “Most sunscreens do have an expiration date of three years stamped on the packaging. If you are properly applying sunscreen as often as you should though, one bottle or tube should never ever last you the entire season. If at any time a sunscreen becomes separated, watery, chunky or the smell changes, throw it out."- Chantal Monique  - Chantal “Ocean water contains many healthy minerals and trace elements and is known for healing wounds. Those who have acne, scars and eczema may see improvement to their skin post an ocean vacation."  - Chantal “Masks are a great addition to your summer routine. Clay masks will absorb excess oil, while gel masks can be stored in the fridge and are great for cooling the skin, while reducing redness and sensitivity."  - Chantal “If you plan on being directly in the sun for an extended period of time, avoid super shiny lip glosses as they can magnify your lip’s sun exposure."  - Chantal “Contrary to the myth, blackheads are not dark in color because the pore is full of dirt. The dark plug you see is due to the oxidization of sebum within the follicle." - Chantal “Are you trying to be bikini ready and banish bloat? If so, avoid excess salt and dairy on swimsuit days." - Chantal “All of the 21drops blends can be used interchangeably. You can layer as many as you want and they can be applied to multiple areas of the skin. The rubbery protective sleeve and roller ball make them perfect to take with you and use throughout your day." - Chantal “Our lips have no follicles, no sweat glands and do not produce sebum. Therefore they cannot lubricate themselves. This is why the tissue here is so prone to drying out." - Chantal “Keep your body lotion or moisturizer in your shower, that way you cannot forget to apply it. Always apply lotion within three minutes after you have finished showering to trap in water, before it evaporates from the surface of your skin." - Chantal   Blog Written by askderm's in-house Esthetician  Chantal Monique is a NYS licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist. She has 9 years experience in skin care and makeup artistry. With the unique combination of her education as well as the desire to help people feel beautiful, Chantal provides expert skin care knowledge for our customers.