Banish Winter Dry Skin

5 Tips to Keep Skin Hydrated

Winter weather, plus home and office heating systems, create the perfect “storm” for dry, chapped skin. Dry air and extreme temperature conditions compound the problem leaving even those with normal skin in a dryer state. And if you normally have dry skin issues, then winter will definitely make the situation even more severe. What’s a girl (or guy) to do? First, let’s look at the science: Our skin needs a continual supply of water and lipids (oils) in order to remain in a healthy state. Lipids are normally supplied by the oil glands in our skin. Water is supplied both internally from our body and externally, in a humid climate, by some absorption of water vapor from the air. If your oil glands are not producing enough, and if you live in a dry climate, then you are likely to have dry skin problems. Most women over forty typically have dry skin issues, even if they live in a more humid climate. Hormonal changes and aging slow down oil gland production, as well as the production of other important compounds such as hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin grasp onto and retain water molecules. The results are especially prominent in the skin on the face because dryness results in visible appearance problems such as loss of tightness and elasticity, flaking, redness and/or loss of skin “glow.” If you are using a treatment product alone, such as Stemology Cell Repair Serum Complete, it may not be enough to address dry skin issues. So, here are a few tips for mitigating the problem of dry skin during the winter months, or year round:
  1. Most important is using a high performance moisturizer to provide both oils and humectants (water retainers). Stemology Cell Renew Moisturizer Complete has three premium butters, eight natural plant oils, the top four humectants in nature (hyaluronic acid, sodium lactate, PCA, glycerin) plus Panthenol, Oat protein, and Organic Aloe Vera. Nothing is better for dry skin then this moisturizer. In wintertime it is a must!
  2. Even winter sun exposure can dry out skin. Use a good natural based sunscreen on your face to limit the impact.
  3. When washing your face use warm water (not hot) and, contrary to what you might think, avoid using too much water on your face. Water, especially hot water, can wash away skin lipids and be drying. Use a good gentle hydrating cleanser, such as Stemology Cell Refresh Hydrating Cleanser and avoid using a lot of water when rinsing.
  4. Avoid skin products that contain alcohol (some toners) and artificial fragrances. These can be drying to the skin.
  5. In dry climates, or in the winter, using a humidifier in the home is helpful to relieve some of the exposure to dry air. Some home heating systems have a humidifier option that can be easily installed.
Now that we’ve given you our winter-dry skin care tips, what are some of yours? Tell us in the comments.