Q: With colder weather on its way, what can I do to keep my skin soft and smooth? Winter dryness is the worst!
MyChelle Dermaceuticals licensed esthetician Catie Wiggy responds:
Dry skin — characterized by a tight, dehydrated, flaky, dull-looking appearance — can be beyond frustrating. Besides making you feel uncomfortable, dryness can lead to inflammation, redness and irritation, not to mention making fine lines and wrinkles even more noticeable.
A lack of moisture in the skin often results from environmental aggressors that are sometimes out of our control, including exposure to hot or cold weather with low humidity levels and free radical pollutants. Excessive bathing in hot water and using harsh chemical irritants, soaps and detergents can also cause the skin to become dry. But for every dry skin problem, there are plenty of mega-moisturizing, simple solutions.
Get your exfoliation going!
Exfoliates gently slough away the top layer of dead skin or release the intercellular glue hanging onto those dead cells, thus exposing newer and healthier skin cells. Dry skin typically has a build of dead skin cells and is in desperate need of regular exfoliation. Exfoliation also unblocks pores — which in turn leaves them open and more receptive to whatever topical products (serums, lotions, etc.) you choose to apply next. So, not only does exfoliation have its own benefits””it also makes your other skin care treatments more effective!
A great topical exfoliator is the MyChelle Tropical Skin Smoother which is actually formulated specifically for dry skin. This delicious scrub exfoliates and retexturizes for a youthfully soft and vibrant complexion. Ultra-fine bamboo stem powder and 1.6% lactic acid release and dissolve dead cell build up to give dry skin a brighter appearance. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals that penetrate deeply into the skin. Use two to three times per week to help improve cellular turnover and reveal healthy, hydrated skin.
Give your skin a big gulp of hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is found naturally within the human body, present in the eyes and typically around joints. Hyaluronic Acid topically is used as a humectant to surge water deep into the skin, improving pliability while plumping to reduce fine lines. Additionally it maintains healthy hydration levels, and prevents transepidermal water loss.
The MyChelle Ultra Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum is just what you need to help rebuild moisture and repair dry skin. This luscious, deep-penetrating serum restores moisture using the hydrating agents naturally found in healthy skin, helping to bind water to the skin and relieve dehydration. Sodium PCA and olive-derived squalane help to prevent moisture loss as they smooth and soften skin. Use this serum daily under your moisturizer for a deep hydrated look and feel. This product is a MyChelle fan favorite and a top pick for guys too.
Don’t forget your neck and decolletage
For some reason people only apply skin care products to their face, stopping at the jawline. Don’t stop! Keep going, bringing your serums and creams down to your neck and décolleté. The skin on our neck is just as susceptible to sun damage, wrinkles and sagging. Keep your neck and décolleté looking youthful by applying your facial care products directly to the areas of concern.
Looking for a quick fix? Consider using the G2 Instant Firming Serum loaded with phytonutrients and skin-smoothing peptides which begin working immediately to visibly improve firmness. Argireline™ Peptide is clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth up to 27 percent. Fast-acting Instalift™, from goji berries, has been shown to dramatically increase skin firmness in only one hour. Fermented pomegranate extract, a super-antioxidant, refines skin texture as it fights free-radical damage.
Is the rest of your skin dry?
If your face is dry, most likely the rest of your skin is too. A lack of humidity in the air can lead to dry skin, and a simple solution can be to setup a humidifier by your bed. Adding moisture back into the air will help your skin.
Consider whipping up your own unique, hydrating body scrubs. A simple recipe of 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of olive oil can be mixed together and slathered over our body in the shower to gently exfoliate and hydrate.
Make sure and always apply moisturizers and cream immediately after showering or bathing, this is when your skin is most open to receiving hydration Coconut oil is an excellent, natural body oil that dry skin can soak up and benefit from, use it everywhere, even in your hair, for shiny, silky locks.
As the season transitions take notice of your skins needs and feed it the nutrients essential for healthy, glowing, hydrated skin. MyChelle is here to always help you see real results with natural, pure and highly effective skin care products.