Travel, winter weather and dryness from airplanes or heaters in the house can cause dry, flaky and uncomfortable skin. Dr. Shirazi recommends a slight adjustment to different skincare products during the winter months that can help preserve the moisture barrier of the skin while keeping your skin glowing and avoiding flaking.

Dry skin works slowly and doesn’t produce enough fatty substance necessary for comfort and suppleness. Genetics can also play a roll in dry skin, and dry skin can also be prone to thickening since this is a way for it to protect itself. This type of skin often comes hand in hand with hypersensitivity. And yes, as soon as the skin’s balance is disturbed, inflammation arises. You are most likely to notice itchy, flaky skin, irritated areas and redness.

Dry skin caused by medication, dry skin caused by hormonal fluctuations or dry skin caused by the use of incorrect makeup for your skin type can all be resolved with a simple, gentle yet effective Azi MD skincare routine.

Dr. Shirazi loves a simple 3 step system for skincare- easy for traveling or a simple set up for those who are early on in establishing their skincare routine.

Three Step System to Save Dry Skin with Azi MD Skincare: 

1. Wash Gently with Soothe Cleanser
   
   The Soothe Foam Cleanser is a mild, sulfate-free, foaming cleanser that delivers superior cleansing while remaining gentle on the skin, leaving it soft and smooth, without casing excess dryness. This cleanser also works to provide deep hydration and dramatically reduces irritation commonly experienced with sensitive skin.
   
   Don’t dry the skin by wiping a towel on the face; this can pull off the extra moisture you’ve delivered into this skin and cause additional irritation. Instead, pat the skin dry with a microfiber cloth or blow dry the face gently for about ten seconds!

2. Switch from Retin-A to something more Suitable
   
   Retin-A is one of the most tried and true clinically tested products for anti-aging, as it helps the skin renew itself with advanced skin cell turnover. However, it can cause dryness and flaking, so you might want to take a break from Retin-A products during the winter, to avoid more drying and peeling.
   
   If you want to stay on your Anti-aging skincare routine, an option is the AziMD SkinTYTE Serum, which can increase elastin product by 190% in 11 days. You’ll see that your skin texture is improved and skin is firmer, but it is gentle enough to use to continue to feed your skin with anti-aging ingredients, but will not cause peeling and additional dryness. Apply to the four quadrants of your face: forehead, cheeks, nose & chin and press/pat in for best results.
   
   If your face needs extra hydration or recovery, try Hydrate RX. This powerful hydrator holds 1000x its weight in water and give the best plumping effect without a needle. This lightweight fractionated hyaluronic acid serum penetrates deep into the skin tissue resulting in a healthy, collagen-rich appearance, and goes great layered under your favorite moisturizer. Quenches dehydrated skin and provides for all-day moisture retention, improves elasticity and firmness, and conditions the skin to reduce excess oil.

3. Lock it in with a Rich Moisturizer
   
   Layer on a rich cream, like Nourisse, on top of your serums. The serums do well under creams, since they’re lighter weight, they penetrate and the cream helps drive in the medicated anti- aging product and/or hyaluronic acid.
   
   With collagen peptides, stem cell and hyaluronic acid in a nice rich cream base that seals moisture in, you’ll notice the visible lines and wrinkles will appear plumper, and Nourisse will improve the overall appearance and tone of the skin.  This luxurious moisturizer is the perfect layer of protection to keep moisture in your skin. 

Bonus tips:

• Once a week, use the BioRestorative Masque after cleansing but before your serums. Medically sterile restorative mask helps replenish the skin barrier and promotes healing.

• Don’t shower in extra hot water! This can dry out your skin further. Keep your shower temperature tepid.

• Keep the door to your bathroom closed after your shower, while doing your skincare routine, to trap in steam to increase the humidity and allow your skin to soak it up!