Our skin has been going through some hard times these last few months. With unseasonably, warm days and mask mandates our environment has been throwing off our skin's natural equilibrium. The sudden change in temperature can lead to dried out, cracked or chapped skin. When uncared for, dry skin can lead to premature wrinkles, fine lines and an overall dull complexion. As skincare specialists, we are here to give you all the tools you need to understand why your skin is drying out, prevent the flaking and itching of dry skin as well as steer clear of the premature aging that comes along for the ride!

4 Causes Of Dry Skin

Dry air

This may be the most common cause of dry skin. As the seasons change, humidity levels change, when humidity levels are low, it’s harder for your skin to retain moisture, and its protective barrier has trouble functioning effectively. A humidifier left in your bedroom overnight can help replenish your skin with moisture. Also try washing your face with a cleanser only at night to help your skin retain more moisture.

Long hot showers

Most of us enjoy a long hot shower especially in the cold winter months. Be mindful that the hot water is sucking the moisture out of your skin. When you have a dry skin flare up, try to limit showers to 10 minutes with lukewarm water. Immediately after your shower, apply a thick cream moisturizer to help “lock in” some of the water.

Your moisturizer is from a drugstore

Finding a moisturizer that works for your skin type can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. The overwhelming 100 options staring you down in your local CVS or Walgreens aisle is REAL. Most drugstore skin care products are watered down and contain fillers, thickeners, low quality ingredients and irritants. Many of the top drugstore brands thrive on people that are on a budget, the products are so watered down that you have to replenish your stock twice as often. Don’t waste your time and money putting your skin's fate in these products. See below our recommendations for dry skin products. 

Age related dryness

As we age our skin and the protective moisture barrier on our skin thins. To combat the dry skin that comes along with thinning skin be sure to drink plenty of water. “Aim to drink between half an ounce and an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 to 150 ounces of water a day”(1). Get 8 hours of sleep per night and apply moisturizer and sunscreen every day (yes, even when it’s cloudy).

Now that you know the top 4 reasons you may be experiencing dry skin, let talk products!  As we mentioned, drugstore moisturizers can be a waste of money, time and sometimes do more harm than good. Investing in medical grade at-home skincare can significantly improve existing skin issues while slowing the skin aging process and protecting against future damage. This means you will be less likely to need aggressive (and pricier) treatments to deal with skin issues down the road. 

Our clients favorite products & treatments for dry skin

Hyaluronic acid

The word “acid” might bring exfoliants to mind but hyaluronic acid is actually a natural occuring sugar in our bodies. It holds onto water and helps regulate the moisture content within skin cells. The amount of hyaluronic acid gradually depletes as we age which is why a topical is so effective. Hydrated skin is glowy skin, so using hyaluronic acid helps maintain that radiance. Two of our clients favorite products including hyaluronic acid are PCA Hydrating Serum and PCA Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum.  These products can be used morning and night to maximize their effectiveness.

Oil based cleanser

To counter a change in seasons or dramatic drop in humidity we recommend changing your water based cleanser to an oil based cleanser. Like attracts like, meaning a water based cleanser will pull water or hydration out of your skin. Oil attracts oil so oil-based cleansers wash away excess sebum (oil) while leaving the skin feeling fresh and smooth, instead of stripped and dry. Two great cleansers to lock in moisture are  PCA Cleansing Oil or Circadia Vitamin Veil.

A thicker moisturizer

Upping your moisturizer game from a water based lotion to a thicker, cream based moisturizer will make a world of difference in treating your dry skin!  We recommend Circadia Aquaporin Hydrating Cream or PCA Collagen Hydrator to lock in more moisture.  Apply a hydrating serum morning and night before your thicker moisturizer for maximum benefit. 

Reversing years of skin damage and preventing more damage begins with targeted treatments. Monthly treatments that can help address issues associated with dry skin. Continuing a skincare preventative maintenance plan is key to keeping your skin looking its best!

Manual exfoliation techniques

Microdermabrasion and dermaplaning help to remove dead, dry skin and clear pores to increase the absorption of your skincare products. One great way to encourage a healthy skin tone and texture is to commit to monthly skincare maintenance treatments of microdermabrasion or dermaplaning.

The Holy Grail combination treatment

Cicadia Australian Super Berry Antioxidant Mask in conjunction with regular microdermabrasion or dermaplaning is our holy grail!  The manual exfoliation clears dead skin cells for easier absorption of this brightening, anti-inflammatory, hydrating mask. This mask combines lactic acid, mandelic acid and antioxidants to reverse dry, dehydrated skin. 

Mild chemical peels

Lactic acid chemical peels can help even out your skin tone and address texture issues caused by chronic dry skin. “Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used to produce smooth skin and balance your skin’s PH level. It lightly exfoliates by dissolving dead skin cells and has been used by ancient Egyptians for centuries to improve the overall aesthetic of skin” (2).

Fighting the dry skin battle can be frustrating!

For many of us dry skin really flares up in the Winter months that bring low levels of humidity. Adding a hyaluronic acid, oil based cleanser and thicker moisturizer will do you skin wonders!  If you're looking for an extra kick try microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, Cicadas Australian super berry antioxidant mask or a lactic acid chemical peel.  These products and services will help address the root causes of dry skin, rebuild the skin's natural barrier and prevent further skin damage. 

The best benefit of medical grade skincare is consulting a skincare specialist before you buy products or commit to a skincare service maintenance plan. This ensures you have the most effective and targeted routine for your skin type and skin concern.  Book a free consultation at Radiance Advanced Skincare and Laser to understand the full scope of your skincare needs.

References

1: WebMD

2: Byrdie