Don’t fall (no pun intended) for the unseasonably warm weather this week. The crisp fall air is sure to return.
The brisk autumn and winter air can wreak havoc on skin, so I went straight to the expert for preemptive damage control. Awarded “Best Facial” in Philadelphia by Allure magazine, Danuta Mieloch, aesthetician and owner of Rescue Spa in Center City has been transforming the faces of women in Philadelphia since 2004.
Mieloch tackles the most common winter skin care concerns, such as:
Dry skin: “Winter, with its cold air and drying heat, can be tough on your skin,” says Mieloch. For dry skin, she recommends stepping up your routine to keep skin moist by:
●      Applying moisturizer right after the shower while skin is still dewy to seal in moisture.
●      Switching to a richer moisturizer.
Mieloch also advises to layer your skin care products. “Layering doesn’t just apply to your wardrobe, it also applies to your skin care,” reveals Mieloch. “Layer serums, under moisturizer, followed by sunscreen.”
Oily skin: For those with oily skin who think they can skip the moisturizer in colder weather, think again. “Oily skin still needs a lightweight moisturizer and sunscreen in the winter. Don’t forget to exfoliate, it is essential for oily skin,” reminds Mieloch.
Sensitive skin: “Choose a gentle fragrance-free cleanser and moisturizer. You might want to skip (or use less) moisturizers containing fruit acid and retinol in the winter,” warns Mieloch. “In the winter they tend to further irritate dry sensitive skin.”
Dull skin: To prevent dull, dry, rough skin, exfoliate gently and regularly. At Rescue, we suggest using P50 for both face and body. It instantly brightens the skin, removing dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and lets moisturizer better penetrate the skin.
Other tips Mieloch shares are:
●      For chapped lips, use Aquaphor or a beeswax-based lip balm, preferably with SPF.
●      Hands need extra care in the winter. Apply moisturizer followed by SPF.  Wear cotton gloves with a heavy moisturizer on overnight to really soothe and soften hands.
●      Use a humidifier at home.
●      Always wear an SPF all year long.
●      Drink plenty of water and bundle up!
To get a personalized skin care regimen from Mieloch or her trained staff, visit www.rescuespa.net .
Renee DeSantis at Philly.com