Dr. Y. Claire Chang
Y. Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in Manhattan, New York. Her approach to treating her skin in the winter is simple and only includes five steps.
Morning: First up is a gentle cleanser. "I use gentle cleansers rather than harsh soaps or scrubs that can irritate and further dry out the skin, especially in the wintertime," said Dr. Chang. Her go-to is the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($15). "It is formulated with ceramides, which reinforce the skin barrier and locks in moisture as well as hyaluronic acid to attract water to the skin surface."
Next up is an antioxidant serum, followed by a hydrating serum. The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic ($166) is her favourite for evening skin tone, protecting against environmental pollution, and fighting free radicals. Then she moves on to the No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum ($40). "I add a hydrating serum in the wintertime for a boost of moisture, especially as the weather gets colder and your skin becomes drier," said Dr. Chang.
To moisturise, she uses the CeraVe Moisturising Cream ($19) in the winter for its thick formula. "Creams have a higher oil-to-water content than lotions to lock in moisture," she said. Lastly, comes EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 ($36).
Evening: At night Dr. Chang uses the same CeraVe cleanser as she does in the morning, followed by another dose of the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum. Then she uses a prescription retinol for anti-ageing (for an over-the-counter option, she likes the No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate ($35)), and then uses the Neocutis Lumiére Illuminating Eye Cream ($97) to help with undereye puffiness.
Last but not least she uses the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream ($240) to moisturise. "It's a thick, anti-ageing cream that contains a mix of brightening and reparative antioxidants, including Korean red ginseng, licorice root extract, and soybean," said Dr. Chang. "These ingredients work to fight free radicals, calm down inflammation, and brighten the skin."