Skin is designed as a protective barrier for our body to keep moisture in and environmental stressors out such as allergens, bacteria, dust, etc. Skin cells are layered like bricks. Dry skin causes gaps in the layers, allowing allergens from the environment in. This also results in losing moisture faster.
In the winter, temperature changes and going from the warm indoors to the bitter outdoors, can wreck havoc on the skin. This harsh temperature change breaks down the protective skin barrier.
Face skin is much thinner than body skin. For the face, it is important to find a balanced face cream that moisturizers, but doesn’t block and clog pores. Body skin requires more emollient creams, to help lock in the moisture. Certain product formulations containing ceramides (protective proteins), such as Cerave and Epicerum, help restore that protective barrier.
Dry skin sets up an inflammatory, allergic type of response. This will cause you to scratch your skin, further deteriorating the skin barrier. It can be the beginning of a vicious cycle that is hard to break. Here are the 3 things you can do to combat dry winter skin:
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize. Humidity may not be a friend to our hair but it can be one to our skin. Moisture sucking heaters and dry air are not. To combat the moisture being pulled from your skin on a daily basis, make sure to keep lotion and crèmes on hand to regularly replenish lost moisture and build back up skin’s protective barrier. One of my favorites is NEW SkinCeuticals MetaCell Renewal B3. Formulated with a high concentration of 5% niacin amide combined with 2.5% tightening tri-peptide concentrate and 15% glycerin to correct early symptoms of photo aging This daily corrective moisturizer locks in powerful hydration while visibly correcting these early signs of photo aging to re-clarify skin tone, reduce wrinkles, re-tighten surface elasticity, and even skin tone.
Don’t forget your SPF. Your favorite winter sport is a great way to take advantage of the snow and cold but skiing and snowboarding, with the sun reflecting off of all that white, is a fail-proof way to obtain sunburn and its resulting damage. UV rays penetrate even on cloudy days.
Do book that treatment you’ve been meaning to get. The number one rule after receiving any type of intensive skin treatment is to stay away from the sun. Since the sun is at it’s farthest position during winter and therefore less strong, it is the best time to book more aggressive treatments like fractional re-surfacing. With less worry and environmental aggravators to avoid, pencil in that laser treatment you’ve been planning to have so you’re skin ready this summer.
Mention DASHA when purchasing your MetaCell Renewal B3 at Russak Dermatology and receive a complimentary chemical peel ($225 value). Valid until March 31st.
DASHA® is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
