Do you live in an arid or desert climate and is it drying out your skin? If you’ve ever wondered what happens to our skin when there’s a lack of moisture in the atmosphere, we’re here to explain. Whether you live in such an environment or notice skin changes when you travel, there are good reasons for your skin to rejuvenate. We’ll also look at the best products and ingredients to use when your skin is adjusting to a dry climate.
What a dry climate does to your skin
Dry skin occurs when the skin does not retain enough moisture. Some people have genetically dry skin, but it gets worse when they travel, move to certain areas or when the seasons change. “Skin tends to be drier in the winter when temperatures and humidity levels plummet.” explains the Mayo Clinic. “Season may not matter as much if you live in desert areas.” Others may have oilier skin but develop dry skin as a result of living in a desert climate or somewhere at high altitude.
As Eminence Organics Lead Skin Care Trainer Natalie Pergar explains, a high altitude would be anywhere that is 2,000 feet and up and where there is less moisture in the air. A city like Denver, Colorado, for example, presents a combination of factors that lead to the perfect recipe for dry skin. He sits down 5,280 feet above sea levelconsists of an alpine desert environment with dry air, high altitude and low humidity! So if you’re already prone to dry skin and you move to a dry place like this, you may experience worsening symptoms.
According to the Academy of DermatologySymptoms of dry skin include:
- Itching of the skin
- Exfoliation of skin with a rough texture
- Cracking and/or bleeding of the skin
- Skin that feels raw and painful (may sting or burn)
- Wrinkled with a rough, loose texture (from lack of moisture)
- Skin infections such as crusting, discoloration or swelling
- Exfoliation, skin exfoliation
To learn more about the signs and symptoms, here’s our guide to dry skin. If you live in a humid climate, we have a more suitable selection of products for you here. Read on to learn more about moisturizing products that can help combat the lack of moisture in the air and relieve these symptoms.
The best skin care products for dry skin
Dry skin is a result of transepidermal water loss, which occurs when water passively evaporates through the skin. To address the issue of water loss, Natalie recommends a face oil like Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil. Face oils are moisturizing skin care products that lock in hydration and moisture.
If you’re looking for something light during the warmer months, the Facial Repair Oil has a lighter texture and can be applied by adding two to three drops to the face and neck. Contains sage oil, olive oil, sage leaf extract and ylang ylang to revitalize and deeply hydrate the skin.
Using a soapy or foamy cleanser to clean your face is definitely not recommended for dry skin types. Try something hydrating like the Coconut Milk Cleanser — coconut milk and coconut oil soften and hydrate skin, while the inclusion of our BioComplex formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, Firm Skin Acai Cleanser contains protective ingredients, such as sea buckthorn, for the skin’s moisture barrier, as well as a cocktail of moisturizing ingredients, such as acai berry juice, botanical hyaluronic acid and blueberry juice.
Next, consider applying a luxuriously rich mask. The Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque is designed to be highly hydrating and improves the appearance of elasticity and firmness. The mask’s formula contains reishi mushroom and birch water to improve hydration, paracress extract to help skin look firm and firm, and caffeine to revitalize skin’s appearance.
The Yellow Sweet Clover Anti-Redness Mask is another must-have product to soothe and hydrate the look of dry, irritated skin. Packed with soothing ingredients like sweet clover and stone, it reduces redness, while jojoba oil delivers a serious hydration boost. Ideal for those with dry or damaged skin, this Biodynamic® formula leaves your skin feeling fresh, smooth and radiant.
If dry skin is a result of the climate, it’s possible that your body, not just your face, has symptoms of dry skin. Apricot Body Oil is blended with a range of essential oils including jojoba and grape seed, making it ideal for massaging your entire body. Dispense an appropriate amount of body oil into your palms to massage into skin — you can also add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer. For a full body treatment, add one to two capsules of Apricot Body Oil to your bath.
Finally, the Pineapple Nourishing Pro Enzyme Exfoliant is an exclusively professional treatment that offers excellent results for dry, damaged skin. You can enjoy this product by visiting an esthetician at your nearest Eminence Organics Spa partner. Enriched with the natural exfoliating power of pineapple enzymes, this peel gently removes dead skin cells while replenishing hydration, leaving skin soft, smooth and revitalized. Its nourishing formula supports the skin’s barrier, making it the ideal spa treatment for clients looking to restore moisture and achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Watch this In The Mix video for an in-depth discussion on choosing the best skin care products for dry climates. .
3 Tips to protect your skin in a dry area
Now that you’ve created a list of dry skin care products, it’s time to consider some other small changes you can make:
Check your household products
If you’re already dealing with dry skin due to the climate, don’t make it worse by coming into contact with detergents or dishwashing liquid. Too often our household products and even our shampoos contain harsh chemicals that cause dermatitis or peeling, red and itchy skin. You can read more about the ingredients to avoid in this blog post. You may find that wearing gloves helps your skin in the long run.
Use a humidifier
In winter, centrally heated indoor environments can wreak havoc on parched skin. A humidifier removes water vapor and adds moisture back into the air. Continuous use prevents transepidermal water loss and dry skin. Some people also use humidifiers to relieve seasonal allergies and sinus congestion.
Stop taking long, hot showers
While a hot bath or shower can be amazing when you have itchy or dry skin, it can dry you out by stripping important oils from your skin. When possible, use warm or lukewarm water instead, and when you get out of the shower, moisturize from head to toe to stop moisture escaping the skin.
Ready to update your dry skin care routine? Visit an Eminence Organics Spa partner to learn more about dry skin products.
