Ever feel like no matter how much water you drink your skin is still dry and dull in the winter months? Not only does dry air draw moisture from the skin but running the heaters dehydrates the skin. There are a few things you can do to combat dryness and prevent the skin from becoming inflamed.
The first thing you should do is take a look at your current skincare routine. Make sure you are using gentle products that support hydration in the skin and increased cellular turnover. During the winter I advise my clients to switch to a more gentle cleanser to keep from stripping, use a slightly heavier moisturizer, it helps create a protective barrier against harsh temperatures and dry air. I also recommend adding in a weekly overnight masque that calms inflammation while deeply hydrating and soothing the skin.
Make sure that you are also using a retinoid or similar product. I don’t recommend using manual exfoliants like scrubs because they can cause micro-tears in the skin and spread bacteria but gentle exfoliants such as retinol or Lytic Tx help turnover cells faster for brighter, healthier skin. Always pair your retinoids with vitamin c and SPF.
When it comes to treatments for dry, dull skin I always like to start gentle. Opt for a hydrating facial that includes an exfoliating component such as an enzyme, manual exfoliation (such as a DiamondGlow), or a chemical exfoliant (chemical peel). These help loosen the outermost layer of dried skin to reveal healthy skin underneath. It’s important to follow an exfoliation with a hydrating mask and products meant to protect and hydrate the skin.
