How to Hydrate Winter-Weary Skin
2021
Since March 2020, we’ve been battling the stress and uncertainty of normal life, crushed with the additional weight of COVID-19. As a result, our bodies have taken a significant toll. Now, with the onslaught of winter that 2021 has surprised both us seasoned Northerners and our inexperienced friends down South, many of us have found our epidermis craving relief. In the colder months, father winter grants us all skin that requires a little extra TLC. Our frozen surroundings and toasty heaters can serve as especially drying and irritating gifts of the season. Here’s what a Boston-based dermatologist, esthetician, and skincare educator have to say on the matter of hydration in the harsh cold.
1. Stepping Back All three skincare experts agree that what we should NOT be focusing on is an intricate routine that features ten steps of harsh exfoliation. Skin barrier repair is the key to maintaining a healthy epidermis. Dr. Robert Staszewski MD states, “[The] skin barrier prevents moisture from getting out. A protected skin barrier will allow products to perform better to expectations.” In addition to this, he recommends reinforcing the epidermis by incorporating SPF with your moisturizer to protect the skin from the sun.
2. Absorbent When WetA poignant focus shared between esthetician Jill Miller and Dr. Staszewski is the prime time to moisturize. “When skin is moist it behaves like a rubber sheet; when it is dry it behaves like parchment,” Dr. Staszewski says. He explains that moisturizers don’t necessarily add moisture, but trap it in. Miller supports this by stating, “Think of moisturizer as a skin-softening barrier protecting your skin and acting as a sealant. Moisturizers want to trap water so it doesn’t evaporate leaving you dehydrated.” Therefore when applying your moisturizer, opt for a barely-dried, freshly-washed face to ensure moisture gets locked in.
3. Be GentleWhile it is recommended to cut back your skincare routine steps to keep skin hydrated, it may also be worthwhile to keep an eye on the types of products yous still use. Dr. Stazweski states, “The [skin] barrier is damaged by exposing it to harsh products.” Fatima Martinz, skincare educator of Faneuil Hall Sephora says to be diligent with products and avoid blindly following brands. She warns against alcohol in particular for its drying effect on the skin and also explains that fragrance is “one of the biggest culprits of unknown inflammation”. Dr. Stazweski supports this idea by saying a gentle, moisturizing cleanser is always best when trying to hydrate the skin. Avoiding antibacterial soaps and harsh dishwashing detergent for the hands is also a necessary step toward keeping the epidermis happily hydrated.
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4. Product RecommendationsAn effective gentle cleanser pointed out by Dr. Staszewski is Dove soap for its simple, hydrating composition and non-irritating lack of fragrance. Miller heavily praises the use of humectants, products that attract moisture to the surface of the skin, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe. Some products that she explains are “beneficial to virtually all skin types” are Hanskin Hyaluron Essence and IMAGE hyaluronic acid serum. Also acknowledging humectants, Martinez spoke to the popularity of the Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial and The Ordinary Hylarounic Acid Serum. For dry skin on areas besides the face, Dr. Staszewski answers Vaseline as a simple and effective choice, and Martinez speaks to the in-trend Drunk Elephant body lotion and Laneige lip balm.
5. Sopping Your SurroundingsWhile doing the best you can in your skincare routine will undoubtedly please your dry epidermis, it is important to make your surroundings complimentary to your hydration goals. Miller brings attention to the drying effect that temperature changes create, “The radical changes in temperature, both outside and inside your home and car will absolutely damage your skin.” Dr. Staszewski seconds this by instructing to, “Avoid exposing open skin to the cold in the wintertime,” as well as, “Only use lukewarm water when bathing.” Exposure to such things as blistering cold air and hot water is moisture-stripping to the skin. He also recommends keeping a humidified home environment and staying well-hydrated orally.
As a takeaway, maybe the complications of everyday life have finally opened our eyes to the beauty of simplicity, especially in self-care. Being gentle with ourselves can start by being gentle with our skin. We all deserve to address our personal needs with care and knowledge because arguably, we’ve had enough surprises in a year, we needn’t any mysteries in our face soap.