During the cold, dry Winter months, the cause of your dehydrated skin might seem like a no-brainer. Simply switching out your moisturizer, or adding a hydrating serum to your daily routine should provide a quick fix. But sometimes a quick fix isn’t enough. The problem isn’t just the weather – it’s your habits. Here are 4 unexpected sources of dry, dehydrated skin you should consider, and how you can fix them:
- A change in diet. Festive cocktails can be a big part of the holiday season – and can also be the source of the dry skin on our face. Alcohol is a diuretic – overdo it, and it could mean robbing your body of electrolytes, minerals, and moisture. The result is dull, dehydrated, easily irritated skin. Try cutting down on consumption, and upping your water intake to counteract the negative skin effects.
- Stress Levels. Whether you’re worrying about recipes, travel plans, or finding the perfect gift for that relative who’s hard to shop for (here’s a tip: great skin is on everyone’s list), sometimes there’s just no getting around the stress of the holidays. No matter the source, stress produces a havoc-wreaking hormone called cortisol. It not only causes collagen and elastin to break down, but also triggers dehydration – both causing and emphasizing fine lines and wrinkles. De-stress by setting aside a few minutes every day to do something you find to be calming. When you need a little extra help, reach for a facial serum that fights signs of premature aging to help skin feel firmer, and appear more taut.
- Sleep disruptions. Fewer daylight hours, the end of Daylight Saving Time, and a hectic holiday schedule can throw your sleep pattern out of whack, but it’s important to get it back on track as soon as possible. Your body uses the hours spent sleeping to repair itself after a day encountering UV rays (even during cold and cloudy days), harsh winter weather, pollution, and more. Without enough sleep, your skin can’t completely restore itself. Do your best to get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. When the occasional sleepless night comes your way, grab an anti-aging night cream to take on some of the legwork. It works while you sleep so you wake up to skin that looks replenished and energized.
- Sitting by the fire. It’s a cozy winter activity, but sitting too close to a fire, or sitting around a fire for too long, can mean dry, flaky skin on your face and The heat not only dehydrates skin, but can also open it up to increased sensitivity. Take a step back from the fireplace, and apply a body cream that’s free of any artificial fragrance or dyes – they only increase your chances of irritation. A shea-based creme is the best lotion for dry skin on your body.
Still have more questions about your dry, dehydrated skin? Ask me in the comments below!
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