Understanding Dry Winter Skin
Our skin is composed of several layers, with the outermost layer, the stratum corneum, acting as a protective barrier against the environment. This layer is made up of dead skin cells held together by lipids, which help to retain moisture. In winter, the cold, dry air can disrupt this barrier, causing moisture to evaporate more quickly. This leads to dry, tight, and uncomfortable skin.
Indoor heating further exacerbates the problem. Heaters dry out the air, reducing humidity levels and further stripping moisture from the skin. This can lead to a vicious cycle of dryness, itching, and irritation.
The Role of Exfoliation
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. This can be done through physical methods, such as scrubs and brushes, or chemical methods, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). These methods are affectionately referred to as “sand and burn”.
While it may seem counterintuitive to exfoliate dry skin, it’s an essential step in maintaining healthy hydration. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, they create a barrier that prevents moisturizers from penetrating effectively. By removing this barrier, exfoliation allows moisturizers to reach the deeper layers of the skin, providing much-needed hydration. The Environmental Rescue Daily Serum as a first step, followed by Real Chemistry’s Environmental Rescue Essential Day Cream are excellent choices to fight the dryness.
While it may seem counterintuitive to exfoliate dry skin, it’s an essential step in maintaining healthy hydration. When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, they create a barrier that prevents moisturizers from penetrating effectively. By removing this barrier, exfoliation allows moisturizers to reach the deeper layers of the skin, providing much-needed hydration. The Environmental Rescue Daily Serum as a first step, followed by Real Chemistry’s Environmental Rescue Essential Day Cream are excellent choices to fight the dryness.
Benefits of Exfoliation for Dry Winter Skin
Improved Hydration : Exfoliation removes the barrier of dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper and hydrate the skin more effectively.
Smoother Skin :By removing rough, flaky skin, exfoliation reveals smoother, softer skin underneath.
Brighter Complexion: Exfoliation can help to improve skin tone and texture, revealing a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Reduced Clogging: Exfoliation can help to prevent clogged pores by removing dead skin cells that can mix with oil and debris.This helps to prevent micro-infections that lead to breakouts and acne.
Choosing the Right Exfoliation Method
When it comes to exfoliation, there are three main types: physical (abrade), chemical (burn) and protein (bind).
Physical Exfoliation: This involves using a tool or scrub to physically remove dead skin cells. Abrading, rubbing, or sanding off dead skin often causes redness and irritation. These products typically containn small particles such as sugar, salt, or jojoba beads, that abrade away dead skin cells. This category also includes brushes, buffers, devices, and sponges used to sand off dead cells.
Chemical Exfoliation: This is the “burn it off” option and involves using acids to dissolve dead skin cells. Products available include Alpha Hydroxy Acidss: These water-soluble acids, such as glycolic and lactic acid, are effective for removing dead cells but do not limit their action just to dead cells, causing redness and irritation. BHAs: These oil-soluble acids, such as salicylic acid, are effective for removing dead cells but are more aggressive than AHAs and can cause significant discomfort.
For dry winter skin, it’s generally best to avoid harsh physical scrubs and chemical/acid peels, which can further irritate the skin. Instead, opt for a protein peel, which binds with dead skin cells and removes them without redness or irritation. Real Chemistry’s Luminous 3 Minute Peel, introduced in 2013, is the industry’s leading protein peel. It is equally effective when compared with physical or chemical methods of exfoliation but does not cause redness or irritation.
How to Exfoliate Dry Winter Skin
Choose the Right Product: Select a effective protein peel to bind with dead skin rather than abrading or burning the cells off the surface.
Start Slowly: If you’re new to exfoliation, start by exfoliating once or twice a week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated.
Apply to Clean Skin: Cleanse your skin before exfoliating to remove any dirt, oil or makeup from the pores. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Pat dry.
Use Gentle Circular Motions: Apply the Luminous 3-Minute Peel gel and massage it into the skin in a gentle circular motion. This peel combines with skin cells to create new, tiny “bits” that fall to the shower floor as the product disappears.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your skin thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Moisturize Immediately: Apply the Environmental Rescue Daily Serum + Environmental Rescue Essential Day cream right away. Re-apply day cream all day for maximum hydration and protection.
Additional Tips for Combating Dry Winter Skin
Use a Humidifier: Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in your bedroom at night.
Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water can further dry out the skin. Opt for lukewarm water instead. The hotter the water, the greater the need to replenish moisture as you exit the shower.
Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin.
Protect Your Skin from the Cold: Wear gloves and scarves to protect your skin from the cold and wind.
Choose Gentle Cleansers: Real Chemistry’s Fresh Start Foaming Cleanser is ideal for winter cleaning – gentle but effective at removing oils, dirt, and debrib from the pores before you peel or moisturize.
Consider a Hydrating Mask: Use the Environmental Rescue Mask at least once per week for an extraordinarily hydrating experience. Wear the mask an hour before bed- don’t rinse. Sleep and awake to a supple, radiant glow like never before.