Dr. Jenny Oakes Sobera, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Village Dermatology, has been a driving force behind the practice’s remarkable growth since its founding in 2008. What began as a small team has blossomed into a leading practice, now serving over 73,000 patients across four locations in Alabama. As Village Dermatology marks its 16th anniversary, the practice is unveiling a fresh new look with an exciting rebrand. A standout feature of this transformation is the launch of LABL Studio (Live a Beautiful Life), a new in-house skincare boutique offering curated, doctor-recommended products. In honor of November’s Healthy Skin Month, Dr. Sobera shares her expert tips to help your skin thrive during the colder months, ensuring it remains nourished, protected, and glowing all season long.

 

1. 

   (Village Dermatology/Contributed)

   What are the most common skin issues people face as the weather gets colder, and how can we address them to keep our skin thriving through the fall and winter?

The dry heat of winter can cause our skin barrier to become disrupted leading to water loss and inflammation. Think of a cracked dry river bed. Conditions such as eczema can flare in winter. When outdoors on cold days, protect your neck and hands with gloves and scarves.

2. Are there any changes people should make to their skincare routines during the colder months to maintain healthy skin?

Yes! Increase the amount and frequency of emollients on the skin, especially those that help maintain the skin barrier. Look for thicker creams and ointments as opposed to lotions in pump containers. Decrease the water temperature during baths or showers, and use the emollient within 1 minute of patting dry to lock in moisture. The use of humidifiers can also help when the air in your home is dry from heat.

3. What are your top three tips for keeping skin hydrated and glowing during the dry, cold weather?

Keep your skin barrier healthy with appropriate emollients. Don’t forget products for vulnerable areas like lips and hands. Use gentle cleansers on the “important” areas, and avoid frequent cleansing of areas like arms and legs.

4. How important is sun protection in the winter months, and why should we still be using sunscreen even when it’s cloudy or cold outside?

Sun protection is important 365 days a year. Even in winter or on cloudy days, we are exposed to the sun’s radiation. Sun damage is cumulative over your life, so it’s best not to forget about protection in cooler months.

5. With the recent launch of LABL Studio at Village Dermatology, what products from the new line do you recommend to help combat dryness or irritation in the fall and winter?

Our new LABL skincare line features Dew Drops Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Luxe Replenish Ceramide Crème, both perfect for increasing hydration in parched winter skin. Heal Balm is another LABL product that is perfect for improving dry, cracked hands and feet. For the body, Epionce Enriched Body Cream is a personal favorite for extremely dry skin. For the lips, Revision Youthful Lip Serum is unmatched in its ability to hydrate severely dry, chapped lips.

6. How does LABL Studio reflect your overall approach to skincare at Village Dermatology, and what makes it unique in helping patients “Live A Beautiful Life” with healthy skin?

Living beautiful is different than being beautiful. We believe healthy skin helps people experience beauty through confidence and well-being. At LABL Studio, we will help you achieve healthy skin for life by educating you on implementing your “Core Four”. I developed Core Four as an individualized, outcome-focused regimen as opposed to a focus on certain products or even ingredients, which can become obsolete with newer research. The Core Four outcomes are collagen stimulation, improving cell turnover, maintaining hydration and protection from environmental insults. Here at LABL Studio, our skincare experts will select the best currently available products to maximize your Core Four and keep your skin at its best.

7. Are there any new treatments or products you’re excited to offer at Village Dermatology or LABL Studio that would be perfect for fall and winter skincare concerns?

Fall and winter are the perfect seasons for laser treatments. Our favorite new laser is Moxi. Moxi corrects sun damage and gives your skin a healthy glow with less downtime than other laser treatments. Hydrafacial is also a great treatment for improving dull, winter skin with infusion of hydrating serums while exfoliating.

8. What are some easy, at-home self-care routines or practices that can make a big difference for our skin health during the colder months?

Use of humidifiers to combat lower humidity and dry air from heaters. Less frequent and lower temperature showers, remembering to use thicker emollient creams or ointments within 1 minute after bath or shower. It’s also important to choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.

9. What is one underrated skincare habit or product that you think more people should incorporate into their routines, especially as the season changes?

Prevention. Most people wait until problems arise, but keeping your skin barrier healthy with these tips and products will help minimize the chances of skin problems, especially in colder weather.

10. At Village Dermatology, your team often emphasizes education and preventative care. What role does skincare education play in helping patients maintain healthy skin year-round?

We emphasize patient education and feel it is one of our strengths. When patients understand the “why” behind their personal skincare regimen, they are more likely to have better long-term skin health.

As we celebrate Healthy Skin Month this November, Dr. Sobera and the team at Village Dermatology are here to help you maintain radiant, healthy skin all year long. With locations in Mountain Brook, Gardendale, Auburn, and Oneonta, Alabama, Village Dermatology offers expert care and personalized solutions for all your skincare needs.

For more information, please visit villagedermatology.net. LABL Studio skincare is available at the Mountain Brook and Gardendale locations, as well as online at store.villagedermatology.net.

 

ABOUT VILLAGE DERMATOLOGY

Village Dermatology, a leading Forefront Dermatology practice, offers comprehensive medical, surgical and aesthetic dermatology services in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Founded in 2008 by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenny Oakes Sobera, the practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, and innovative care for patients across Alabama. Committed to forward-thinking and continuous growth, Village Dermatology features a team of board-certified dermatologists, including a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon, and skilled medical and aesthetic staff who specialize in delivering excellent care and impressive results. Their state-of-the-art medical facility and surgery suite offer a wide range of services, from medical dermatology to aesthetic procedures and advanced treatments, all performed in-office for convenience and comfort.

Village Dermatology continues to expand its reach, helping patients “Live a Beautiful Life” through personalized skincare solutions and expert advice. Their main office is located at 2900 Cahaba Road, Mountain Brook, Alabama, 35223, with additional locations in Gardendale, Auburn, and Oneonta, Alabama. Village Dermatology is part of Forefront Dermatology, a group of over 250 practices setting the standard of care in skin and body healthcare across the US.