Saturday, March 7, 2020
The secret to a healthy glow this season? Hydration! Fight back against dryness with smart solutions, like running a humidifier while you sleep and applying aloe vera on your elbows.
1. Wake up skinA few times a week, use a dry brush to exfoliate your body and stimulate your lymphatic system. "Starting at your hands and feet, brush your skin upward toward your heart in short, firm strokes. For your chest, back and stomach, use a circular counterclockwise motion," says Erica Parker, celebrity esthetician at Michael Todd Beauty. Dry brushing increases your circulation for healthier-looking skin.
2. Keep lips soft"To protect your smile from the drying effects of a hot shower, swipe on lip balm before turning on the water," says Chapstick celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada.
3. Use hydrating cleansersClean with oil if your skin flakes even after you've applied lotion, it's time to take a closer look at the products you're using. "Avoid cleansers that contain harsh detergents like ammonium lauryl sulfate, which can make your skin dry out faster," says Marina I. Peredo, MD, a dermatologist in Smithtown, NY. A better option? Use washes enriched with oils like argan, jojoba or sunflower seed. They'll cleanse and moisturize at the same time.
4. Lotion up after showering"To fight dryness, look for a body cream that's formulated with ceramides or fatty acids to bind skin cells and prevent scaly skin," says Ted Lain, MD, a dermatologist in Austin, TX. But that's not all. "Also look for humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, since they bring in moisture."
5. Soften skin overnight"Constant exposure to cold, dry air and moisture-zapping indoor heat will leave your body parched by day's end," says Dr. Peredo. To the rescue: a dose of body oil. It will quickly sink in to calm tight, itchy skin before bedtime.
6. Tone down ruddy cheeks"When skin is dry, the barrier function—which is what protects it from the elements—is compromised, causing inflammation to deeper layers," says Joely Kaufman, MD, assistant professor of clinical dermatology at the University of Miami. To help trap moisture and neutralize redness, apply a green-tinted primer over your daily face lotion.
7. Brighten up your skin"Dry skin doesn't shed its outer layer like healthy skin, so it loses its reflective properties," says Dr. Kaufman. The result: a dull complexion. Rather than exfoliate, which can irritate parched skin, add back some moisture. Once a week, use a moisturizing facial mask to kickstart hydration.
8. Soften your hands"Hands take the hardest hit during the winter," says Dr. Mariwalla. They lose moisture with each flu-fighting hand wash or swipe of antibacterial gel. To repair the skin's barrier function, apply a hand cream rich in emollients like shea butter. This will also help cut down on painful cracks along knuckles and frayed cuticles.
9. Care for your feet"The buildup of thick skin on the heels or balls of feet can cause pain," says Dr. Jaliman. To soften, apply a foot cream with alpha hydroxy acids to gently exfoliate dead skin cells as it smooths feet.
10. Keep your legs hydratedThe good/bad news: "Flakes may not look or feel great, but they are a natural protective covering for the sensitive skin underneath," says Dr. Mariwalla. Instead of peeling or scrubbing away flakes, moisturize skin well twice a day. This will help keep your legs hydrated while they naturally shed the dead skin cells.
11. Don't forget about your back!When it comes to moisturizing, "the back is the most neglected part of the body because it's hard to reach," says Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules. Bar soaps or washes with fragrance (read: alcohol) can zap moisture. It's better to use a creamy, fragrance-free body wash that's made with hydrating ingredients like sunflower seed oil, which stick to skin even after you step out of the shower.