Your skin tells a story.
As the colder months begin to settle in, your outer layer of protection is the first to feel the effects.
When the temperatures drop and the air gets crisp, it is easy to notice increased dryness, tightness, and flakiness. Leyla Sufi, owner of Leyla Sufi Skin in Kansas City, says that these are common signs your barrier is struggling to keep up with the season.
Estheticians have a lot of knowledge about skin and how to resolve many of the problems that accompany cold weather.
However, what makes Sufi unique is her desire to equip her clients with the knowledge about what is happening under and on the surface of their skin and what they can do to help.
With a few intentional swaps and steps, Sufi shares how you can keep your complexion nourished, calm, and radiant all winter long.
1. Choose a Creamy, Calming Cleanser
Winter is not the time for harsh foaming cleansers. Opt for a gentle, barrier-supporting formula to cleanse without stripping. Face Reality’s Barrier Balance Creamy Cleanser is a favorite of my clients and me. It soothes while removing impurities, leaving skin soft and balanced.
2. Layer Hydration + Moisture
There is a difference between dryness and dehydration, and the two are often mistaken for each other. Dry skin lacks oil, and it tends to feel rough or tight with visible flaking or small fine lines from the lack of natural sebum. Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, lacks water. It can look dull, papery, or tired and even oily skin types can be dehydrated beneath the surface. Hydrating serums help with dehydration, while a nourishing moisturizer helps with dryness. I love to combine both. They help to keep my barrier supported and protected.
My go-to winter lineup includes:
• Face Reality HydraBalance Gel Serum
• Hydrinity HA Serum
• GlyMed Plus Comfort Cream
• Skinbetter Science Trio Luxe (not acne-safe but deeply nourishing)
3. Keep the Water Lukewarm
Hot water feels soothing on cold days but can disrupt your skin barrier and dry out your skin. Cleanse with lukewarm or cool water.
4. Be Gentle with Exfoliation
Skip the scrubs. Harsh exfoliants can cause micro-tears and worsen dryness. Instead, use gentle exfoliants less frequently or opt for enzymatic formulas.
5. SPF Is Still Essential
UV exposure doesn’t disappear in winter. In fact, snow can reflect UV rays and increase exposure. Daily SPF remains non-negotiable.
6. Schedule a Seasonal Facial
A professional facial is one of the best ways to reset your skin for winter. It allows for deeper hydration, gentle exfoliation, and targeted barrier repair--setting up your skin to thrive through the colder months.
All of the products mentioned above can be purchased by visiting: leylasufiskin.com/
"A professional facial is one of the best ways to reset your skin for winter. It provides deeper hydration, gentle exfoliation, and targeted barrier repair."