Your skin's moisture level may fluctuate seasonally with harsh winter or summer weather. If you experience bouts of extremely dry facial skin, special attention to skin care is crucial. A weakened outer epidermis is vulnerable to the penetrating rays of the sun, which are more intense at the height of summer or when reflected off of snow, ice or water. Skin that is already dry can crack, get infected and become unsightly. Protect your dry skin with hydrating cosmetic products and techniques that experts endorse.
For the Environment
Once dry skin has already become a problem, shield your vulnerable facial skin from outdoor weather. Before going outside in summer or winter, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that addresses UVA and UVB radiation. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests an SPF 15 formula or higher-strength cosmetic product made for your skin type.
The indoor environment, low humidity or allergens can irritate and further dry out facial skin, depending on your individual sensitivities. Easy home remedies include a room humidifier or an electronic air cleaner. Mayo Clinic professionals remind you to clean a portable humidifier often to reduce bacterial growth. Air cleaners need a simple filter change to efficiently remove a wide range of airborne allergens that your dry skin may be more sensitive to than usual.
For Skin Care
During spells of dry facial skin, cleanse and shower less often to avoid further dryness. Washing removes oil secreted by sebaceous glands to keep skin pliable and capable of maintaining an effective barrier from the outside elements. Washing dries the skin slightly, but don't give up facial cleansing altogether. You need to clear away the excess dead skin cells that dryness leaves on epidermal surface. Skin care doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend using a moisturizing cleanser, rather than a deodorant or antiseptic cosmetic product, once a day.
After gentle toweling, attract the water from still-damp skin to your epidermis and seal it in with a moisturizing product. Use a hydrating cream or an oil such as almond, jojoba or sesame, rather than a hand lotion. The higher oil content more effectively retains moisture at the dry skin surface.
For Your Lifestyle
If you take part in summer or winter sports, perform more proactive skin care. Dermatologists at the AAD suggest bumping sunscreen strength up to 30 SPF or higher and reapplying often when sweating. Take shade breaks when the sun is at its peak. Before skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling, guard against windburn and additional dryness from the cold by applying petroleum jelly as a moisturizer.
Member Comments