According the American Skin Association, dry skin—also called xerosis—is a very common skin condition that occurs at all ages. Involved skin appears dehydrated, peeled, irritated and inflamed. Xerosis often worsens in the winter, when several factors contribute to skin dryness: low temperature and low humidity associated to very hot and drying heating, cause a decreased amounts of water in the stratum corneum.
 
Dehydrated skin cells regenerate more slowly, which causes a build-up of dead skin, especially during the winter. This, in turn, inhibits light reflection, causing the skin to look dull and fine lines more pronounced.  The build-up also prevents moisturizer from properly absorbing. Skin loses hydration from low temperatures, cold winds, central heating and low humidity.  Dryness leads to a breakdown of the of the skin barriers, causing inflammation.
 
Here are some tips to keep skin healthy and happy all winter long:
 
Moisturize Immediately. After cleansing your face, apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer immediately. Make sure that your moisturizer contains humectants (hyaluronic acid or glycerin) and emollients (butters or oils), always check for pore clogging ingredients.  This formula will keep the skin protected when going between the cold outdoors and warm indoors.
 
Exfoliate. Use a gentle exfoliator to counteract the build-up of dry cells.  Harsh scrubs can further aggravate inflammation, so look for enzyme masks instead. 
 
Increase Internal Hydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.  Load up on foods and supplements containing Omega 3s, which increase hydration while promoting healthy cell activity.  Minimize your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which contribute to dehydration.
 
Increase External Hydration. Use a humidifier to replace the moisture lost from the air while sleeping.  Central heat can reduce humidity to 10 percent in the home.  Skin is best hydrated and healthy with humidity levels of 30 to 40 percent. 
Ditch the Hand Sanitizers. The high alcohol content in hand sanitizers will further dry our skin and nails.  Wash hands with moisturizing, soap free cleansers, and immediately apply a lotion that contains shea butter. 
 
The cold, dry weather causes havoc on our skin, making it harder for acne to heal and skin to look unhealthy. It’s imperative to take the proper steps to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
 
More info: www.crystalclearacneclinic.com

About the expert
Crystal Wellman is a licensed master aesthetician and former aesthetic Instructor for Virginia as well as instructing advanced skincare clinics in numerous states. She has attended countless advanced education seminars across the country and is passionate ab out keeping current with advances in the skin care industry. As an educator, Crystal strives to teach her clients how to properly care for their skin and get fabulous results. Specialties include advanced treatments that heal, correct and protect acne, aging and rosacea skin conditions. Crystal is a certified acne specialist.
Other certifications include oncology, dermaplane and microdermabrasion.