Winter is coming and the drop in temperature can wreak havoc on our skin. Many of us notice our skin becomes dry and flaky when it’s cooler out. How do we fix this so we can have glowing, hydrated skin?

Just today, one of my patients asked me exactly this—how to treat her dry skin.

Before I can answer, I must assess her skin type and ask what her skin care regime is. This combination of information enables me to make recommendations personalized just for her. In this patient’s case, I discovered that she was using too many products on her skin, totally confusing herself as well as her skin.

More is not better. My advice has always been to keep skin care easy yet effective! If you’re loading up on products, it’s time to reevaluate.

Here are my 3 general tips to beating dry skin:

Candy’s Tip #1: No matter what your skin type is, all skin types must be cleansed thoroughly twice a day. Morning and evening works best.

Candy’s Tip #2: Follow with a collagen & elastin stimulator that also exfoliates.

(Hint: Academy’s Glycolic Crème-10 is perfect for this. It has the correct formulation for glycolic acid—beware of the claims of other products out there. Always ask questions.)

Candy’s Tip #3: Follow with a compatible moisturizer or moisturizing sunscreen.

(Hint: Academy’s Compatible Moisturizer softens and moisturizes your skin without it feeling thick or oily.)

Three easy steps:

Cleanse, Exfoliate & Stimulate, Moisturize.

Why do we need to exfoliate and stimulate before the moisturizer?

Applying moisturizer alone is not enough, for no moisturizer can penetrate through the (dead skin) layers of dry skin. First, your exfoliator and stimulator, Academy Glycolic Crème-10, must be used to take off or slough off the dead dry skin. Once you do this, the Glycolic Crème is able to deeply penetrate the skin and stimulate the production of new healthy, living cells! Now, the Academy Compatible Moisturizer has a direct route to moisturize these cells–creating a glowing, healthy, youthful look.

When the moisturizer can’t travel deep into our skin layers, it can’t work. That’s why exfoliating and stimulating is so important.

It may be time to reassess your skin care routine. Leave a comment below or email me at candy [at] academybycandy [dot] come and tell me your skin care routine. I can personalize it for you so you have more results and less work.

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When we go to sleep, our minds and bodies get a chance to rest from the day and recharge for the next. But the night isn’t only for your mind and body to rest, it’s also when your skin repairs itself. Your skin cells are regenerating and reproducing, so it’s the perfect time to help them work their best.

Here are three things you can do tonight to ensure your skin is glowing in the morning:

Clean and exfoliate.

Use a gentle cleanser with no fragrance to wash away dirt, oil, and makeup. (Fragrance causes inflammation).

Exfoliate gently using a scrub and/or derma buff (depending on your skin) with cold water to remove dead skin cells and excess makeup. Pat your skin dry.

Apply unbuffered glycolic acid anti-aging creme which will penetrate more deeply.

Use a pea-size amount of your glycolic creme or use a cotton swab to apply a medication product, like acne-control. Remember to always apply your glycolic creme on your mouth and lips, since night time is quiet time for this area.

Wait 1 minute for absorption of the glycolic product before applying moisturizer, applying extra moisturizer under the eyes. (Remember that your glycolic creme can be used as an eye creme as well. Dab that on first under your eyes, then add moisturizer.)

Change your pillow case each evening.

Your pillow is your delicate facial skin’s resting place that is a playground for bacteria. Keep it clean.

Bonne nuit!

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skin care routine

How to Banish and Treat Dry Skin