The crisp, winter season can often be the most challenging time of the year when it comes to the nuisance of dry skin, especially in arid climates like that of Northern Utah. Dry skin can be bothersome in many ways from itchiness and redness to more severe symptoms like cracking and sometimes bleeding. Though dry skin is known to be a common condition, there are many resources available to treat and even prevent it altogether.
What Causes Dry Skin?
Though dry skin can be caused by many factors such as weather, climate, medical conditions, or simply age, the root of dry skin is always a lack of hydration (or natural oils) in the body. When there is not enough water in the body, moisture is pulled from the skin, often resulting in dryness, tightness, or flaking. Sometimes this can be resolved by simply drinking more water. Other times your body may need additional assistance through medical grade skincare or treatments.
Weather and climate can often influence dryness in skin due to the lack of humidity in the air. While Utah is considered to be quite dry year-round; those cold, windy days during the winter season can be some of the most detrimental to the skin. If you have ever spent a day skiing or snowmobiling in the mountains during a particularly frigid winter day, you have likely witnessed first-hand how quickly these conditions can negatively impact your skin. Here are some important tips to keep your skin looking great during the winter season.
How To Prevent Dry Skin
Simply put, dry skin can often be avoided by staying hydrated (drinking plenty of water) and regular use of quality, hydrating products. SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator is one of our top recommendations at UFP Aesthetics and is often referred to as the “Gold Standard” of Hyaluronic Acid serums. This medical grade serum offers immediate hydration and also provides long term benefits by supporting the skin’s natural ability to retain moisture. Using this product regularly will dramatically assist in preparing the skin for the winter season as well as provide necessary support throughout.
Using a humidifier in your home can be a beneficial tool in combating dry skin as well as ensuring that you are using a cleanser and moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type. Scheduling a consultation with a qualified esthetician is always a great starting point in identifying a skin regimen that will support your specific needs and keep your skin hydrated and healthy year-round.
Aesthetic Treatments for Dry Skin
HydraFacial MD is a powerful yet gentle treatment that has become wildly popular among patients struggling with dry skin because of its ultra-hydrating, ultra-nourishing effects. HydraFacial was not only designed to deeply hydrate the skin with intense moisturizers and nourishing peptides, but also to cleanse the skin and clear pores of any congestion or “gunk”. This perfect combination allows hydration to penetrate deeper into the skin and is a fantastic treatment for anyone, especially those experiencing dry skin. At UFP Aesthetics, our skin experts recommend having regular HydraFacial’s every 1-3 months to keep your skin hydrated and prepared for the sometimes-harsh winter elements.
Superficial chemical peels (like the Pumpkin Peel by GlyMed Plus) are another aesthetic treatment that can assist in achieving and maintaining more hydrated skin. Superficial peels penetrate and exfoliate the uppermost layer of skin, clearing the surface of dead skin cells and allowing hydrating products to penetrate deeper into the skin. Lactic Acid peels are known to be light chemical peels that are especially hydrating and great for sensitive skin. Lactic Acid is derived from milk and is known to feed and nourish the skin, allowing it to retain moisture and hydration more easily. When considering a chemical peel to help with dry skin, key words to remember are “superficial” and “lactic acid”.
As we age and become accustomed to the often-intense changing of the seasons, it is important that we remain in the know of all the powerful resources that exist to help us maintain healthy and hydrated skin, no matter the time of year. At UFP Aesthetics, our team of master estheticians are experts in the ever-expanding field of skin aesthetics and are here to help you navigate every step of your skin journey. Skin care is a consistent action and requires maintenance in one form or another. Come talk with one of our experts to figure out the best path for you. To schedule a consultation book online at www.utahfacialplastis.com or call 801-776-2220.