You need to know about skin care for dry climates if you live in the southwest and midwestern areas of the US. States like Arizona, Nevada, and Utah have very low humidity levels, thanks to their desert-like landscapes. Below, you’ll find the best tips on how to keep your skin dewy in the desert.
Dry climates bring a whole slew of skin care issues to deal with. “In dry climates, there are low levels of humidity, reduced precipitation, high evaporation rates and often wide temperature swings from morning to night,” says dermatologist Neil Sadick. These harsh environments can wreak havoc on your skin. The lower levels of humidity can lead to “transepidermal water loss, decreased sebum production and the chance for skin to become more vulnerable to infection, redness, inflammation and accelerated aging,” he says.
How can you combat these unfortunate side effects besides up and moving to a new environment? With Sadick’s advice, we’ve compiled six tips to get dewy skin when you live in a dry climate.
Invest in a Humidifier
When you live in a dry environment, you’re lacking the moisture in the air that humidity provides. Investing in a humidifier can help to alleviate that issue by pumping the moisture back into the air. The water vapor that is expelled will help your skin to retain more moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. With continued use, you’ll be able to soothe the dryness that comes with living in a drier climate. Plus, other benefits of a humidifier include alleviating sinus congestion, preventing nosebleeds, and even soothing allergy symptoms.
Use Gentle, Low pH Cleansers
Why switch to this type of cleanser? Gentle, low pH cleansers keep your skin balanced and hydrated. When you use higher pH cleansers, you’re susceptible to drying out your skin. This can leave it feeling rough, tight, and irritated.
The Etude House SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser is a gentle cleanser that won’t dry out your skin. It’s formulated with panthenol to hydrate while madecassoside soothes and repairs skin damage. It’s also free of fragrance, artificial color, and parabens that could irritate the skin. Plus, the low pH will keep your skin barrier in check and help it hold onto moisture. If your cleanser is leaving your skin feeling dry then it’s time to switch it up. Try using gentler cleansers that will hydrate instead of strip your skin.
Avoid Using Moisturizing Products With Only Humectant Ingredients
Humectants are ingredients that draw moisture from the air and infuse it back into your skin. These ingredients include hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, glycerin, honey, aloe vera and many more. They sound great, right? Unfortunately, when you live in a dry climate there is a lack of moisture in the air. This means there isn’t much moisture for the humectant to draw in. In fact, Sadick explains that even superstar ingredient hyaluronic acid “may not be as effective if there is no moisture to draw from the environment.” Relying on humectants alone can have the opposite effect and leave your skin drier than it was before.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid humectants entirely, though. Sadick suggests using humectants first and then “sealing it with an oil-based moisturizer.” For example, you can use The Plant Base WaterFall Moist Balanced Hyaluronic Acid 100, which is a 100% hyaluronic acid-based serum first. Then, apply an oil-based moisturizer like the Klairs Rich Moist Soothing Cream. This combination of products will prevent moisture loss and leave you with dewy, glowing skin.
Exfoliate Often
The lack of humidity in the air can leave your skin looking dull and dehydrated. It can also dry out your skin and increase the buildup of dead skin cells. When you skip exfoliating, these dead skin cells can end up clogging pores, leading to unnecessary blemishes. Instead, exfoliate one to two times a week to keep your skin looking smooth and luminous.
I love the Neogen Dermalogy Real Cica Pads for gentle exfoliation. These pads come soaked in centella asiatica to soothe and repair skin barrier function. They also provide a light exfoliation that won’t irritate your skin. Remember to avoid exfoliating more than necessary as this can have an adverse effect and damage your skin. A damaged moisture barrier can increase moisture loss, redness, and irritation. But, when you exfoliate correctly, your skin will thank you.
Mist, Mist, Mist
The best way to fight the afternoon dryness is to start misting, and misting a lot. Any time your skin is feeling tight or dry, it’s time to mist. Avoid water-based mists because like humectants can actually make your skin drier and increase moisture loss.
The Missha Time Revolution First Treatment Essence Mist is a great option. I love this mist because it’s formulated with a blend of fermented yeast extracts. These provide the skin with vitamins, amino acids, and minerals to refresh and rejuvenate it. This mist contains humectants but they’re balanced out by the addition of oils that help to seal in moisture and prevent evaporation.
Sheet Mask Often
There is nothing that plumps the skin with hydration more than a sheet mask. In less than 20 minutes, you’ll have glowing skin that is infused with moisture. If you want intense hydration, then you have to try the Neogen White Truffle Hydramax Knit Mask. This mask is soaked in 60 milligrams of concentrated essence that is packed with white truffle, avocado oil, and propolis. These ingredients are formulated to balance, brighten and protect the skin for a hydrated and healthy glow. Plus, this mask also features a piece to place on your neck so it can stay hydrated as well!
Bottom Line
Dealing with a dry climate can be an uphill battle. But, if you hydrate your skin effectively there’s no reason why you can’t maintain a dewy glow.
+What are your tips for skin care for dry climates? Let us know in the comments below!
