Between November and March, one of the most common questions faced by skin care professionals relates to the treatment of dry winter skin.

To understand skin hydration, it's necessary to look at the outermost layer of the skin that makes the skin impermeable, and creates a physical barrier that protects the body from water loss, bacterial invasion and other environmental aggressors.  

Moisture loss in the surface of the skin triggers such a compromise in barrier function that the skin will begin to chap and develop small cracks, thus losing more moisture. These cracks in the skin generally go to a dermal level, which can often cause nerve irritation and bleeding (chapped lips or heels for example).  In addition to moisture loss from the atmosphere, artificial heat, wind, snow, hot water, hand sanitizers, and soap cause dry, itchy skin, it also makes it appear visibly older.  

HERE ARE THE WINTER MUST-DO's TO KEEP THE SKIN GLOWING & GORGEOUS

1. Avoid over-washing the skin and use tepid water. Washing the skin when it is dehydrated more than once a day will strip it further of natural oils.

2. Limit exfoliation to once or twice weekly. Excessive exfoliation will damage living cells.

3. To minimize discomfort, immediately after washing the skin, apply hydrating serums and moisturizers with emollients, humectants, ceramides and humectants to create cutaneous homeostasis and prevent dehydration. See our favorite Hydrating Routine below. 

4. Get a humidifier. A humidifier will replace moisture in the air that is lost by artificial heating and temperature drops. 

5. Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids into your diet. EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) are responsible for skin renewal and our bodies don't produce them. They must be obtained through diet or supplementation. Cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel and krill are excellent sources of EFA's. Vegetarian sources include flax seeds and chia seeds.

6.  Eat for beauty. While all nutrients are good, some are better at fighting winter skin issues than others:  Selenium (eggs, brown rice, Brazil nuts, mushrooms, fish), Silica (green beans, garbanzo beans, cucumbers, celery, asparagus, strawberries), Vitamin C (kale, parsley, green and red peppers, broccoli, citrus fruit), Vitamin A ( liver, dairy products, eggs, cod liver oil, brightly colored fruit and vegetables). 

7. Keep drinking plenty of water and liquids. 

8. Do not lick your lips and use a nourishing lip treatment.

Be good to your skin this winter and incorporate a Hydrating Routine. 

You can always email and ask me questions about skincare at hello@bibalosangeles.com.  We want to make sure all your skin care goals are met!