Question: The cold temperatures and wind are drying out my skin! What can I do?
Dry skin is prevalent during the winter months because of the extreme changes in temperature. When you are outside, it's cold, and when you are inside, the heated air is blowing on you. There seems to be nowhere to hide!
Environmental conditions, hormone depletion, and aging cells all contribute to moisture loss. To combat dry skin, apply moisturizers that incorporate peptides (which promote the production of hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturizing factor), shea butter, jojoba, or aloe. It is also important to eat a diet high in fatty acids (98 percent of the skin cell membrane is composed of fatty acids) and to apply products with antioxidants and fatty acids to the surface of the skin.
More importantly, regular exfoliation will eliminate the dead, dehydrated surface skin cells and reveal the moist cells underneath. When the cells are removed, it signals the skin to produce new skin cells that are plump with moisture agents such as hyaluronic acid, elastin, and collagen. For resurfacing, I recommend using an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) like glycolic acid. Commonly derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid gently dissolves dead surface skin cells and, with nightly use, can increase moisture by 33 percent in eight weeks.
Celeste Hilling is the Founder and CEO of Skin Authority and host of the nationally syndicated internet radio show "Skin Health TODAY
More Expert Answers:
Related Content
This year, say no to making extravagant changes you won't keep. Our 10 easy-to-do healthy living resolutions – from moisturizing your neck to drinking more water – are both simple and effective.
Popular winter ingredients like brown sugar, nutmeg and cinnamon make this homemade body scrub a perfect holiday treat.
This homemade face mask recipe from beauty expert Erika Katz is packed with Vitamins A and C; plus, the fruit acid acts as both a natural exfoliator and a toner, leaving your skin feeling completely refreshed.
Vitamin C for the skin is extremely effective when it comes to anti-aging. We’ve got the scoop on why that’s so, plus a few serums to get you started.
Repair any skin damage that may have been caused from the hot summer sun with these fall skincare tips from Skin Authority CEO Celeste Hilling.
