Your Skin Is Not Dry!

Or is it? Let's tackle the biggest skin concern I am seeing and hearing from clients right now: dry, tight, "winter" skin. 

First things first, I have to debunk the seasonal DRY skin myth. Our skin type does not change with the seasons. We are what we are: dry, oily, normal, or combination. This is physiologically predetermined. You are probably now thinking, "So why does my skin suddenly feel dry, tight, and itchy? Something has changed!" And you are correct! Your skin condition has changed, but not your skin type. You are now suffering from dehydrated skin as a mere result of lower humidity levels in the air. Then, add in frigid temperatures and scalding hot showers, and my phone starts ringing off the hook for help!  

Now on to myth #2, "But I drink so much water, I CAN'T be dehydrated!" I hate to break it to you, but yes, you are most likely still dehydrated. There are 2 great explanations for this.  

1. You are more than likely not drinking as much water as your body truly needs.  
2. Your skin is being aggressively assaulted by the climate changes and your water consumption is not keeping up (i.e. Back to point #1) 

"Well how much water do I need, then?" I suggest, at a minimum, take your body weight and divide it in half. That is your baseline in the number of ounces of water you should be consuming each day. However, if you drink coffee, tea, or soda, sweat/exercise regularly, or use a diuretic or decongestant, you need to drink even more!  

My BEST advice, though, is to add a hydrating serum with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) into your homecare. I'll get more in depth on Hyaluronic Acid in another post, so we can focus on what you need ASAP! HA acts similar to a sponge in the skin, finding water, and soaking it up. The water has to come from somewhere. The HA will "pull" water to it, either from deeper tissue (dermis), or, from the water content of a moisturizer that is applied over top. Knowing this, an HA serum needs to be added into your existing skincare regimen. HA is best when used in a serum (more of a fluid or gel-like base) that is applied immediately before your moisturizer. (Do not try to let the serum "soak in"! Apply the moisturizer quickly.) Moisturizers are full of water, so the HA soaks up the water, holds it in the epidermis, and you are then left with hydrated, plumper, smoother skin! This is an ingredient that works fast and you can see results in just 1-2 days! As a side use, it is also amazing for chapped lips, gentle around the eye area (as long as no other actives are present!), and great for hands and cuticles. One of our MOST popular products is the Bioelements serum Moisture x 10, and has been for the last decade! So drink up, and be sure to stop by and see us to have some Hyaluronic Acid in your mix!