Keeping a Flawless Face in the Dry Winter Months: Marshmallow Whip & our 7 Top Tips!

It's dry skin season!

Whether you're considering treating yourself to your first ever facial, or whether monthly facial treatments are part of your skincare routine, sometimes it can still be overwhelming to determine which treatment is best suited to your skin type and skin condition.  You may see signs of dry, dehydrated skin if your skin has rough patches, feels like sandpaper, is excessively sensitive or red, feels tight, or is showing more fine lines. You may also notice your makeup looks subpar on top of dry skin.

Let's Talk Humidity! - And Why It's Important

Humidity refers to how much moisture is in the air in our environment. Lack of moisture in the skin creates dehydrated skin. 

Picture this: it is the dead of winter in the frigid state of Massachusetts. A sharp cold breeze slaps you in the face, then you step foot indoors which is warmer, but the hot air is drying out your sinuses,  skin and lips. It truly feels like this time of year, we cannot get the environment to be suitable for our skins needs no matter where we are! The humidity levels are lower outside, and even worse inside ( think 18% humidity as opposed to the most suitable level for our skin which is between 40%-60%. Anything lower than 40% increases the risk of TEWL or Transepidermal Water Loss. TEWL occurs when humidity levels are so low that it causes moisture in the skin to evaporate more quickly, leading to dehydrated, chapped or cracked skin. Anything higher than 60%, and your risk of fungal infection, clogged pores and acne are greater.

Sebum Production - Everyone Needs Oil!

 During the cold months our skins sebum glands are also producing sebum (oil) at a slower rate due to less sunlight exposure and cold temperatures. Our skin’s barrier is made up of water and oil which protects us from the elements. With moisture (water) evaporating rapidly during these months, our barriers balance of oils is depleted as well. Lack of sebum (oil) in the skin creates dry skin.

So, what do we do? Here are our 7 Top Tips for restoring dry, dehydrated skin: 

1. GET THAT HUMIDIFER!

On top of being super helpful when we’re sick, humidifiers will give you greater control over the range of humidity in the environment. Some humidifiers even have an optimal humidity setting and strive to maintain a certain level of humidity. It is best to aim for a range of 40%-60%. Of course we cannot control mother nature, however maintaining better control over our indoor environment is arguably more important as the air is naturally less humid indoors because of heating. Using a humidifier will help prevent TEWL and therefore help to keep your skins oils well balanced. 

2. SKIP THE STEAMING HOT SHOWER

I know, I know, what feels better than  a shower temperature that feels like it could boil an egg? It may feel good in the moment, but hot steamy showers can really strip the skin of oil and moisture. Instead, opt for a warm shower and make sure to apply your moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp as this will lock in moisture and prevent rapid evaporation of water from the skin. 

3. USE HUMECTANTS IN YOUR SKINCARE! 

Humectants are ingredients in skincare that bind to water molecules and pull moisture from either the air or from the deeper layers of the skin, and deliver to the upper layers. This is why we must drink water to hydrate the lower levels of skin, as well as keep our indoor environment sufficiently humid in order for humectants to work.  Some examples of humectants are hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and Sodium PCA. Make sure to pair humectant ingredients with an occlusive product like a moisturizer to lock them in. 

4. USE A SKIN OIL!

Ok, so I know those of you who suffer from acne or hyperoily skin may cringe at this suggestion, but hear me out! Oil is essential to balance your skin’s barrier and will help prevent the evaporation of moisture. It is true that certain oils are not recommended in skincare including comodogenic (clogging) oils such as coconut oil or olive oil. Instead, opt for non- comodogenic oils such as jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, or rosehip oil. Jojoba is my favorite as it is closest to our skin’s natural sebum. It’s molecule size is smaller than those of comodogenic oils therefore it is less likely to cause clogging and breakouts. Giving your skin oil will mean that it will not overproduce its own oil, leading to acne. It may seem counterintuitive if you are oily, but stripping your skin of all oil = more breakouts. To apply skin oils, add them to dry patches on your skin prior to applying moisturizer OR add a drop or two of oil into your moisturizer and apply all over. 

5. SWITCH UP SKINCARE SEASONALLY

Keep in mind that the skincare that works well for you in the summertime will not work best in the dry months. Summer time is usually about oil control and therefore it is suggested to use less emollient products. Emollients soften the skin by filling in the cracks between skin cells. They create a physical barrier to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss) which means they lock in moisture. Instead of using your summertime products which are more focused on oil control, use emollients such as natural oils, and ceramides (fatty acids). Instead of using harsh cleansers that strip the skin of oils like you might in the summertime, try using a milk or oil based cleanser.

6. EXFOLIATE

Winter time is prime time to tackle heavy duty exfoliation. When you skip exfoliation, dead skin cells build up on the surface creating a barrier of dull dry skin. As we age, our skin cell regeneration slows down, creating a build up of dead skin. It is essential to help the process along by incorporating an exfoliation method into your skincare routine. There are many options including Mechanical exfoliation (think scrubs) or Chemical Exfoliation (using acids such as glycolic acid or lactic acid). While both types work well, Some scrubs have beads with rough edges that can cause microtears in the skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. If you choose a scrub, use one that contains rice powder which is gentle and smooth making it effective without tearing the skin. Some scrubs also contain jojoba beads, which is another good choice. Avoid scrubs that use contain walnut shells, salt, or apricot pits. In my humble esthie opinion however, Chemical exfoliation is king! Chemical exfoliants contain no physical particles or need for scrubbing. They work by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin together and promote new cell growth. Choose products that contain Lactic or Glycolic acid. These exfoliating ingredients can be in any type of skincare product such as a cleanser, toner, or even a moisturizer. Whatever you choose will work great, just make sure you only use an exfoliating product 2 or 3 times a week.

7. MARSHMALLOWHIP FACIAL

Make sure to get monthly facials! Jem Beauty Bar in Stoughton, MA offers a wonderfully hydrating facial called the Marshmallow Whip Hydrating Treatment. This facial offers deep hydration from the humectant ingredients such as Marshmallow root extract and Hyaluronic Acid. Marshmallow root extract is a natural humectant that attracts moisture to the skin even in low humidity environments. Hyaluronic acid holds water in the skin helping to smooth dry, flaky areas.  Marshmallow root is also rich in mucilage, a gel-like substance that helps sooth irritation that can sometimes accompany dry skin in the winter. This facial combines Marshmallow root and Aloe Vera to enhance this soothing effect to the skin. On top of both hydrating and soothing properties, this treatment also offers protection in the form of emollient ingredients (such as shea butter and cerimides) as well as Antioxidant Defense in the form of Vitamin E and plant extracts. Antioxidants prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin which are essential for maintaining smooth, firm skin.

As you can see, this treatment really covers all your bases in the winter time and would be a great addition to your skincare routine to prevent dully, flaky winter time skin. Got questions or looking to book your next facial to help revitalize dry winter skin? Give us a call or Contact Us right through our website! We are always happy to answer your questions and make specific product recommendations for you based on your skin type and goals. Best of luck in all your hydrating endeavors!