As the cooler weather is upon us, we need to amp up our skincare routine to protect against chronic dryness and flaking. As with all skin conditions, dryness needs to be addressed both internally and externally. Here's a few of my personal strategies for dry, sensitive skin and to combat seasonal dryness 🌲
🍁 Don’t over-exfoliate or use scrubs. This disrupts your lipid barrier, leaving your skin compromised and susceptible to environment damage.
🍁Focus on soothing and nourishing ingredients such as aloe, allantoin, hyaluronic acid, arnica, shea butter, chamomile and algae which are great for colder temps.
🍁 Hydrating ingredients are divided into 3 categories: Humectants, Emollients and Occlusive Agents. Use ALL THREE. 🙌
💧Humectants attract and bind water to improve hydration levels and plump the skin. Naturally derived ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and allantoin are gentle on the skin and perfect as your first step to deep hydration.
🌿Emollients soften and soothe the skin by filling spaces between skin flakes and replenishing cell membranes. Facial oils contain lipids that act as emollients to nourish and repair the skin. Great non-clogging oils such as Jojoba, Grape Seed, Rosehip, Pumpkin Seed, Black Cumin Seed, Seabuckthorn, Avocado, Tamanu, and Camellia are great for most skin types and protect against chronic dryness.
☔Occlusives are the final element to keeping your skin adequately hydrated. Ingredients such as ceramides, lanolin, shea butter, and dimethicone work to seal in moisture and prevent TEWL helping keep your lipid barrier in tact . Applying an occlusive product right after showering can trap water in the skin.
🍁 Use a humidifier to replenish the moisture in the air and minimize heater and overly hot showers as much as possible.
🍁Use a filtered shower head to eliminate harmful and drying chemicals.
🍁Stay away from drying foods like chips, crackers, sugary, excessive caffeine, salt and alcohol draws fluids from the body.
🍁Consume hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery, bell peppers, leafy greens, apples, melons, berries and coconut water.