Winter-Proof Your Skin: Our Winter Skincare Guide

How to Care for Sensitive Skin

Wash with lotion. Cleanse with a cream-based formula rather than a gel. "Thicker, opaque formulas contain more moisturizing emollients," Dr. Hellman says. To max out its moisturizing ability, tissue off, don't rinse; you'll remove dirt while leaving behind a layer of healthy-skin ingredients such as glycerin.

Pass on perfume. "Fragrance is one of the most common irritants, especially when applied to sensitive skin," Dr. Hellman says. Scan product labels for phrases such as "fragrance free," and check the ingredient lists to be sure "fragrance" isn't there. (Hint: It's usually at the end.)

Antiage, gently. Look for skin-care products that pack a double punch. They should be formulated with peptides -- amino acids that repair skin damage and stimulate the natural production of collagen -- as well as antioxidants to fade freckles and spots, Dr. Bank says. The most effective, according to the doc: coffeeberry, idebenone and kinetin.

Your Skin-Care Soulmates

• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, $8, drugstores, cleanses and softens with a few splashes.
• Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment, $98, kinerase.com, has peptides and kinetin.
• Clinique Comfort on Call Allergy Tested Relief Cream, $39.50, clinique.com, is perfume-free.