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In the season of sweater weather and cozy fires, it also means dry skin season. The winter months bring reduced humidity outdoors and longer exposure to heating indoors and with it, drier skin. For those of us who already have dry skin, the winter months can mean tight, itchy, flaky, red, irritated, and extra-sensitive skin even after we slather on extra moisturizer. Nothing feels like it brings relief, so we keep trying everything to no avail. The good news is that a few simple secrets to help you relieve dry, dull winter skin.
SECRET ONE: OVER-CLEANSING
We know, we know- cleansing feels #basic but we must start here to effectively address caring for dry skin. This step is so important to address because many cleansers, even those specifically designed for dry skin, use ingredients that can strip skin of natural oil and disrupt the balance of the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The opposite can be true too- meaning some cleansers feel great to our skin and aren’t harsh but they don’t give us a complete cleanse. Look for a cleansing routine that will help you gently remove makeup, SPF, dirt, sweat, and grime but will keep skin balanced. You know you need to evaluate your cleansing routine if your skin looks red, squeaks, or feels extra tight after washing.
Try the VERIBELLA Double Cleanse set. Specifically designed to protect your skin while offering a complete clean, this simple cleanse can be completed in less than two minutes.
SECRET TWO: THE OVER/UNDER ON EXFOLIATING
Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, especially when it comes to exfoliating. Over exfoliating dry skin can lead to the creation of small cracks in the skin and further strip skin of essential oil, further accelerating the irritation of dry skin. On the other hand, not exfoliating dry skin can lead to a buildup of dead skin cells on the surface and limit the skin’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. When skin is properly exfoliated, new skin cells are hydrated. Gently exfoliate your skin 1-2x/week with a gentle exfoliating treatment that removes skin cells on the surface of the skin but uses light acids to work beneath the initial layers of the skin to promote natural cell turnover.
The VERIBELLA Refine Microdermabrasion Treatment is a uniquely crafted dual-action exfoliation treatment. This gentle but effective treatment uses soft topical exfoliants to remove dead surface skin cells, while fruit acids gently loosen bonds between the cells to reveal brighter, smoother skin from the first use.
SECRET THREE: PICK THE RIGHT MOISTURIZER
Your body craves something called homeostasis, or balance. If you skin has too much oil, your skin responds naturally by slowing down natural oil production. Have you ever noticed that when you start using a hydrating lip treatment, your lips often feel drier the next day? Your body is smart, and skin can become “lazy” if not hydrated correctly. To get the right balance you want to look for a moisturizer that has humectant, emollient, and occlusive properties. Humectants attract water to the skin; emollients are lipids that hydrate and occlusives protect the lipid barrier. To get the most out of your moisturizer looks for one that contains all three attributes.
Look for moisturizers with humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin that actively work to attract moisture to the skin, emollients such as jojoba oil and squalene which serve as active lipids to retain moisture, and occlusives such as shea butter to protect the natural lipid barrier. Additionally, look for a moisturizer that offers additional antioxidants and peptides to keep skin looking healthy and radiant in the winter.
VERIBELLA’s Transform Moisturizer was specifically targeted to provide hydration, nourishment, and age-defying antioxidant support for skin. This gentle moisturizer softens skin and skin feels renewed. To boost hydration and support, try VERIBELLA’s R&R SUPER SERUM. This power couple is a dream for dry skin!
SECRET FOUR: USE A HUMIDIFIER
Indoor heat tends to have a drying effect on skin and one of the easiest ways to help support your skin in the winter is by using a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture back to the air and more moisture in the air can help the elements of the right moisturizer work more effectively.
Good Housekeeping reviewed a multitude of small humidifiers that can help deliver an additional 30-50% more moisture to your skin. Here are their top five picks.
Just because you have dry skin, doesn’t mean that you have to suffer this winter. These four secrets can help support hydrated, soft, glowing skin this winter and year round.