We’ve all experienced the dry, itchy skin that comes along with this time of year. And it hurts. It flakes and it can be embarrassing. Your makeup doesn’t look like it should.
But why does this happen?
Dry, cold air outside paired with dry, warm air inside can wreak havoc on your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Without this barrier, your skin simply can’t retain significant moisture. Your skin’s epidermis (the outermost, protective layer) reflects the moisture content (humidity) of the air - dry air equals dry epidermis.
Age also plays a big role in the skin becoming dry and itchy. As we age, our skin is exposed to more elements (sun, wind, cold, etc.) and also the production of natural oils slows (thanks, hormones!).
So how do you combat this?
Drinking plenty of water is the first step in keeping your skin properly hydrated. The second most important step is using a skin moisturizer. A good moisturizer rehydrates and seals in moisture. While it's important to stick with the normal things...gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, here are a few extra tips to help protect your skin this winter:
Don't use super hot water.
Hot water strips the skin's natural oils, and thus moisture. In wintertime, you need to keep all that you have! Taking shorter, lukewarm showers or washing with lukewarm water is more protective for your skin.
Keep skin covered when going out in the elements.
Cold, harsh weather pulls water out of the skin’s epidermis, leaving it prone to redness and itching. Keeping as much skin covered as possible helps protect your skin, and wool accessories are best at retaining moisture and heat.
Use a natural beeswax lip balm
Take extra care of your lips by using nature’s natural moisturizer - beeswax! Beeswax seals in moisture and protects against dryness, while also possessing natural anti-inflammatory properties that help with chapped or irritated lips.
Gently exfoliate to remove dead surface skin
Dry air dehydrates your skin cells causing them to die off faster. Gentle exfoliation helps remove that buildup and replenish fresh skin cells. We use Sonia Roselli's Sexapeel two times per week for the best results. It can even be used on the hands and all over the body!
Keeping your skin hydrated during the dry winter months pays off all year round with less irritation, lower risk of skin infection and more balanced skin that isn’t overcompensating for the lack of moisture (think more oil other times of the year).
If you are looking for more tips on helping with your skin this winter or want to learn more about the services our team of estheticians offer, please reach out!
About Naturally You Artistry:
Naturally You Artistry is a collective team of independent hairstylists and makeup artists serving the Kansas City area, Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas for weddings and events. With more than 16 years of experience in the bridal and beauty industry, owner Melissa Chesnut has earned The Knot’s “Best of Weddings” from 2018-2022, including the coveted Hall of Fame award, and was also named in the Top Three Makeup Artists in Kansas City by Wed KC. Most recently, Naturally You was also nominated for Hairstylist of the Year, Company of the Year, and Makeup Artist of the Year in the Kansas City Wedding Vendor Choice Awards by Wed KC.