Having dry (like super dry) skin around this time of year has been my ongoing battle for years. And every fall season around this time I get the urge to share with you what’s working and remind myself about the things that really make an impact when it comes to avoiding that terrible parched skin feeling. It’s funny how quickly I forget the tricks that work once the dreaded dry skin season has passed.
Also, it goes without saying, everyone’s skin is different so this is what works for me. What does miracles for one person may not work (or have a reverse affect) for another. So tread lightly and pay attention to what your skin responds to.
From the Inside Out
One big lesson I’ve had to learn is that what you put in your body has a huge affect on your skin. Trust me! And I’m not just talking about drinking more water, which you should, but that’s a no brainer. The more refined sugar you consume the more dry your skin will feel—probably the hardest pill to swallow if you have a sweet tooth like me. Think more along the lines of healthy nourishing foods like warm stews with bone broth, cooked leafy greens or vegetables and warm teas and your skin will thank you. Also caffeine, another hard one because around this time of year it feels ten times harder to wake up in the morning. Swap your cup of jo out for a turmeric latte or spiced oat milk.
A little hydrating trick that works for me… invest in a bigger water bottle—the bigger the better. I prefer a straw and something that’s easy to reach for while I’m driving.
My Favorite Products
Let’s face it, there are tons and tons of options out there and it’s hard to know what to invest in. If you’re unsure where to start, ask around in your area and find an esthetician that you like and schedule a facial—always the best treat for your skin. Ask them a lot of questions and have them help you figure out what the best route is for your skin. The other thing I love about facials is that the products and treatments they use/do can be more effective and potent than what you can do at home. Most treatments help with removing dead skin cells and produce collagen, which will aid your dry skin in absorbing products better too, so it’s a win win!
Last year at the start of Fall I had a terrible break out and started getting regular facials at Skin Resolutions, which completely turned things around. After that period of skin troubles I discovered some new favorite products and brands that I still use to this day, recommended by my trusty esthetician. Here’s what I do that I swear by…
PM Routine
I always cleanse my skin thoroughly at night (making sure to get all my makeup off) with iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. It doesn’t strip my skin and gets everything off.
Next I use a combo of Serums if I’m super dry. I always start with Dr. Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum, not cheap but it’s the best I’ve tried and literally is the one thing that rescues my skin during the fall/winter. Once that soaks in I layer on Phyto-C Superheal O-Live Serum or O-Live Gel, which is a tad thicker for super duper dry days.
Once the serums soak in I lather on either iS Clinical Youth Complex or Augustinus Bader Rich Cream, both are amazing and leave my skin incredibly hydrated.
Am Routine
I skip my cleanser in the morning, a tip I got a few years ago if you have dry skin. Instead I rinse with cold water and dab my face dry. Then I use my Dr. Sturm Hyaluronic Serum and Dr. Sturm Calming Serum, which I love for redness in the morning, and follow up with one of the two moisturizers I use at night.
I’m still figuring out which sunscreen I love best—most tend to dry my skin out even more—but right now I’m really into Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral SPF 45. I have a tiny sample of Dr. Sturm Sun drops that I’m using at the moment that are great as well but a bit pricier.
Lastly during the day I carry True Botanicals Nutrient Mist with me to freshen up throughout the day.
Lifestyle Routines
Along the lines of a healthy diet here are some other things that I’ve found helpful when keeping my skin from getting too dry.
Getting plenty of sleep. It’s true getting in bed at a decent hour and getting good sleep will help your skin a ton.
Exercising. A good sweat (as long as you clean your skin after) helps keep the blood flow moving).
Dry brushing before the shower. Anything that promotes circulation will help your skin absorb products more.
Keeping stress levels in check. It’s a vicious cycle in my world, when I stress I crave sugar, when I eat sugar my skin get’s crazy dry. Also when I’m busy/stressed I forget to drink water. There’s nothing like a stressful week to create a domino affect.
Limiting alcohol. Also hard to do right when the holiday season rolls around but keep a cap on how much you consume or pick and choose the parties you have more than one.
