How Dry is My Valley: Keeping Your Skin Supple in Winter
By Cynthia Boggs
While most of the country is dreading the next few months of miserable winter weather, we in the Valley of the Sun are singing praises to the Weather Channel. Even so, we’re not entirely safe from the effects of our lovely climate. Specific skin issues arise as the summer recedes and the dry, cool weather begins to take over. It’s important to take note of these issues and do what is necessary to keep our skin healthy and looking great.
After the monsoon season ends in September, relative humidity typically takes a tumble to as low as three to four percent. This presents a great challenge in keeping our skin moist and supple. Drinking forty to sixty ounces of water per day helps, and so do moisture-rich creams, supplemental serums, and treatment masks that deeply hydrate the skin.
Sunblocks and screens are even more important, as the mild winter weather affords more opportunity for golfing, bike riding, hiking, and simply enjoying the warm sun and the outdoors. Beauty spas get increasing requests for smoothing scrubs and hydrating wraps as their clients seek relief from the combination of low humidity, high sun, and colder weather.
When choosing skin-care products to use at home, look for nondrying cleansers and toners. Use seaweed- and marine-based products that use nutrifying elements of the ocean to heal and soothe dry skin. Another tip: Increase the amount of Omega 3, 6, and 9 fats in your diet by adding more fish or fish oil supplements, which help keep the skin supple.
Avoid products containing alcohol and peeling AHAs in creams. Products that contain Retin-A, alpha-hydroxy acids, and salicylic acid should also be used sparingly at this time of the year, and then only on a skin break-out, not the entire complexion. They are usually too powerful and can trigger certain eczemas and other more severe dry skin conditions. Also avoid sleeping with the furnace on at night, as the ultradry air it circulates increases dehydration of the skin.
An additional challenge faced by many Valley residents is the use of allergy medications, which dry out more than the sinuses; they also dehydrate your body from the inside out. If you do use these medications, a strong skin-care regiment is doubly important.
Soothe and melt away your stresses of the day by pampering your skin with the many luxurious healing spa treatments or home skincare products designed for dry skin. Consistent skin care, both in a spa and at home, will keep you looking and feeling youthful and healthy. Always remember, the best skin care isn’t a luxury, but a necessity—especially for Arizonans.