Your skin is dry. It may be itchy. It may sting. It’s uncomfortable. And it may look dull, too. What is going on? Dry skin is essentially skin with low water content. This usually is associated with disruption of the skin barrier, which means cracks between skin cells, loss of hydration, and in severe cases, inflammation of the skin. We all know the harsh New England winters do not help!
Ultimately, your dermis — the layer of skin responsible for making oil — may be parched for a variety of reasons. That includes genes; a cold, dry climate (such as in the fall and winter); over-cleansing; or using harsh skin-care ingredients. Some of those things are easier to address than others. So, while you’re not going to do a thing about your DNA, you can tweak your skin-care routine and practice healthy lifestyle habits for well-nourished skin.
1. Keep an Eye on the Clock When You Shower
There’s almost nothing better than a hot shower on a chilly day. But skin does not love it. Extended exposure to water, especially hot water, can strip the skin of essential oils that protect the skin barrier. Best to keep your shower lukewarm and get out and towel off after 10 minutes.
2. Make a Switch to a Gentle Liquid Soap
This advice applies to your whole body because your skin can go dry from head to toe. Despite the fact that you might like a squeaky-clean feeling, using a liquid antibacterial body wash or cleanser is going to be too harsh. These strip the skin of lipids (natural fats) and begin to break down its water-binding barrier. On your body, use a gentle liquid soap and keep it only to sweaty areas, like armpits, groin, and butt.
3. Ensure Your Moisturizer Is Working for Your Skin
You can buy the best moisturizer around and you still might not get the full benefits from it. When products are applied on dry skin, they’re not absorbed as well. That means you may not be getting the full benefit from your topicals or may find that dryness remains despite a diligent moisturizing habit. For dry skin or during the winter, adding a hyaluronic acid product to your routine can keep skin better hydrated.
4. Stay Hydrated, But Don’t Expect Drinking Water to Affect Your Skin’s Appearance
It’s a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking water and eating foods with high water content (like fruit and vegetables) to reach the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s recommendations. A good rule of thumb is to drink ½ ounce (oz) to 1 oz of water for each pound you weigh each day, the group recommends.
5. Keep Wearing an SPF, Even When You’re Bundled Up
Just because it’s colder does not mean that the sun won’t do a number on your skin. Sun-damaged skin is not as healthy. That’s why you should apply a moisturizer or sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before you leave the house every morning.
6. Check the Humidity Inside Your Home
Warm indoor air from heating units is low in humidity, which will steal moisture from your skin. And while you might have a humidifier already attached to your HVAC system at home, what’s most helpful is also running a portable humidifier in your room while you sleep. In-room humidifiers directly put steam into the air, delivering an extra amount of moisture into your room while you’re sleeping at night.
Don’t forget to check out all of our specials at Euphoria Med Spa. We can help with your dry skin!