Chicago winters wreak havoc on a lot of things: our streets and our spirits jump to mind, but our skin is certainly at the top of the list. Come spring, months of high winds, cold temperatures, and dry indoor heating can have us emerging from beneath our parkas looking slightly worse for the wear. In preparation for the upcoming seasons of minimal makeup and fewer layers of clothing to hide behind, we tapped Leah Chavie, one of Chicago’s foremost skincare experts and owner of the eponymous Lincoln Park skincare boutique, for tips on putting our best faces forward.
Sunscreen:
Number one on Chavie’s list (not surprisingly): Sunscreen. “Increase your SPF for the seasons where the sun’s rays are stronger, and if you haven’t been using sunscreen throughout the winter, verify your product’s expiration date to ensure efficacy,” she says.
Dry Brushing:Â
Chavie loves this trending technique for a few reasons. Among them: “It’s great for exfoliation of dry, dead skin, it stimulates lymphatic drainage, reduces cellulite, unclogs pores and it’s great for stress relief,” she says.
Chemical peels:
Looking to pull a healthy spring glow out from under dull winter skin? Try a gentle chemical peel. “We like salicylic & lactic acids for an overall refresh,” Chavie says, ” but chemical peels are also popular for those who are unhappy with acne scarring, sun-damage, age spots, freckles, fine lines, rough skin and uneven pigmentation.”
 
Micro-needling:
“Also know as collagen induction therapy is great for tightening the skin, minimizing pore size, acne and surgical scars, improving the appearance of stretch marks and has little to no downtime,” Chavie explains. “We use this technique helps to stimulate collagen and tighten skin all over the body.”
Fillerina
Chavie explains this wonder-product as “the first dermo-cosmetic gel for home use.” It’s a blend of six Hyaluronic Acids molecules, each with a different size or molecular weight, which, according to Chavie, “allow it to better penetration of cutaneous tissue to plump any fine lines and wrinkles” that may have settled in from winter dryness or dehydration.
Fascia Blaster
It’s never too early to prep for bikini season, which is where this next tool comes in. “The Fascia Blaster is a self-treatment tool designed to target and release tight fascia that pulls down on the skin which causing the puckered appearance of cellulite,” explains Chavie. “It also helps to improve blood flow, excellent to help in cellulite reduction, muscle recovery and pain reduction.”
Leah Chavie Lip Condition Plumper:
If you’re on your fourth tube of chapstick this winter, it might be time to try something a little stronger: “Our cranberry-flavored protective and rejuvenating balm provides immediate and long-term lip plumping,” Chavie says. “It coats lips with vitamin B and firming peptides and protects lip skin from harmful environmental toxins that cause thinning, wrinkling and loss of color.”
Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique
2457 N Halsted St.
(773) 327-7051
