How to Solve Seasonal Skin Problems

Seasonal skin problems are often chalked up to the changes in barometric pressure, sweat production and temperature shifts.  To celebrate naturally radiant skin, the American Academy of Dermatology has designated November as Healthy Skin Month.  It is the perfect reminder to evaluate the health of our skin and prepare it for the drier air and colder temperatures.

To help get your skin care regimen at its best – regardless of what “healthy” means to you – we’ve rounded up the top beauty product picks and professional tips to help you face fall and winter with a glowing, healthy complexion.

KEEP SKIN HYDRATED & PROTECTED: Keep skin nourished and protected during the day while achieving a visibly healthy glow.  

Pro Tip: “In addition to putting moisturizer on your face, also add a little moisturizer to your foundation before applying. This will keep your skin hydrated and help your foundation look more natural and dewy all day.  Also, try to avoid powders, which absorb oil, and mists, which suck out moisture from the surface.” – Laura Ann Conroy, Bliss Spa Educator

Alba Botanica® Hawaiian Pore-fecting Kiwi Ultra-Light Moisturizer – $12.95 

This feather-light, oil-free, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer is loaded with kiwi and other fruit enzymes to help hydrate while reducing the size of pores. Perfect for those who combat oiliness, or for anyone who prefers a lighter moisturizer that can be easily layered under makeup during the day, the Pore-fecting Kiwi Ultra-Light Moisturizer has a cool texture with the hybrid feel of a lotion and gel.

SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 – $30

Delivering a new standard in eye care, this daily 100% mineral filter base defends, enhances and optimizes the entire eye area. Formulated specifically for the unique structure of the more sensitive skin around the eye, Physical Eye UV Defense provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection without migrating into or irritating the eyes. Meant to be applied all over the eye area (including the lid), Physical Eye UV Defense has been tested post-injectable and proven 100% safe on even the most sensitive skin.

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial Oil – $25

Designed to boost skin’s natural radiance and provide all-day hydration, Age Perfect Glow Renewal Facial oil contains a unique blend of 8 essential oils which have been selected based on their lightweight, fast absorbing properties. The refined formula replenishes and restores dull, dry skin while the ultra-lightweight, non-greasy oil glides on effortlessly and absorbs quickly for a silky smooth finish.

KEEP SKIN CLEAN & CLEAR: Improve skin’s texture and clarity with products that calm and clarify.    

Pro Tip: “Resist the temptation to pop your zits. This drives bacteria deeper, setting up a worse infection to come, and can cause scars. Instead, apply an ice cube to reduce inflammation and follow with a medicated spot treatment - something with benzoyl peroxide, sulfur or salicylic acid - to speed healing. And remember, your skin is clear because your medicines are working, not because your acne has been cured.”

-- Katie Rodan, M.D., Proactiv/Proactiv+ Co-Founder & Dermatologist

Proactiv + 3-Step System – $29.95 monthly for a 30-Day System

Proactiv+ is a breakthrough daily 3-Step system by Drs. Katie Rodan & Kathy Fields, featuring more medicine and skincare benefits than the original.  Step 1 is the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator; Step 2 is the Pore Targeting Treatment; and Step 3 is the multi-functional Complexion Perfecting Hydrator. For every enhanced acne-fighting benefit in each step of Proactiv+, there is an equally powerful complexion-conscious skincare benefit, helping users fix their acne and let their skin flourish.

Proactiv+ Emergency Blemish Relief – $46

This advanced formula instantly delivers an extra dose of micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to your most stubborn blemishes. It's invisible, oil-free and fortified with soothing botanical ingredients to help moisturize and calm irritated skin.

By Terry Cellularose Cleansing Oil – $68

The mild-action oil instantly melts away impurities and dissolves even the most tenacious makeup, including waterproof products. Suitable for all skin types, this potent blend of precious ingredients boasts White Brightening Roses Native Cells, nourishing Jojoba Oil, regenerating Camellia Oil, hydrating Olive Oil extract, and radical-fighting Cherry Blossom Extract for a deep-down cleanse that doesn't leave a greasy feeling. Skin is immaculately cleansed and flawlessly re-texturized.

Price: $68, Available at b-glowing.com

RENEW, RECOVER & CORRECT SKIN: Pamper damaged or aging skin with products that renew, recover and correct, especially when facing harsh elements. 

Pro Tip: “Protecting our skin from the elements is important. Wind causes chafing of the skin and the extreme cold can lead to dry flaky skin. Another factor a lot of people don’t think of is the heat pumped into our apartment and homes in the winter – it can cause dehydration of the skin, making it look and feel dry. Try layering a facial oil and a moisturizer.”

– Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, L’Oréal Paris Consulting Dermatologist

StriVectinLABS Facial Toner - $200

“One of the key factors of healthier, firmer skin is stimulation not only of collagen in the dermis but also deeper tissue structure such as muscles which help maintain the framework of the face,” says prominent New York City dermatologist, Dr. Neil Sadick. This safe, FDA-cleared facial toning device is clinically proven to stimulate the major facial muscles for a younger looking appearance in just 12 weeks with continued use. The easy to use, hands-free device delivers treatments through soft medical-grade gel pads placed on either side of the face to gently yet effectively target the facial nerves which control the key muscles that are part of the foundation that defines the shape of the face. 

L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Collection - $25

Inspired by years of research in skin cell biology comes an advanced skincare innovation formulated to aid in stimulating surface skin cell renewal at a time when the natural action is most prone to begin diminishing on its own. Consisting of a Day Cream, Serum, and Night cream, the products immediately smooth your skin’s complexion, leaving it softer and more comfortable.

AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter™ Eye Concentrate Youth & Cellular Energizing Serum - $50

Silk-textured and lightweight, this clinically tested re-energizing eye serum illuminates, smoothes and beautifies the delicate eye zone. Infused with Persian Silk & Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extracts, this formula helps to strengthen the dermal structure, fight signs of fatigue/stress, and reduce dark circles. The cucumber and Aloe Vera helps calm skin and reduce puffiness, while the Bird of Paradise Extract corrects discolorations and restores luminosity, promoting radiance for a rested, youthful appearance. 

AHAVA Dead Sea Osmoter™ Body Concentrate Tone & Texture Correcting Serum - $45

This all-over, supercharged body serum is a powerful solution to dull, aging, lifeless skin. Argan and Monoi Tahitian Oils smooth and refine skin while Vitamin C and AHA even skin tone and encourage cell turnover to promote radiance and increase collagen production. The formula is also infused with Brown Algae Extract to prevent dark spots and brighten the skin.

bliss multi-‘face’-eted - $50

This all-in-one anti-aging clay mask instantly brightens and moisturizes skin, and unclogs pores while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. The formula contains 10% glycolic, kojic acid, kaolin, pumice, jojoba oil, lemon and carbon that work together to: reduce visible fine lines and wrinkles, fade discoloration and dark spots, unclog pores and visibly diminish the look of large pores, brighten skin and even skin tone, nourish and deeply moisturize, and smooth rough texture for velvety soft skin.

Clarisonic Sonic Radiance Brightening Solution - $250

For the first time ever, device and formulations come together to systematically combat the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne-induced discoloration, uneven skin tone, and dullness. Users experience beautifully transformed skin that is brighter, softer and more radiant, seeing an immediate 37% improvement in the texture of skin, 2.5x greater skin clarity after one week, and 10x greater improvement in hyperpigmentation after two weeks. The kit includes: Clarisonic Aria, Universal Voltage Charger, Radiance Brush Head, 6 oz Skin Illuminating Cleanser, 6 oz Skin Renewing Peel Wash, and Brightening Activator Serum.

Elemis Advanced Brightening Even Tone Serum - $90

This intensive brightening serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation in just 28 days. The unique complex of daisy and pea extracts with encapsulated vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of dark/sun spots, age spots and existing imperfections, while simultaneously helping to minimize future formation. Skin is left bright, clear and visibly more even.

June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Peel Pads - $75

Paraben- and preservative-free, these convenient anti-aging peel pads are infused with a unique complex of lactic, phytic and glycolic acids along with retinol to help promote cell turnover and reduce the  appearance of fine lines, large pores and skin discoloration without any irritating side effects. Helps to restore brightness to dull uneven skin, leaving skin looking soft and smooth with a radiant glow.

Meaningful Beauty Ultra Lifting & Filling Treatment - $50+

From Cindy Crawford’s own line of anti-aging skincare comes this new dual-action serum designed to lift sagging, aging skin and fill and plump fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with a rare, exclusive orchid extract that helps support healthy collagen and elastin production. Powerful ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, vitamin C and the brand’s Encapsulated Melon Extract help protect skin from oxidative damage.

NIA24 Treatment Catalyst - $71

A nourishing face oil that fortifies skin and acts as a performance-enhancing catalyst to accelerate the results of other skincare products. 5% Pro-Niacin® along with essential vitamins and fatty acids fortify the skin barrier and improve the health and condition of the skin. This product delivers an immediate dose of moisture and radiance while accelerating the performance of any skincare regimen. Use in the morning and at night. Apply 2-3 drops directly to cleansed skin or mix with your preferred serum or moisturizer.