Photo by Jenny Risher; hair and makeup: Stacy Beneke/Mark Edward Inc.; stylist: Mali Baer
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Looking Great
Moisture Miracles
Leslie Baumann, M.D., November & December 2008
Beat back the dry-skin scourge
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Winter's cold, brisk air may be great for an energy boost, but it can totally sabotage efforts to get your skin in dazzling condition for the holiday season and beyond. As temperatures plummet, so does the humidity, and the dry air that follows literally sucks the moisture from your skin. The fallout can be maddening: tight, dull, rough skin that can get red and itchy and, in extreme cases, crack or even bleed—signs of a more serious problem, such as eczema, that may require a doctor’s attention. But there’s plenty you can do, and choosing the right moisturizing products, and using them in the right way, is the critical first step.
Cleansers and Soaps
Avoid foaming body washes and cleansers, bubble baths, and harsh bar soaps, as many contain detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, which will strip your skin of natural oils. Instead, try soaps made of olive oil or other natural ingredients; gentle milk cleansers and body washes; or cleansers with “oil” in their names—best for very dry skin. But don’t forget the old classic: cold creams, like Pond’s, are terrific for removing dirt and makeup from superdry skin. And for moderately dry skin, opt for cleansers such as those made by Aveeno, Dove, and CeraVe.
Facial Creams and Lotions
Bonus Tip
Cover up when you go outside, and swap some of your winter wools for soft, skin-friendly fabrics such as cotton, silk, or cashmere.
Look for products with glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, and stearic acid—all are rich moisturizing agents that go the extra mile to maintain a healthy top skin layer or repair a damaged one. Such hydrating powerhouses can be found in products like Kinerase Ultra Rich Night Repair and Dove Pro-Age moisturizers. Remember to apply these while your skin is still damp—after you wash your face or you shower.
Body Lotions
Use a bath oil when you bathe or shower, and resist the urge to linger in hot water—another way to quickly strip out natural oils. Then seal in the moisture with superrich products such as Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Lotion and moisturizing creams by Cetaphil and CeraVe. For extradry hands—a common winter problem that can lead to cracking—use Vaseline petroleum jelly at night, then cover your hands with cotton socks or gloves. And make sure you use rubber gloves when you do the dishes.
Leslie Baumann, M.D., is a dermatologist at the University of Miami School of Medicine.
Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any new skin-care regimen.
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