Tips for Avoiding Dry, Cracked, and Irritated Skin
Winter is officially upon us, bringing with it the dry weather, bitter winds, and host of other issues that threaten to harm our skin. To safeguard against these issues, it is important we arm ourselves with the information needed to maintain a healthy and vibrant complexion, especially during the harsh days of winter.
Hydration is Key
The single biggest offender of skin issues during the winter is improper hydration. As moisture is drawn from our skin, the tissues that are responsible for keeping our outermost layers protected from the elements become compromised. If proper hydration isn’t offered to the skin, the results can be painful, unsightly, and lead to worsening conditions down the road.
When we think of dry skin, we typically think of issues such as redness, irritation, and flaking. These issues are typically superficial, and are relatively easy to remedy with the use of the right topical moisturizer. However, issues caused by excessive skin dryness run much deeper, and the consequences might surprise you.
How Dry Skin Breeds Acne
Acne is caused when pores and hair follicles become clogged with debris and infections form within the skin. Oil is a regular contributor of acne, and for this reason many acne remedies are formulated to remove unwanted oils and dry active blemishes. However, when the weather gets colder, our skin tends to flake more easily. These dead skin cells then block our pores, irritate our skin, and lead to acne breakouts.
In addition to an increase in dead skin cells, our bodies tend to release more oils when our skin becomes overly dry. This combination of dead skin cells and oil acts as a double threat, and can quickly result in a rash of problem acne that is difficult to remedy.
Chronic Skin Dryness and Worsening Conditions
Aside from worsening acne, dry skin can develop into several chronic conditions, including rosacea and psoriasis. These conditions are increasingly difficult to deal with, as they often require medication and long therapy sessions to soothe.
Excessive skin dryness can make any underlying ailment more difficult to manage, which is why it is important to seek the proper methods for boosting hydration.
Treatments and Solutions
Fortunately, there are a number of products and services designed to minimize the effects of dry skin and boost healthy moisture levels. Products offered by companies such as EltaMD and Revision Skincare offer improved hydration by introducing active ingredients designed to reduce water loss and strengthen the moisture barrier. Procedures such as microdermabrasion and Intraceuticals are terrific for offering powerful exfoliating benefits, and skin injectables containing hyaluronic acid are great for introducing healthy and natural sources of hydration that stay in the skin for longer periods of time.
With the number of effective skin hydration solutions available today, there is no reason to suffer from dry, cracked, and irritated skin this winter.