Every year around this time, when the air seems to leave your skin feeling tight and parched, I always find myself on a mission for the best dry skin remedies. I have dry skin to begin with so I notoriously run into this problem like clockwork during the Fall/Winter. However this year has been different. What started as some problem areas on my chin after summer morphed into a rash-like dermatitis which seemed to be irritated further by the dry air. I tried every mask in my arsenal, incorporated some omega supplements and tried icing. Nothing helped.
Long story short it drove me to see my go-to esthetician in town (Lynda at Skin Resolutions) who did a microdermabrasion to clear off some of the dry skin and helped me pull together a skin regimen. Next I saw my dermatologist who suggested I use a gentle cleanser and some topical prescription lotion for the dermatitis—which has totally worked, hallelujah. I’m still in the midst of figuring out what’s working but I wanted to share the things that have brought me major relief lately in case you’re struggling with a similar problem.
Gentle Cleansers and Products
One of the things my dermatologist recommended that has really helped was switching to a more gentle cleanser. He mentioned that any kind of irritated skin (like dermatitis) only gets worse when it’s dry or over treated – guess all those masks I was trying was only making my situation worse! I’ve been loving the latest products from African Botanics, especially the Fleur de Rose Cleanser. My dermo also recommended ditching my regular makeup for only mineral products. I’m still figuring out what lines I like the best but I bought Illuminare concealer and foundation and I’m loving it so far. If anyone has any mineral makeup favorites leave me comment below! I need suggestions!
Hyaluronic Acid
One of the best ways to help your skin get hydrated is to introduce a serum with hyaluronic acid. I’ve been using Phyto C Icy Blue paired with IS Clinical Youth Complex which both include hyaluronic acid. I also picked up Glow Drops from Dr. Barbara Sturm’s line as an extra dewy/moisturizing layer. I’m dying to try more of this line as I’ve heard amazing things about it.
Heal and Protect
My first reaction to dry skin is wanting to exfoliate—I loath that feeling of a layer on your skin. But be mindful of what and how often you’re using harsh masks and treatments. I went a little crazy and it totally backfired. My tip, get a proper facial or treatment like a microdermabrasion and then start healing your skin—inside and outside. I love using the Phyto-C SuperHeal O-live Gel at night because it has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and moisturizing properties that do wonders. For extra dry days I add Epicuren Dermal Repair Balm as a last layer and I wake up feeling completely renewed. Lastly I’ve been adding sunscreen to my daily routine to protect while my skin is healing and because I’m obsessed with the IS Clinical sunscreen which adds another moisturizing layer.
Nourishing From Within
No doubt your diet will affect your skin to a certain degree. What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on them. I try to drink plenty of water, limit refined sugar, get my leafy greens in and support with supplements. Lately taking an omega and GOOP Genes has made a huge difference.
Here’s What I’m Using (some mentioned above).
Photography by Sara Prince
