TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. – TAHOE/TRUCKEE – The winter season calls for mountain residents and vacationers to take extra precaution for extreme weather conditions. Every year many people forget one essential line of defense-skin protection.

Bitter cold and bright light can be tough on skin, especially while participating in winter recreation. Climate has a large effect on skin all over the body, not just the face, causing everything from acne breakouts to itchy, dry patches. Weather can also irritate existing skin conditions and even cause new skin problems. Sierra Cosmetic Laser has a few go-to rules and remedies for treating winter skin problems:

Treat dry skin: Cold temperatures and wind have a dramatic drying effect on skin, causing roughness, redness, tightening, cracks, and peeling. A mild case of dry skin can be treated at home by avoiding long, hot showers, and applying a moisturizer daily.

---

---

Protect skin from sunlight: Exposure to sunlight is one of the major causes of wrinkles and premature aging. Sunscreen should be used every day in cold months as well as hot months. Cool temperatures and cloud cover do not mean that the skin is any safer from sun damage.

Soothe and hydrate skin: Keeping skin well hydrated throughout the dry winter months is a key step to fighting cold weather skin problems. The experts at Sierra Cosmetic Laser recommend using a day cream with a SPF of at least 32.

---

---

Ensure products are clinically tested to increase moisture levels. The ideal day cream will increase the moisture content in the skin within one week without clogging pores or having a greasy appearance. Day creams should also balance the moisture content in skin and protect it from intense sun. Also ensure the product is PABA-free. PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid, a highly allergenic ultraviolate light absorber that also contains cancer-causing carcinogens.

Give skin winter therapy: Sierra Cosmetic Laser recommends therapeutic facials that combat the effects of winter weather. A one-hour treatment removes dry, flaky skin cells, leaving the skin polished while taking some time out to relax. After the facial, the skin is prepped to absorb deep hydrating and healing masques, serums, and moisturizers. The treatment leaves the skin feeling and looking completely refreshed.

Tone aging skin: Skin hydration is not the only concern for aging skin. People with aging skin can benefit from proper skin hydration in combination with collagen stimulation. Collagen production slows down dramatically as people age, which leads to wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. Sierra Cosmetic Laser highly recommends a collagen stimulation procedure which takes only 20 minutes. This treatment jump starts collagen production and plumps fine lines, with an overall toning and tightening effect on the skin.

“We encourage people to make skin protection a priority. You only get one chance of taking care it of your skin. You see the short-term effects of your routine in the mirror every day, but we urge people to also consider the long-term effects of their daily choices,” Dr. Ritchie of Sierra Cosmetic Laser said.

Sierra Cosmetic Laser can customize a skin care regimen for any skin type during all seasons of the year. Their staff evaluates the skin care needs of each individual client and makes recommendations based on the client’s skin type. Sierra Cosmetic Laser hosts occasional free informational events to help people learn more about taking care of their skin. See their Facebook page for event and information updates.

Sierra Cosmetic Laser offers laser, spa services, Botox, fillers and more at their one-stop day spa housed in a renovated building in historic downtown Truckee, just above Burger Me! at 10448 Donner Pass Road. For more information visit sierracosmeticlaser.com or call 530-587-0198.