Dry Skincare Recommendations

Dry Skincare Recommendations

Story and graphic by Isabella Trujillo

As cold weather makes its way to Michigan, you might notice a difference in more than the seasons, such as dry skin.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, when the weather gets colder dry skin is more likely to appear because your skin barrier is weakened due to not being able to retain enough moisture.

So, while cold weather does factor into dry skin, overwashing, using products that irritate your skin, or staying in an environment, such as indoors, that uses forced heat which takes away the humidity that your skin needs, can increase your chances of dry skin.

While we cannot escape the cold weather, we can prepare our skin for the inevitable by changing our skincare routines.

Some tips to prevent dry skin:

1. Warm showers over hot showers

Using too hot of water in the shower removes your skin’s natural oils which can cause your skin to dry up, leaving you with a tight dry feeling when you get out. It’s recommended to use warm water in the shower and to cut your shower time to prevent drying your skin out.

2. Apply moisturizer frequently

Applying moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your hands can help lock in the moisture you have in your skin which prevents your skin from losing that moisture. It’s also recommended to apply skincare immediately after washing your face to also lock in the moisture as well as applying lip balm.

3. Creams over lotions

You may think all moisturizers are made the same, but they are not. During the dry season, it’s recommended to choose creams that contain hyaluronic acid and ceramides over lotions that contain fragrances and alcohol in it.

4. Use gentle and fragrance-free products

Since your skin in the winter is prone to being more sensitive, using skincare and body care products as well as laundry detergents that use fragrance can cause irritation to already dry skin. If you are experiencing dry skin, it’s best to avoid products containing alcohol, alpha-hydroxy acid, and retinoids. Always check ingredient labels to make sure that what your using is best for your skin.

5. Don’t over-exfoliate

Over-exfoliating your skin can cause breakage in the skin’s barrier. It can also strip your skin of its natural oils and cause it to feel itchy and look red. Exfoliating at max twice a week is recommended.

6. Plug in a humidifier

Using a humidifier can add moisture back into the air which your skin will love.

While these tips were provided by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Cleveland Center, it’s best to consult your dermatologist for questions pertaining to your skin.